Blog

Club Balai Isabel was our destination this morning.  We will be staying at this resort for the next two days.  Club Balai Isabel is located right next to the volcano Taal (pronounced Ta – Al), which is the most active volcano in the Philippines.   

The day began as we all boarded the “coaster” (all 21 of us!) with our luggage in tow.  For the two-hour trip the children watched Spider Man 2.  I was situated next to three children all who wanted to “interview” me during the first part of our drive in order to practice their English skills.  They are all so dedicated to learning how to speak English, as I am to learn some Tagalog.  The children are so eager to teach all of us words as we ask.  The interview consisted of them asking me questions like: “What is your favorite color, favorite animal, favorite sport etc.”  Finally they tired of my answers and focused their attention to the movie.  The trip was beautiful and included not only rustic and local sites, but beautiful foliage (palm tress, nurseries, flowers etc.) and green-covered mountains.

Once we arrived at the resort, we separated into two groups and each of the two groups had their own villas.  Our villa was the designated “activity” place.  The ambassadors had brought a suitcase chock-full of donated games, stickers, books, puzzles, balloons, water toys, etc. that everyone dug through the instant they found out what was in there.  Some of the boys instantly gravitated to the puzzles and were expert at the 3-D ones that depicted famous buildings.  The girls like all the hair ties, stickers, nail polishes and other “girly things”.    

The social workers had planned “pool games” for us later in the day.  The games included relay races, diving games, and other activities intended to wear us ambassadors fully out for the day!  Some were learning how to swim and did pretty good with the back float.  Two of the boys are fearless in the water even though they really do not know how to swim yet.  One boys was expert in the relay races and did a few back flips into the pool as well.

Right now we are enjoying a fiesta-like dinner including tilapia, barbeque pork and chicken, local vegetables, shrimp paste, green mango salad and rice (of course!).  The entertainment just joined us and is getting the audience (i.e. LSS Ambassador program as no one else is here) involved in all the song and dance. 

In closing, I’d like to say it has been another thrilling and wonderful day with the children.  We continue to learn more and more about them including their wonderful gifts and talents they each bring to the world.  Every single child here is unique and special in their own way and I am blessed to have met them and continue to get to know them.

Signa Meyers