An Unforgettable Experience in the Philippines

Our recent Nutritour in the Philippines was nothing short of incredible. The warm welcome we received at the Mactan International Airport set the tone for the entire trip. Despite the long wait in the heat, the local community greeted us with unmatched hospitality, embodying the true spirit of the Filipino people. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family, with special care and attention given to our children, ensuring they were comfortable and well-fed.

Day 1: Arrival and Warm Welcome

On July 11th, we arrived in Cebu and checked into our hotel. After some rest, we explored the IT Park and enjoyed a delightful dinner. The excitement for the days ahead was palpable.

Day 2: Spiritual and Service Activities

The next day began with a visit to the Cebu Temple, where we participated in baptisms. It was a spiritually enriching experience, meeting old friends and making new ones. Later, we traveled to Liloan for lunch and checked into a beach resort. Our day ended with a community service project in Catarman, where we helped install a toilet and finish walls. Seeing the local brothers take the lead in the work was truly heartwarming.

Day 3: Screening and Distribution

On July 13th, we conducted screening and distribution activities in Danao, Compostela, and the Liloan Stake Center. The Family MUAC Training was particularly impactful, as we engaged with families and shared vital health information.

Mother checking in her children for malnutrtion screening.

Above: Volunteer measuring child's height.

Below: Volunteer measuring child's arm circumference.

Day 4: A Day of Worship and Visits

Sunday was a day of worship and ministering home visits. We attended sacrament meeting and had a light lunch with friends. The ministering home visits in the afternoon allowed us to connect deeply with the local families.

Days 5-8: Exploring Southern Cebu and Bohol

Our journey continued to Oslob, where we stayed overnight and experienced whale shark watching. We then traveled to Bohol, exploring the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and the Loboc River Cruise. These adventures added a touch of exploration to our service-oriented trip.

Testimonials: A Heartfelt Thank You

We are immensely grateful to Christie for her leadership and dedication. Her efforts ensured our trip was smooth and meaningful. One volunteer shared, "First of all, I want to thank BCF for an amazing experience and to Christie for choosing and trusting me to help and make it possible."

Another testimonial highlighted the impact of our visitors: "I have been blessed by their dedication and generosity to help the children here in the Philippines. Their visit allowed me to see their big heart, especially when they started the screening and rescreening, doing the service project, and visiting families. I have seen the happy faces that they have helped, and they are really a blessing to everyone."

Glimpses from Our Guatemala Trip

From July 17th to 23rd, a separate group embarked on a similar mission in Guatemala. Led by Gloria, this group engaged in activities that mirrored those in the Philippines, focusing on community service and health screenings. The spirit of service and community was equally strong, and the local coordinators and volunteers inspired us with their dedication and love for their communities.

Conclusion

Our Nutritours to the Philippines and Guatemala have left an indelible mark on our hearts. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and connect with such wonderful people. The experiences and memories we've created will stay with us forever. Thank you to everyone who made these trips possible and unforgettable.

Stay tuned for more stories and photos from our journey! 

Here is a video highlighting all the great experiences from the Philippines trip:

Join us this January in the Philippines or customize your own trip!