my life as a field worker (a thread)

i was a field worker for 8 yrs, i worked with the people from geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) communities, i have been to many places but i fell in love with tapaz (capiz) & libacao (aklan) ...

it was physically & mentally difficult & challenging but it was also fulfilling and humbling
i have met incredible people, tasted amazing dishes, experienced indigenous culture - the people their may not have much of material wealth but they are genuinely happy ...

the indigenous peoples (IPs) have the brightest smiles, the loudest laughs & the one of the most generous
with my experience, i have learned 3 important life lessons - resiliency, patience, & modesty
i have learned to appreciate petty things, i have learned to value what i have

i never regretted a single day as a field worker, some may look down on what i did but, coming from a poor family and having a mother who is a solo parent, i was happier and i smile more & talk more
as an introvert (INFJ), i learned to open up & connect with people

i enjoyed long bus, jeepney, & habal-habal rides
it was fun (though very tiring) walking for hours - the longest i trekked was 8 hours
i liked bathing in the brook or river
i liked eating on a banana leaf
i loved the solitude - no electricity, no cell signal, no tv, no radio

if given a chance to serve again as a field worker i would gladly do it
because of my experience i have seen and valued life from another perspective
whenever i hear "salamat or saeamat" my heart leaps of joy

(end of thread)