Our first visit to the Mandaue Landfill
Our first visit to the landfill changed our lives. If we hadn’t taken the weekend to visit a place few foreigners dare to go, we would have never met these amazing, strong individuals and learned about their community and their lifestyle. The children stole our hearts and they loved all the lootbags we distributed. We spent time with them playing card games, teaching them how to use a camera or just talking to them about their daily life. They never get visitors. They make a few pesos off the paper, plastic and bottles. This is their life. And while it may not seem like much, they manage to smile and be positive. They complain about nothing. So while we don’t make false promises we can’t deliver, we go back to visit with care packages as a small gesture of our love and appreciation for them and hope one day we can do more. They inspire us to be appreciate everything we have and we need them in our lives. We only hope that we make a difference in theirs.
Our first trip to the Landfill it was suggested to bring something for the kids. So I made we made lootbags.
Lootbags
A jeepney full of eager crew ready to visit the landfill
Michelle blowing up a balloon for a little girl
Michelle attracts more children - balloons for ALL!
The viewing facing the entrance of the landfill
Two boys sit in a shelter from the sun and rain
The boys check out their goodies
Kyle plays a game of cards with the big boys
This is how we become part of the family
Standard work day
Two men sort garbage to earn a few dollars
There is always something to smile about
Brother and sister
The balloon kids
Steve captures footage of burning garbage and hard workers
Dahlia and a few of the children all break to talk to us and pose for the camera
Just being kids
This is how you reuse: play a board game with bottle caps
The children love to have their photos taken
Mailyne and some of the babies
Michelle and a few of the babies