VFV Photo Contest

Guess what, Mom! I have some extremely exciting news!! Volunteer for the Visayans held a photo contest for previous volunteers, where the winner of the contest would get to return to volunteer in the Philippines for 4 weeks for free! And...I WON. I won, Mom!!! I'm going back to the Philippines!! This is seriously a dream come true, and I don't think I've even processed yet what this really means. I know I told myself I'd return, but I had no idea that it would be this soon. Never in a million years did I think I'd be back this soon. I like to think you had something to do with this. I know you know how much the Philippines means to me. Thank you for bringing me this opportunity. I feel like the luckiest girl in the entire world. I literally ran around screaming and jumping when I found out I was the winner. I can't wait to be back there and see my beautiful girls at Regional Haven, all of the local girls, my homestay family, and everyone at VFV. I can't even begin to imagine what it will be like without Melissa and Ligaya, but I know I will still have an incredible time. The Philippines is probably the most sentimentally important place in the world for me. It was my everything when I felt like I had nothing last year. It was there that I found family when I needed it most. It was there that I learned to always find something to smile about when there were a million reasons to frown. It was there that I found the strength to survive the curve balls life throws your way. I honestly don't think I would be where I am today in terms of dealing with losing you if I hadn't gone to the Philippines last summer. I don't think I would be the person I am today either. My time there will always be looked back upon as one of the most pivotal and defining periods in my life. I am in complete and utter shock that I am so blessed and so fortunate to have the opportunity to return. My heart is so full of joy.

Here is the picture I won the contest with. What a cutie, right?