Tambulilid, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines

Flying. Most everyone seems to appreciate that feeling of loftiness - no strings attached, no obligations to attend to: freedom.

Part of the reason I volunteered in the Philippines earlier this year was to lay things aside: a slow-growing business, deadlines, the internet, even friends and family. Of course, we always take some of this with us wherever we go, but now and then, a significant break is warranted. On this particular break, I wanted to fly - to get away, to hop on airplanes around the world, to redistribute my efforts into something physical and tangible.

The funny thing is, volunteering is hard work - laborious and exhausting, but so incredibly freeing. I recommend it.

Volunteering in a post-disaster area means difficult living conditions, sweat, a little blood, and probably a few tears, too. With All Hands Volunteers on the Island of Leyte in the Philippines, difficult living meant that 50-60 people from around the world shared two toilets; lived in tents, or in a hospital that we repaired, or a house that was mildly retrofitted for our needs. Showers of bamboo frames with tarps for privacy were complete with a bucket of cold water and a sunset view out the back over a rice paddy.

Difficult, but oh-so-rewarding.

This lucky shot captures the rewarding part of the work in the Philippines - the free flying part. Smiles from the locals, children eager for playtime, working along side the Filipino people, and the ever-growing list of completed projects always kept our group going. Sometimes these things only amounted to a few minutes each day, but their effect was monumental.

This photo captures the absolute joy of our rewarding work.

For more information about my work in the Philippines, please check out my blog: All Hands 4 Andrea.