Situations of poverty can be totally overwhelming, especially to folks coming fresh from life in the West, only to land somewhere abruptly in its midst. Perhaps thankfully, few Canadians or Americans have any grid for such different experiences of what life can be like for many.

The good news is that once you begin to process the initial shock of experiencing poverty, there are many interesting initiatives taking place through micro-finance and other means that can be engaged. Here’s a neat little TED talk by Kiva co-founder Jessica Jackley (Jessica Jackley: Poverty, money — and love)

http://www.ted.com/talks/jessica_jackley_poverty_money_and_love.html

Another humbling awareness that developed in me over travel study experiences in the Caribbean, China, South Asia, South Africa and Mozambique was an increasing awareness of just how much the poor had to offer me despite the obvious material disparity. Personally, I have given very little to any of the situations I have visited, but found myself taking away a great deal (including some chicken gizzards in Africa that I could have possibly done without). After what seems like a heart-wrenching experience for you, I hope you find opportunities to be showered with similar gifts by the people of the Philippines. Filipinos are some of the most warmly affectionate, and all around hospitable people I’ve ever met.