Processing Pain & Community Care
A major part of my recent trip was listening—listening to the stories of what our friends in the Philippines have endured over the past year.
During my time in Bicol province, I stayed in Bula, Camarines Sur. Last year, we sent support there following severe flooding, and I wanted to witness firsthand how the community was doing. I was deeply moved by their children’s outreach, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday. The kids are disciplined, eager to learn and grateful for the simple nutrition they receive each time they come.
When Typhoon Kristine hit on October 22, 2024, the community wasn’t expecting disaster — there were no strong winds. But a week of heavy rain brought flooding and thick mud that lingered for up to 15 days in some villages. In Bula, around 150 residents sought refuge in the only house with a second floor until the waters receded.
In one village, when the water had slightly subsided, a sixth-grade boy and his older friend ventured into a rice field across from his home to play. Though he knew how to swim, he didn’t expect the current to be so strong. It swept him away before his friend could save him. Three days later, they found his body — his clothes had caught on a tree, preventing him from being carried into a lake or river. Sadly, he had already passed. His body was laid alongside other flood victims until they could be buried.
I also visited the rice fields ravaged by the flood. Some are slowly recovering. Others remain untouched, waiting for hands to begin the work again.
The openness of our friends in sharing their pain reminded me how vital it is to process grief in community. It also reaffirmed the value of consistent presence through teams on the ground, financial support, and personal visits. This is what sustainability looks like.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Your support not only helps us bring relief and empower through education, but also allows us to be consistently present in vulnerable communities.
Regular giving enables us to do this. If you’d like to make a monthly or regular gift, please click the link below or simply reply to this message. Every gift makes a meaningful impact.
I’ll be sharing more about my visit to our school and base in Manila in the coming weeks—stay tuned!
With heartfelt thanks,
Buena Tupe
Founder
People of Grace International
2025 Goals
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