Jocelyn O.: Taytay mission

Taytay, Palawan was visited by the SFCF medical mission team from February 1 to February 4, 2024. The SFCF and the local volunteers provided services to at least 1,200 people daily. Medical and non-medical volunteers worked together to care for our kababayans (Filipino countrymen) needing help and guidance. Among those who gave time and expertise to serve is Jocelyn O. Being a first time participant, we asked her to answer the following questions.

Can you give us a brief description about your background?

I have been a nurse since 1980 and immigrated to the United States in 1983. I have worked in a lot of hospitals including in Canada. I have five grown daughters and have been blessed with four grandchildren. I enjoy planting, hiking, watching Korean soap opera and reading inspirational quotes and poems by my favorite author, Mary Oliver.

What inspired you to join the medical mission?

I was given the opportunity by my friend and classmate, Louella. I have always wanted to serve and give back to our brothers and sisters in the Philippines. I have received a lot blessings in life and in this profession that I have. Because of these, I can serve and help them out.

How was your experience during and what has changed in you after the medical mission?

The medical mission in Taytay was my first one. I like the fact that we start with the daily mass before we begin the mission. I was amazed that volunteers were all there for one reason alone—to serve and give back. People were patiently waiting and were even there to line up as early as 5:30 in the morning. The kindness and compassion that were shown by volunteers to our poor brothers and sisters were beyond my expectations. Yes, I was there to serve! But, I gained much more from this experience! I learned to be grateful, to be contented with the present moment that God allows us to have. My less fortunate brothers and sisters allowed me to observe these during the entire time of the medical mission.

What do you look forward to in the future missions?

I look forward to serving alongside the many volunteers that I have known and met during the medical mission in Taytay. I look forward to meeting and serving our less fortunate brothers and sisters and to be humbled by such an experience. May God continue to bless me with good health so that I will be able to join many medical missions in the future.

I gained much more from this experience.

Jo O. is an ICU nurse. Her husband, Jun, a businessman, also joined the medical mission.