Jenny is from Australia and she visited Hope for the Island a few years ago as part of a team that brought water purification units. She recently returned to visit and gave of herself in a new and exciting way for us!
Jenny is a lifeguard and it bothered her that many children living on the Siargao Island are not good swimmers. She came this year with kid’s manuals, practice foams for swimming and first aid guides that she wrote for the children to have swimming lessons.
She was only here a few short weeks, couldn’t speak the language and did not understand the culture. Swimming lessons were a great success! Brison was very keen to be her assistant.
Because the children here live right on the ocean, many play in the water and will even try to surf. However, as is often the case, weather can change quickly and there may be a storm surge that hits land. Along with that, many islanders can easily be caught out in the middle of the ocean on a small boat when typhoons or weather systems hit. Many are not comfortable with their swimming skills and will panic in these situations. This was a much needed lesson for us all, especially since we are surrounded by water!
Thank you to the body of believers in Australia who helped make this trip possible for Jenny and thank you to Jenny for all your patience and time.
