Volunteering At A Mother Teresa Home For Sick Children In Davao, Philippines
The Mother Teresa Home
You may be aware that Mother Teresa had a home for old people to die in comfortably and with dignity in Calcutta, India, as well as a home for sick and malnourished children. What you may not know is that these homes are all over the world – in 133 countries to be exact.
When I decided to go to Davao, I was told about an orphanage that someone was going to volunteer at. She’d give me more details in the future. In the end, it was a Mother Teresa home for sick and malnourished children and I volunteered there too.
I don’t know anything about making sick kids healthy or making malnourished kids nourished. But I know that the kid:adult rate is always unfavorable in these places and the kids are starved for attention. So I went to lend my attention, heart, and warm skin to the kids and babies there.
My first day was the hardest, I think. I saw so many beautiful children who were either so sick or so alone in this world. I met a bedridden baby who I thought was, at most, two-years-old. Then the caretaker told me he was eight and my whole world got turned upside down.
After the first day I stopped seeing the kids as sick or as patients and more as wonderful little human beings.
Holding RJ
I held the babies and took them on walks. I never understood why they liked looking at or touching certain objects or even a bare wall, but I was always happy to oblige – though my first day I took Jenna Mae on a walk and she rewarded me by pooping on my arm. She had a diaper on, but somehow some poo particles leaked onto my arm.
I wrote my mom a text message immediately telling her that she shouldn’t expect any grandkids after this drastic incident, but she just laughed it off. I did too. Not a big deal, but it was the first time I’d ever been pooped on by a human. This albino peacock pooped on my head in Mexico on my first day of The Happy Nomad Tour!
The older kids were a bit more difficult, but generally just wanted my attention and the slightest bit of effort on my part to play with them made them very happy.
With A Nun
All the kids loved my hair. The eight-year-old boy mentioned above loved it the most. On the first day he noticed my hair bounced and moved. So he sat in his crib and moved his head back and forth as it if he was saying no with some authority. But I realized he wanted me to move my head back and forth so my hair would move.
He laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. His whole body got involved with the laughter. It was wonderful.
And every day thereafter, as soon as I came in he would start shaking his head back and forth. I tried to get it on video, but every time I pulled out my camera they’d become fixated on the camera instead of behaving normally 🙂
The kids also liked playing with my watch. They’d hit the button to light up the face of the watch, and just generally touch the buttons. You can see Jenna Mae playing with my watch below.
I didn’t take many pictures or video because you aren’t supposed to there. But I took a few to remember the place and the wonderful children.
As you may have noticed, I kind of fell for Jenna Mae. She’s four though she’s essentially a baby. Sometimes she’s playful, constantly
Jenna Mae Eating Lunch
smiling, and a joy to be around. Other times she’d put her hand by her ear and swat at any attempt to get close to her.
I never figured out her moods, but maybe that’s an allegory for life and my quest to understand women in general 🙂
One other cool thing happened. A Filipino friend of mine living in Norway sent me some money so I could donate it to the home on her behalf. The nuns were very grateful for the donation.
In the end, a great experience full of learning that I can’t put into words and a sharing of love that can only be felt.
Now that’s a happiness plunge – for sure. I admire your efforts to find ways to help and spread happiness at each destination.
They loved your hair? Well, it does look soft. Hey! Charge folks to touch your hair and send that money to charity.
Ha, thanks! No, anyone can touch it for free provided they ask first 🙂
Hey Adam! I’m in Davao right now, looking for places to volunteer. I can’t seem to find this place online. Do they have a website? If not, how do I get in touch with them?
Cheers 🙂
They don’t have a website. It’s very close to SM Mall. If you get off a Jeepney at SM Mall, you cross the street, go maybe 100-200m and turn right down a side street and it’s there. If you get to SM Mall and cross the street, just ask locals and you’ll eventually get there. Good luck!
Hi! I want to volunteer here but I don’t know how to get there. Davao has two SM Malls. Can you please tell me which one is it? Thank you.
Hi Claudenne!
It’s the SM City Mall, not the SM in Lanang. Hope that helps!
Hi Adam,
I was very inspired reading your posting about your experience. I am interested in learning more about the Mother Teresa Home and possibly volunteering for a week. Who do I contact ahead of time to set things up?
Thanks, Susan
Happy to hear you are eager to help them out. I don’t have any phone number for them. It’s in this neighborhood near SM Mall. https://goo.gl/maps/nuEaa In my case I just showed up, answered a few questions from the nuns, and was able to volunteer. Good luck!
Too many times, I wonder what I am supposed to do with my life and still find myself lost until now. I love what you are doing. I wish I could do the same.
Thanks. Keep wondering and pondering. The answers will come! Good luck!
HI. Id like to volunteer at this orphanage, can i? I live in davao for 2 yrs now and im a college student. Id like to do it every weekend.please inform me on how i can reach out. Thanks
Hi there,
I just showed up and knocked on the door. The nuns talk to you before you’re allowed to interact with the kids.
It’s in the southern part of the city. If you take a jeepny to NCCC mall, then it’s in the neighborhood across the street from the mall. If you ask people there, they can tell you how to get there.
Good luck!
is it alright if I volunteer alone? Is it free?
i really want to be part of their volunteers,, how can i be part? please tell me what to do. thanks.
I like to visit this place when I am in Davao next week. Please advised the address and contact number .
Hi Adam,
I really want to donate something for the children. I want to donate towels, blankets, diapers, etc that the children needs. I want to send a box. Who should I send it to
Thanks.
Wendeline Masong
We would love to contribute some donations like in basis of children needs. Reply
Hi adam, can i get the number to contact this orphanage, i just need a record of someone been there,
Hi,
The address is in Juna Subdivision. The contact number is 296-0577.