This is the end... Of the experience, but not the impact of it!

January 31st

Shortly after 0600 we left Antipolo and were on our way to go see the Taal Volcano. Dean Divinagracia wanted us to see this famous site of the Philippines before we left the country. We got to go to an establishment which had a large patio that overlooks the volcano and lake. The scenery here in the Philippines is definitely beautiful, a perfect compliment to the beauty of the inhabitants and their culture.

We returned to Manila for lunch and a quick tour of the UERM hospital and campus. Then we were taken to our accommodations, where we had stayed previously when in Manila. A quick goodbye to Dean Divinagracia and Tita Elvie, and just like that, it was over… Now it was time for the task of packing, as the plane taking us back towards home was scheduled to leave the next morning.

It is like a dream. So much has happened in these past few weeks. I think none of us will be able to fully comprehend what impact it will have on us as individuals, and as nurses, until we reflect on some of the experiences, look at photographs, and read in our journals. Many a time during our travels and experiences I would shake my head and think “Wow!” My (and I am sure for the others as well) outlook on the world will never quite be the same. This is not a bad thing. Living and working here cannot be compared to looking at pictures on the web or in a book. The sights, smells, sounds, physical sensations, and temperature have informed our minds in the way that only living an experience can.

We offer our sincerest thanks to Dean Butler and Dr. Fowler-Kerry as well as all other persons involved at the University of Saskatchewan for the opportunities provided for us. We thank our hosts and friends in each of the three institutions we were at; the University of the Philippines, Manila, St. Paul’s University, Iloilo, and the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM), Quezon City (Metro Manila), for their most gracious and abundant hospitality and their commitment in ensuring we had the best possible experiences to fulfill our learning goals and course objectives. This experience in the Philippines has surpassed all expectations.

I head back to Canada on February 2nd. I hope that my student counterparts that will continue travelling in South Korea and some in Japan continue to have a safe and educational trip.

Troy T. Moore