Volunteering with Caritas Beyond Borders

Jan 03, 2025

Shalom! I feel truly blessed to have participated in the Caritas Beyond Borders mission. My motivation was to accompany the Caritas MJD team and experience the lives of the children at Rumah Kanak-Kanak Bondulu, as well as the realities faced by their families in Kampung Nandal and Kampung Lotong.

Despite their material challenges, I was deeply moved by the sense of peace, togetherness, and generosity in these communities. Though they live with limited resources, the families share what little they have, showing sincere hospitality.

Spending time with the children at Rumah Kanak-Kanak Bondulu was the most touching part of the mission. Their love and affection were heartfelt, and I felt privileged to temporarily fill the gap left by their absent parents. Our presence brought them joy and comfort.

The farewell was emotional, with the children's tears and reluctance to part ways breaking our hearts. It was a painful goodbye, but one that reinforced the deep bonds formed.

I am immensely grateful to Caritas MJD for this opportunity. This experience has opened my heart, reminding me of the true essence of love and compassion. Nisah (Angelelisa Sintir)

I had the honour of organising the children’s games at Rumah Kanak Kanak Bondulu in Toboh, Tambunan. This mission was a dream come true, fulfilling my long-standing desire to serve those in need. Since my first service trip to Vietnam, where I worked at an orphanage, I’ve felt called to help others. Through prayer, I realised my purpose is to serve, as taught in Matthew 25:35-36, where serving others is serving God.

One of the most memorable moments was the warm welcome from the children, who greeted us with a song that touched my heart. Spending five days with them taught me valuable lessons about love, sharing, gratitude, and joy. Despite their challenges, they radiate warmth and kindness, showing me that love and joy define them, not their hardships.

I am deeply grateful for this mission and for being part of a supportive and inspiring Caritas MJD team. This experience allowed me to fulfil a dream rooted in service and faith, and I thank Caritas MJD for making it possible. Alexander Wong

Shalom! I had the privilege of serving as the games and photography coordinator for the programme. This journey was a profound experience, allowing me to connect deeply with the children and families at Rumah Kanak Kanak Bondulu.

I first learned about the struggles faced by families in Tambunan — poverty, poor housing, and limited access to education — through social media. This mission gave me the chance to understand their circumstances firsthand and offer compassion.

At Rumah Kanak Kanak Bondulu, I was amazed by the children’s resilience, joy, and gratitude. Despite their challenges, they radiated hope, and their energy was contagious. We played games, shared motivational chants, and formed a connection that left a lasting impact. Before we left, they even asked when we would return, which touched me deeply.

A powerful moment occurred during a visit to a remote family’s home, where we brought provisions and prayed together. One woman thanked us with tears in her eyes, reminding me of Matthew 25:36, “I was sick, and you visited me.” This moment embodied the grace of serving others with love.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of Proverbs 11:25, “The generous soul will be made rich.” Serving in Tambunan has enriched my spirit, and I am deeply grateful to Caritas MJD for this opportunity to witness God’s love in action. --Michelle Kiong

Greetings! Recently, I had the privilege of volunteering with Caritas Beyond Borders in Tambunan, Sabah, and it was a deeply rewarding experience. Our mission took us to Bondulu Children’s Home, where we were guided by faith and filled with love and purpose.

On our first day, Sr. Germaine and Sr. Anna welcomed us with warmth, setting the tone for a meaningful stay. We organized games, educational sessions, and completed practical tasks like repairing fans and pipes. The children’s enthusiasm made activities like biscuit bites, candy grabs, and cup tower building a joy for everyone. We also introduced creative lessons on coloring, handwriting, and Malaysia’s cultural attire, with the children eagerly embracing Tamil and Chinese language lessons.

Our journey also included a visit to the Mahua Waterfall, where we distributed supplies to families in the mountainous region and offered prayers. That evening, we watched Zootopia with the children and had thoughtful discussions about its lessons.

On our last day, we enjoyed a farewell feast of bak kut teh, with the children expressing their gratitude through ukulele performances, songs, and dances. After Mass, we said emotional goodbyes as the children headed to school.

This experience taught us love, humility, and the beauty of humanity. We are grateful to all who supported this cause, and we hope the impact of Caritas Beyond Borders continues to spread kindness and light. --Maria Vincent

This was my first time participating in the mission trip, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. The experience was filled with love, both shared and received, and has added a meaningful chapter to my life.

Before the trip, we had two training sessions, but the reality of being in an unfamiliar place taught me that plans are only guides. Flexibility and faith allowed us to adapt and find grace in unexpected moments. The journey was not just about tasks but about teamwork, support, and perseverance.

In Tambunan, we were greeted by the loving children of Rumah Kanak Kanak Bondulu. Despite my concerns about language barriers, I quickly realised that love transcends language. With Michelle and Alex’s guidance, we bonded with the children through laughter, games, and simple joys.

Over the next few days, we engaged in activities like watching movies, doing crafts, and playing games. The children’s happiness was contagious, and Anthony worked tirelessly to improve their living conditions.

A highlight was our family visit. After a challenging drive, we arrived in Kampung Nandal and Kampung Lotong, where the families’ warmth and hospitality touched me deeply. Their simple acts of love were mutual blessings.

On our final evening, we shared a meal of bak kut teh and enjoyed cultural performances, including the children’s ukulele performance and dances. Despite being introverted, I found joy in contributing with my painting and design skills to create a poster and postcards for the children.

This mission was a journey of growth, love, and new experiences. The memories from Tambunan will always hold a special place in my heart. Christina Wong