Sometimes, saying yes to new experiences opens the door to unforgettable moments-and that’s exactly what happened this weekend.
My husband is a member of a Brotherhood organization that carries out many meaningful activities to help the community. He has always invited me to join their events, but I was often busy and, honestly, too shy to socialize with people in the Brotherhood.
Last Saturday, however, I finally decided to join one of their activities-a tree planting. It was my very first time doing a tree planting, so I was curious and excited. I mostly only joined outreaches events way back not like this and I’m glad I gave it a try.
Let me share with you what we did that day.
We woke up early at around 6:30 a.m. to get ready, since it’s better to do the tree planting before the heat of the day. On our way to the city, the streets were still quiet because it was early.
We first stopped at a gasoline station to fill up our motorcycle, and then at a rice store to buy rice. My husband said that each Brotherhood member is required to bring rice, even in small portions, for every meeting or event. This way, there is always something to cook for the group meal afterward.
Then as we continued our ride, I noticed many people jogging along the way. The air was still cool and refreshing, and the atmosphere felt so good. I thought it must be great jogging here cause I usually jog near the city capitol grounds, I didn’t realize there is also this area popular for jogging. I might try jogging here someday since it isn’t too far from the city.
The view along the road kept getting better, and after about a 15-minute drive, we finally arrived at the event site. It was an old rest house, not very well maintained, but the view outside was breathtaking.
As soon as we arrived, other members of the Brotherhood warmly welcomed us. Inside the rest house, I was relieved to see that other wives and girlfriends were also invited, so I wasn’t the only one. I took a seat while my son happily played on the swing.
Meanwhile, preparations began for the tree planting.
But since it was still early, some members also started cooking breakfast. My husband also set up a tent for our son, who had been requesting it.
After that while waiting for the meal, I asked my husband to take some photos of him and our child with the beautiful view.
When breakfast was ready, we all shared the meal together.
After eating, we immediately began the tree planting since the sun was getting hotter. The trees we planted were mostly fruit-bearing varieties.
We first took a group photo holding the seedlings, then proceeded with the planting.
My son also joined and enjoyed the activity very much, especially with the help of my husband and some Brotherhood members.
I took plenty of photos throughout the process.
After about an hour, we decided to stop since the heat was already unbearable. We took another group picture after finishing, just as another member arrived late and was about to start his own planting.
We went back inside the rest house, I captured another photo of my husband with the scenic backdrop.
While others prepared for our lunch.
Soon after, lunch was served, and we all shared the meal together.
The afternoon passed pleasantly. My husband spent time bonding with his brothers and sisters in the Brotherhood, my son continued playing, I also chatted a little with a wife of a member of the brotherhood-I guess we're friends already,then after,I took a nap inside the tent. At first, I thought of going home first after my nap since I had a class to attend later, but.
But when I woke up the surroundings had turned gloomy, and it looked like rain was about to fall. The members offered me a snack and coffee, which was perfect for the weather.
I laid down on the swing after my coffee, and then the rain poured heavily, covering the mountains with fog. Because of the downpour, my plan to go home was canceled.
However after the rain stopped, I decided to just stay for the rest of the day instead of going home and attending my class since I only had two students scheduled anyway, and I felt this kind of experience doesn’t happen often-so I chose to enjoy the moment.
And then My husband and I went outside after the rain stopped and took a picture together with the relaxing view as the backdrop.
As evening approached, dinner preparations began.
While waiting, I noticed a dog staring at us as if asking for food. I couldn’t ignore it, so I looked for some leftover food and gave it to him.
Since it was already getting cold, me and my new friend-also a wife of a Brotherhood member, warmed ourselves with coffee while waiting for dinner.
After a while we then all shared a hearty dinner, followed by more bonding time and conversations, the Brotherhood adviser which is also the owner of the rest house told me that I am very welcome together with my family to always come back here If I want to spend my weekend to relax or anytime and said I'm also part of the Brotherhood cause I'm a wife and even my kid we are one as a family, I feel grateful for his generousity, finally after long time all of us decided to head home around 8:00 p.m.
We took one last group photo before leaving and went on our way.
That wrapped up my weekend experience. It was such a fun and fulfilling day, and I was truly happy that I finally joined. Not only did I help contribute to the environment, but I also made new friends and lasting memories with my family.
This experience reminded me that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zone not only helps the community but also allows us to grow, connect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Thanks for reading❤️
Note: Some photos were edited using Canva