In this episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, host Lucia sits down with Margeaux Valdez, Religion Teacher and Mentor at Tangara School for Girls, to reflect on the powerful lessons from a recent service project in Cebu, Philippines.

Mags shares how travelling with 14 Year 11 girls to help local schools and communities opened their eyes to the deeper meaning of joy, gratitude, and service. From teaching hygiene lessons in mountain schools to painting murals and visiting orphanages, the trip offered moments of reflection and transformation — both for the students and their teacher.

Together, Lucia and Mags explore how authentic joy comes from relationships, community, and faith rather than material possessions, and how parents can help their children develop a generous heart and a spirit of gratitude in everyday life.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Power of Service in Education: How hands-on service projects help students grow in empathy, perspective, and gratitude.

2. Lessons in Joy and Gratitude: Discovering joy among people who have little, and learning how gratitude transforms our mindset.

3. Faith as the Source of True Happiness: Reflections on how faith and trust in God provide strength and joy, even in hardship.

4. Rethinking Success and Possessions: Why comfort and material comfort don't necessarily lead to happiness — and how parents can model detachment and simplicity.

5. Building Gratitude at Home: Practical ways to cultivate daily gratitude and resilience in children, through conversations, reflection, and simple habits.

6. Teaching the Value of Work and Sacrifice: Encouraging children to appreciate effort and responsibility, and to understand that blessings are meant to be shared.

7. The Gift of Being Present: How disconnecting from screens during the trip reminded students of the beauty of human connection.

Join the Conversation

We'd love to hear from you! How do you help your children develop gratitude and empathy?

What small acts of service have made a difference in your family life?

Do you think your children understand where true happiness comes from?

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