What do arcade games, jungle zip lines, pizza parties, and a whole lot of happy kids have in common? They're all part of Kevin and Susan Kinzie's latest adventure with Rice Bowls!
This October, the Kinzies packed their bags and headed to the Philippines for 12 days with our Executive Director, Johnny, and a Rice Bowls Power Team. Their mission? Spend time with the kids and caregivers at our partner homes, lend a hand, build relationships, and experience a little bit of life on the other side of the world.
And let's just say, they came home with plenty of stories to tell.
Not Their First Rodeo!
Kevin and Susan are no strangers to Rice Bowls. They've been part of the Rice Bowls family for years, ever since they attended church with Johnny and decided to take their three boys on a Rice Bowls trip when they were young.
That first experience stuck. Two of their sons even returned the following year, and the family has continued supporting Rice Bowls ever since.
When Kevin retired last year, he and Susan decided it was time for a few more adventures. Southeast Asia had been on their travel wish list, and what better way to experience the Philippines than alongside some pretty incredible kids?
"The Rice Bowls trips give us a chance to see the local culture and meet real people in ways that you don't normally get to experience when traveling internationally," they shared.
The timing wasn't exactly ideal, but they decided to go anyway. And spoiler alert: they're really glad they did!
From Pizza Parties to Jungle Adventures
Their 12 days were packed with experiences you won't find on a typical vacation itinerary.
First up? Visiting a potential new Rice Bowls partner home and getting to know the kids and staff. Then came a trip to the mall in Manila, where a group of kids got to enjoy an afternoon of arcade games and pizza. (Because some things are universally fun!)
From there, the team headed to General Santos, where the days were filled with volleyball, crafts, church services, delicious Filipino food, and plenty of time just hanging out with the kids.
They were even treated to hip-hop worship and traditional tribal dancing!
And the adventures didn't stop there. Kevin and Susan spent a day exploring waterfalls, zip lining over the jungle, and trying local foods with two young adults who had grown up in one of the children's homes. Hearing their stories and seeing the people they've become was a highlight all its own.
For Kevin, picking a favorite moment was nearly impossible.
“Hanging out with the kids, getting to attend church with the locals, trying some really fantastic food, zip lining over the jungle, spending time with the Rice Bowls team. These were all super memorable things.”
Susan's favorite moment looked a little different. She had the opportunity to speak with the director of a home caring for children rescued from trafficking.
"So many times we just hear about the horrors of trafficking, but at this home, I was blessed to see how God is restoring the lives of these children."
Different moments, same incredible reminder: God is doing some pretty amazing things through the people caring for these kids.
Small Things. BIG Impact.
Between all the fun and adventures, Kevin and Susan got to see something even more meaningful: what happens when kids have the consistent meals and care they need to thrive.
At many of the homes they visited, food makes up a huge portion of the budget. That's where Rice Bowls comes in! By taking care of the food budget, we're helping caregivers focus on all the other important things that go into raising kids, like education, encouragement, and making sure each child knows they're loved.
“It’s amazing to witness firsthand the power of ‘being a small part of something big.”
And that's exactly what these trips are all about. Seeing how something as simple as a meal can open the door to a whole lot more.
The Kind of Trip That Stays With You
After years of traveling with Rice Bowls, Kevin and Susan say these experiences never get old. In fact, each trip gives them a fresh perspective on their own lives.
"It's always such a 'reset' of how we think about the kind of life we live and the things we have," they explained.
They've seen kids with very few material possessions who are overflowing with joy, and caregivers who pour so much love into the children they serve. It's the kind of thing that makes you think a little differently about what really matters.
And maybe that's the best part of a Rice Bowls trip. You go hoping to make a difference in someone else's life, and somewhere between the pizza parties, the conversations, and the everyday moments, you realize the experience is making a difference in yours, too.
We're so thankful for Kevin and Susan and the way they've continued to show up for kids around the world.
Want to see what all the excitement is about? Come experience a Rice Bowls trip for yourself! Meet some incredible kids, explore a new part of the world, and see firsthand what your generosity makes possible.
