Twas supposed to be start of rainy season but the weather was still sunny and hot.  Still a challenge for us since kids usually are hiding under shades around noon til late aftie. We had to carefully look around for hungry kids somewhere on center islands or in sidewalks.  As always, our first kids came from Greenhills, San Juan area. Those who are selling wiping cloths, cigarettes and Sampaguita garlands.

Red light. Cab driver helped us call their attention and they went to our direction scratching their heads.  As soon as they received the goodies, they sat under tall bushes and ate.  I have never outgrown that feeling…watching those hungry children eat voraciously.  Aren’t they suppose to be home and enjoying their childhood… playing? It’s not the case, however. At that young age, they already experience hard work to fill growling tummies. Not only their own, but their family members’, as well.

Allysa joined us that day. She’s only 12 years old but with a big heart for social work like this. She should be Facebooking or playing volleyball or whatever pre-teens should be doing on a summer vacation but, she chose to do this work with us. What’s amazing is the fact that we’re only acquainted for a very short time. That day was only the 3rd time we met, FYI. So, I really admire this young girl.

In fact, she wanted to help us cook and pack, only there had been mis-communication. She’d been waiting the entire morning for my call which never came until we were to pick her up for the distribution.

Thanks to her Mom, Shelly, for allowing her to participate in our monthly activity. Hopefully, Ally can still join us this month, which is a lil impossible since school year has just started.

We’ve missed Totsie, lately, in our operations since he’s been busy with OJT. *sigh* Maylene is also a loss in times like this. She’s a very reliable one when it comes to grating cheese and packing (and being my bodyguard hihi). But, like the saying goes, “when one door closes, another opens”. I must say that Carrie (real name Macaria) made the work lighter. I didn’t have to tell her what to do. So, the time I had to spend for cooking was reduced.  GOD has really been faithful in sending provisions. Lovely! There’s only one thing left unanswered — the van. But, in HIS time, I believe, it’ll come.

Blessings also come in words. Many people appreciate this work we do, though there are some who are unbelievers.  Both groups give me more drive to continue what am doing.

Lemme share this half funny half dismaying story about this old man sitting under Ortigas flyover in front of the Blessed Mary shrine in EDSA.

We eyed some children vending Sampaguita garlands at the switch of the RED light. Naturally, we called them and started handing them food and drink taking advantage while the traffic was at a halt. This old man came to us and started telling us in a commanding voice to give some food to an old, sick lady lying some distance behind from where we were positioned. And because we couldn’t maneuver back to where he was commanding us to go and knowing that soon the GREEN light will show, we didn’t take action. In stead, we asked a lil boy to give a pack of food and drink to that lady for us.  What this man did was yell at us and told us nasty words.  “What stingy people you are! That’s just food and you can’t even give the poor, old lady!” He had to reiterate this to us a few times. As he repeats the louder he shouted.

At times, I feel that effort isn’t appreciated. It seems that no matter what good you do, it’s still not enough. But, I don’t allow it to discourage me.  Seeing smiles on the faces of the children receiving my humble handout is reason for me to not quit. After all, I don’t do this for praises nor for appreciation. This I do because there’s a need.  Yes, this only comes once a month. But, just like what Pastor Ferdie (VCF Ortigas) shared once during a Church service, “what if this is the only meal they have for the day? …or maybe for the week?” Insignificant this may be, but, who knows how significant this is for those who receive.

These kids starve. As young as they are they already know how to be aggressive. Thinking that the ration won’t be enough for everyone …they had to box each other out and grab a pack of lunch as fast as they can.  And as Jamie and Bentz handed them food,  they kept begging.  Looking at them… observing what’s happening, I can’t help but ask myself, “why do they need to beg? We’re already distributing the goodies…” But, well, they’re hungry. And because they have to work hard to eat, something like this comes to them as a precious gift.  It’s way past lunch. They still hadn’t eaten.  I understand.

Twas getting harder and harder to find the children under the heat of the sun. We all decided to give out all that’s remaining to the people living under the Pandacan flyover. The cab was still parking and they were already flashing smiles at us. Greeted us with, “it’s been a long while…”

Please feel free to watch the video of last May 26th’s breadline. 

Not sure if that woman was joking. She came in a lil bit too late carrying this baby and asking if we want to take the baby with us. She had me carry the tiny lil one while we’re taking photos.  Of course, I didn’t take her words seriously, although, she reiterated the same words over and over.  

Well, it’s another experience. More learnings. Exciting, frustrating, exhausting, fulfilling…variety of emotions at a time.

Am excited for the next one this month. With GOD’s provision, I believe it’s gonna be another satisfying day. Delighted what I might learn this time. What responses will I get. What challenges await us all.

Deutpronomy 15:7. If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.

Luke 12:33. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
— Anne Frank