I am compelled to write about something that is so close to my heart. Yes, I am obliged because personally I do not want my face to be known doing all of this work for the children. But just as the city on a hill cannot be hidden and a lamp is neither put in a bowl but instead on a stand, I pray that as I make known this work, this will bring praise and glory to God . After all, it was Him who put this desire in my heart. I pray that as I write about this, you will see His wounded face instead of mine. You will see His pain as He sees the children abandoned, poor, hungry, and homeless wandering aimlessly in the streets. I believe that my first tears for the children five years ago were because of that. I have seen His heart loving these poor children as He has loved me.
All I can do five years ago was to buy them some donuts, or slippers- simple things that can make them happy whenever I see them in the streets selling sampaguita. I knew then that I have limitations. The food and money that I give them will not make them go hungry again the next day. That was when I tho
ught of teaching them. I started talking to the kids, asking them if they want to come to our boarding house every Sunday afternoon to eat, play and listen to Bible stories. The kids were very excited. I can still remember them waiting eagerly for that day to come. With the help of my friends, I was able to buy supplies and food for around 20 kids every Sunday. But the Sunday lessons didn't last long.Unfortunately, I am not yet equipped to teach them week after week. I cannot do it alone and my neighbors were complaining because of the noise that the kids were making. After a month, I told them that I have to stop teaching them. I was sad but I knew that I already developed a relationship with them.
I became a friend to them and even to some of their parents. I learned about their stories, why they are out in the streets and working hard selling sampaguita or become barkers for jeepneys. One girl told me that their father is not working and just spends their money on his vices and they are six in the family. Another boy had his eye hit by another kid asked help from me for he cannot go to his family, afraid that his stepfather may strike him again. Some kids are out in the streets for they cannot find the love and acceptance in their own families. These kids are just some of them. I could go on and on.
Through the years, I was able to visit some of the kids' homes. I was able to talk to some of their parents, hearing directly the story of their family. I am glad to say that some of them are working hard but there are just too many mouths to be fed. The average number of kids of the families that I know of is 5 to 10 kids. Too many for two poverty stricken parents striving hard to feed them and give them a future. I cannot blame nor judge them for I do not know what they went through. I am just there trying to understand and listen to their side of the story. And as I stop and listen, occasionally being given a little of what they have like a papaya or some flowers, I learned that their stories are no different to mine.
We all have fears and hopes for the future for what is yet to come. Or perhaps their story became a part of my story or the other way around. I gave them a part of myself and they also gave me a part of themselves. Like a big jigsaw puzzle still yet to be completed, I believe my work with them is not yet done. And I need more pieces, imperfect willing pieces like me to be able to make a beautiful picture of happy kids.
This Christmas, I am organizing again a small Christmas party for the kids. I do not believe in dole-outs but for now this is all I can do. Seeing them happy for even just an afternoon is a glimpse of that picture I am trying to create. I hope as you read this blog, you may be willing to be a part of putting happy smiles to the kids. Happy Christmas!
Lynne Liwat is a graduate of B.S. Tourism in U.P. Diliman and has a dream of providing alternative education to the kids who cannot go to school. For now, she is doing what she can do to make the kids in Philcoa happy. If you want to be the "piece" she is looking for to complete that picture, you may wish to contact her through these numbers +639153401106 or +639215393021.
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TENS AND TWENTIES*
Sally: I've been looking for you, big brother. Will you please write a letter to Santa Claus for me?
Charlie Brown: Well, I don't have much time. I'm supposed to get down to the school auditorium to direct a Christmas play.
Sally: [hands a clipboard and pen to Charlie Brown] You write it and I'll tell you what I want to say.
Charlie Brown: [sticks pen in his mouth] Okay, shoot.
Sally: [dictating her letter to Santa Claus as Charlie Brown writes it for her] Dear Santa Claus, How have you been? Did you have a nice summer?
[Charlie Brown looks at her]
Sally: How is your wife? I have been extra good this year, so I have a long list of presents that I want.
Charlie Brown: Oh brother.
Sally: Please note the size and color of each item, and send as many as possible. If it seems too complicated, make it easy on yourself: just send money. How about tens and twenties?
Charlie Brown: TENS AND TWENTIES? Oh, even my baby sister!
Sally: All I want is what I... I have coming to me. All I want is my fair share.
-A Charlie Brown Christmas
