Some things are just nostalgic. This is my second time to visit the Home for the Sick and Malnourished Children in Pasil, Cebu City. The first one was when we had our outreach program organized some years back by the now defunct Earthlink Installation Services Department of then People Support, Philippines - Cebu, now Aegis People Support. The home is being manned by the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation founded by Bl. Mother Teresa. This home is one of the many homes the said congregation has established in Cebu City guided with its foundress' virtues of humility, chastity, poverty and obedience with its active apostolate for caring the sick, the poor, the oppressed, the hungry, and all those who are the "least of My brethren" (Matthew 25:31-46).
I tried to hold back the tears at the flash of emotions that got mixed up when I saw the children . They were dressed in their humble gala costumes as they performed the tableau of the Nativity. It was awe-inspiring to see the children in their theatrical act that brought everyone in the hall in an all-sort of feelings. The children greeted us (the MPA Batch 6 Masterands of Southwestern University) in a welcome song that was reflective of deep sense of excitement and joy. There was delight and pleasure in their looks. Their eyes glistened when they saw the packed meals, the toys, and all sort of goodies that were prepared for them. Yet, some displayed hesitation, shyness or perhaps fear at the sight of strangers visiting their little abode of hope, their humble shelter of care.
Who could blame them of such feeling of awkwardness? I understand them. There has to be that certain level of comfort that they need to keep up. Other than the fact that some of them are undernourished and are being cared for by the Sisters so they could cope up with their health, these kids have sometime in their lives felt that they were abandoned, uncared for, oppressed along with the economic crisis of their families and got lost in the trail. It settled in their hearts and minds that this shelter is a place where they experienced the love and care they truly deserve. Outreach visitations such as this are something to look forward to. This is one kind of event that they would consider special. Such would give them the "day" to experience the love from the people outside of this shelter, or outside of their comfort zones.
The strangers were led by Carla who coordinated the activity with the Sisters. Our Pag-IBIG classmates, Anne, Audy, and Desiree came with some of their officemates Sharon, Rhiza and May whom the kids were quite at ease with. Not just because they were pretty, but they surely have the charisma for kids. Sir Glen had the best company for the day, no less than his M.D.-wife, Ruby Correa who was all-supportive of this noble cause. We got all-out support (and strong arms to carry the load) from Francis, Vic Jay, Sir Enriquez, and Sir Joel (photographer 1), Sherlyn (photographer 2), Michelle (whom I was teasing about what she could recommend for the skin care of the kids), Marilou (who was a good team-up with Sharon during the feeding), Rose (who played literally with bubbles with the kids and who by the way is one of the best drivers in the world!) and myself (photographer 3). The NSO classmates Hera, Ritchie, Lyndon, Irish, Isabel and Margie came with their loot bags for the kids (As expected, the latter two were still silent than ever! How I wish it was easy to crack a joke on them!). Though the SWUGS MPA Batch 6 and our professors could not all be present (Asa gani si April?), their gifts and donations were all the more appreciated. Being with this people made all the experience worthwhile!
It struck me how the people in this home have worked so hard to keep it a dwelling place of love and an abode that will radiate Christ's love to many. There is that feeling that distinctly makes you smile from the heart. You'll find it amazing how one kid bites his Jollibee Chicken Joy, and savor its taste right to the bones. It was like as if it was his first time to eat such a treat or as if his mind is in question when the next delightful treat would be? Wouldn't it melt your heart how another kid would go near you and hug you, and make you feel how happy he was to see you despite your "being a stranger" to him? These and many more things to ponder about the thought of bringing joys to these children, if not everyday, at least when Christmas nears.
But the call for generosity and love does not end here and does not end in that home in Pasil. The challenge is beyond those doors.
I have this book of the Albanian Living Saint, In My Own Words where she was quoted:
"There is a terrible hunger for love. We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness. We must have the courage to recognize it. The poor you may have right in your own family. Find them. Love them."
CHRIST's Love moves in mysterious ways, we should yearn and act on radiating this love to others.
