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Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Extending a Helping Hand
By Marivic Cordero
WHEN I was young I used to help my mother in all the household chores. I learned many things like washing dishes and cleaning the house. Later on, I began to cook and wash my own clothes. I enjoyed doing all those and still do. I felt happy to help my Mother and sisters, to see them smile and satisfied with my work gave me pleasure.
As I grow older, helping others in need came naturally. My heart ached every time I see children and the elderly on the streets, begging for food. And worst when they sleep and live on those places. My heart cried out for them especially the children. I'm really fond of them. I remembered during younger years, I wanted to feel, think and act like them. There is that childlike instinct in me. I really enjoyed talking and playing with kids.
So when Ang Lingkod Ng Panginoon Community (ALNP-Iloilo Branch), Works of Mercy Ministry was organized I couldn't help myself but be a part of it. When an activity was set to visit an orphanage somewhere in Calumpang my heart rejoiced. That means one thing- kids, kids, and kids! I was so excited that I was one of the first to arrive along with a couple of my community members (bro & sis) in the assembly area. An hour of waiting seemed so long until we finally went to the place.
The Rendezvous
Balay Dalangpan, was one of the foreign funded orphanage here in Iloilo. It was administered by British Missionaries where seven children were housed and taken cared of. It was an exclusive orphanage for boys. The institution provided two foster parents who also served as teachers. They came in the morning and teach the kids just like in a normal school. The kids' rooms were filled with colorful drawings and outputs these kids have been doing. There's a list of achievers and outstanding profiles hanging on the wall, all in different colors. Along with it were fruits, which represent a corresponding virtue and value. At first, I find it hard to analyze what these colors mean. A sister joins me in analyzing those pictures, which was really fun. As with the kids, most of them were orphaned and strayed. And some got parents but because of too many children and financial problems to look they were neglected and seldom ate a decent meal. With Balay Dalangpan, these kids found home and place to sleep and people to care for them.
The Value of Giving
We as ALNP members, committed to bring glad tidings to these kids were blissful as we opened the car trunk taking the food and pasalubong out of it. The faces of these kids smiling have touched me so well. We prepared a short program and games that we all joined in. It was so full of fun and we all enjoyed. I could still remember one particular game, the "longest line". I found it hard to free my shoelace when one of the kids in my team helped me out. I stared at him in amazement as he undid it in panicked and urgency. We may have lost that game but he won my heart. I was so overjoyed. Just seeing the kids melts my heart. They are my weaknesses, so to say. After a short program, we dined together and we made them feel so special. I saw on their faces the longings for love and affection. We all couldn't help ourselves that we just hugged and kissed them. They were innocent and bubbly. Sister Karen and I were so mesmerized seeing them ate with gusto and we couldn't help ourselves but asked and served them food. In a short time we were together, we developed a bonding that we never thought existed. They were so sweet and beguiled, it seemed like we've known each other for so long (like an Ate).
Time passed quickly that a day was spent without us realizing it was getting late. We sang and gave them our final gift, a bunch of food for each one of them. We received genuine smiles and bountiful thank you in return. We departed with great satisfaction and fulfillment in our hearts. We have shared one meaningful and fruitful day with these children's lives. And knowing deep within that whatever simple and little deed we have done counts and makes a difference. Hope to see you again kids- we love you and we care! Thank you for the moments that we have had, the memories that we shared and a day worth remembering. God bless!
"Give yourselves to God...Surrender your whole being to him to be used for the righteous purposes. Romans 6:13.
The Works of Mercy (WOM) Ministry was made possible because of our desire to help others, especially the less fortunate. It is one of the Ministries organized by Ang Lingkod Ng Panginoon-Iloilo Branch. Bro. Warren Wuthrich was designated to head the ministry, which he took willingly. Presently, it has 20 committed members. We have started income generating projects like printing T-shirts, collecting old clothes, books and bags for rummage sale and the like. Proceeds will go to the ministry fund for future activities. The WOM Ministry had launched its first activity by visiting an orphanage, the Balay Dalangpan, located at Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City where recipient kids were housed and taken cared of. Bro. Warren was finalizing another activity soon. With the cooperation and commitment of every member and with the guidance of the Almighty God, this vocation could lead in the attainment of its mission and vision.
WOM Ministry is also looking forward for all who wish to give what they can to the less fortunate. We are currently raising funds for these kids thru a rummage sale. If you have something to share please text or call Bro. Warren at 0917-3718460 or bring it to ALNP Office @ Retro Café, Iznart St., Iloilo City (beside YMCA) look for Sis. Tamin.
About the writer: Marivic P. Cordero, a proud Ang Lingkod Ng Panginoon member for two years.
(September 5, 2006 issue)
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