To-day we distributed 660 bed-kits to Bustos and Caloocan, two towns in the rural areas outside of Manila. We passed rice fields, saw lazy buffalo grazing in the field, marveled at the volcanoes towering in the distance, and the rolling hills running to meet them. The vegetation is brown and crispy because there has been no rain for two months. People scurried around in the streets of the towns, dodging the jeepneys and motorized tricycles that jostled for position while their drivers scanned hopefully for the next client. And on the roadside we saw rice drying on the sides of the road while workers rolled the grain so the sun would bake them to perfection. Yes, vehicles drove over the grain and we laughed thinking about the amazing rice cakes we had been eating at the distribution sites.
No matter where we end up though, the faces of the children turn in delighted expectation for the gift they would receive.
Some are quiet, shy, and hesitant to engage with us, but we were told not to be fooled by this, they long to be touched. Some children took a little longer to uncover the smile, but worth every moment of patient connection. Their gratitude was unmistakable when the bedkit was received.
Each child was gently nudged forward. They took our hand, drew it to their forehead and said " Thank-you po." It felt like a blessing that touched us deeply. The small faces turned up to us bore a twinkle of anticipation, they smiled shyly then trotted off with their bedkit to meet with their parent who waited patiently outside the gates of the school.
And I watched them go, knowing that for many this would be the greatest gift in their lives. We all hoped it would change things for each of them. They had certainly changed all of us.
Donna Chantler
for Team Philippines 2011Post your comments here.
