Philippines: The Joy of Opening a Bedkit

We had a unique experience during the afternoon of April 3^rd when we distributed another 300 bedkits in the village of Arayat near the dormant volcano of the same name.

After the distribution, there were three children who were waiting to be taken home to the next village and were sitting near us in the open air gym. One had opened his bedkit, so we took the opportunity to share his excitement as he delved into his newly received treasure.

From Philippines 2011

Could there possibly have been a time when he received three pairs of brand new shorts and five new t-shirts along with 52 other items at the same time? We learned from the supervisor of the local volunteers that he had recently lost his father, so the timing of our distribution was perfect. His friends joined him in exploring the contents of their bedkits as well. For us this was a new experience during a distribution because the children normally depart with a parent with their bedkit intact.

As we watched them dig deeper into each of their ‘own’ bedkits, their smiles broadened as they realized that all the items belonged to them.

We shared their joy and anticipation as they checked out all of the items in the bedkits. Their reaction was a validation of everything that SCAW works towards and is the best evidence that the $35 donation in is a worthy investment in the children's lives.

Faith Clark
for Team Philippines 2011

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