Towards One Full Life

I was blessed to experience first hand what the passage “let my heart be broken by the things that breaks the heart of God, “means. This precious opportunity came to me as I was allowed to participate with World Vision’s Global Child Count. This is the time where World Vision’s staffs were given the chance to spend time with  children, and families in communities, assisted and sponsored by World Vision. Truly, my heart had been broken in so many ways during those interactions with our colleagues, parents, and most specially, the children, who are the main reasons of it all. It was always about new faces, new friends, new experiences, new realizations and new learning attained.  Despite physical pressures due to geographical distance and accessibility restraints that somehow makes it a little bit harder to reach project locations, it was glorious to see the hopeful faces behind data and pictures that I labored with everyday with my tasks as part of the Donor Care Team.    

Because of bad economic situation as well as the things that are lacking in their lives, despair and hopelessness are evident with the families, which troubled me so. It wrenched my heart to see innocent faces suffering due to poverty and maladies that comes along with it. However, I found solace in my observation that kids can be happy in spite of it all. I think it would take a lot of courage and faith for one to see the goodness of life. My heart burst with feelings of belongingness and embraced with warmth from each of them each time I visit. I love to watch them silently and delight in their simplicity. There was that raw happiness of strong bond and camaraderie; the pureness of their delights and pleasure as they trade anecdotes and stories after work, life to them is simple. This realization opened my eyes and totally changed my views on the concept of poverty. These people are happy despite the lack of material comforts; which made me think that we are creating our own desires and “defining our own poverty” It is that desire for material resources that “creates poverty”. I was reminded with a personal battle on a “not so long ago” that made me think more of this situation as “simplicity” rather than poverty.

                                           

During interviews, low morale of the kids was apparent. I have heard stories before about children who aim only to become a “housemaid”, or to become a fisherman, etc. During the time I spent in the community areas, I heard the same accounts myself. I came to realize that children have these kinds of thoughts because they do not consider themselves equipped and capable of dreaming higher dreams, as if there is a certain feeling of inadequacy. I saw the need for each kid to be encouraged, to let them know the enormous possibility that awaits them so long as each would strive to work on realizing their dreams. They have to know and believe how promising the future is for them. It made me wonder how frequent children hear appreciation and encouragement for their efforts from their parents and family, how often their parents and elders appreciate or acknowledge a good piece of art that they draw, a clear singing voice that they have, or a high grade they got for an examination. I pondered on how often they were told how important and special they are in the eyes of God. As I reflected on all these, it saddens and frustrates me at the same time. We are doing well but we still need to do better. There are still lots of things to be done. Sometimes, the harsh realities of the world challenge my faith and strength. On the other hand, I felt proud and happy for the children, for their achievements and development as they grow with World Vision. I was able to hear those shy but eager voices, struggling to express themselves in broken “Tagalog” words, sometimes with just shy nods and smiles in response to my probing questions. Those chances of listening and “just being there” as they share their lives with me in our conversations were such treasured moments for me. I was able to feel their pain for circumstances that has been difficult for them through these interactions. 

Each individual has been given different gifts and talents. I believe that it is also our duty to help the children discover their talents and gifts. Not every one of them is gifted intellectually, but maybe their strength lies on sports, arts, or other areas of interest. I have seen the need for the children and parents to learn and practice the value of “helping each other”. All facet of efforts need to be coordinated in one goal. Each must understand the value and function of the others for a harmonious way of building relationship and working together for the fulfillment of goals, and all these for the glory of God. Our efforts to give hope and transform the lives of the children must start by addressing first the personality development needs of the children. They need to believe in themselves; they need to be encouraged and be inspired to discover their talents and gifts; they need to have the confidence in trying to be the best that they can be; and clinging to their faith in God as it naturally become their practice to find joy in seeking Him always. All these things need to be settled first before they learn to appreciate and realize the value of the services and efforts that we are doing for them. These thoughts kept on bugging me as I silently sat in a corner and watch the kids play while the parents attend to their daily tasks.

I can say that this had been the highlights of my days with the communities, the chance to let each child know that there is hope; that they need to have faith in God; to believe in their own selves; and to have faith that everything would be possible to happen. I make it a point to really talk, with each child; I know I have to reach out for each of them to feel the sincerity of my intentions and that overwhelming love I was feeling at the time for each of them. It was a long shot to my ardent desire that even in my small way at that moment, they might feel and see that they matter. I wish for them to desire and dream for a wonderful future, because the future holds mush promise for each of them. I simply want them to believe that they can do great things in the future that they can try to strive to make life their lives better. I tried to tell and inculcate in their young minds that they must not stop dreaming and aiming for bigger things in life.

Finally, having the chance for fellowship with my co-workers and project partners had made me feel that sense of unity and belongingness as we talk about our experiences in our respective roles in our efforts and endeavors. Nothing is more rewarding than to be with the people that I deeply care about. The very rare opportunity for me to cry with them, to give a word of encouragement and a comforting embrace to these sponsored children as they pour out their pains and losses is a most treasured experience. The chance for me to applause and feel triumphant with their good news and achievements, to thank the Lord for the playful moments spent with them is priceless. Those fruitful feed backing and sharing of stories with the project staff and volunteer workers had been enlightening. The long travels to the project areas and experiencing firsthand the hardship of the people in traveling had been an eye opener for me. All these had been nourishment to my spirit that strengthens my commitment in what I do.

Note: This in an account of my most treasured experiences I held so dear; specifically, events that happened during the time I spent working with WVDF ( four years, until I my resignation January2008). These memories serves as an inspiration and challenge at the same time. Inspiration to cling on to have the courage to hope with faith, and a challenge not to get tired and not to hesitate to extend a hand in anyway possible to anybody who would need it. Life is beautiful indeed, it all its glory and difficulties.

Sometime in June, 2006

©leofinajanegalleta