As I grew older, I became aware of the difficulties and challenges in life. I became aware of natural calamities such as earthquakes and typhoons and how easily they could end lives. I used to remember the World Trade Center tragedy in the United States, the Ondoy typhoon floodwaters in Manila and the kids in Smokey Mountain to name a few. I have learned to appreciate how my parents have sacrificed their own personal material wishes just to provide me and my siblings a better life.
I also became aware of foundations and outreaches, especially those provided my Philippine Red Cross and television shows such as Wish Ko Lang. During typhoons, I was touched at how people would organize relief goods and help distribute to those people who are affected. I was touched at how these people would just help others out of the purity of their heart.
During college, I also became aware of the activities in our community. There are basketball fund raising events, there are community watch groups at night but what caught my attention was the one person I see every Sunday. I watched Father Reyes hand out food packages to street children in our community every now and then. I felt a sense of happiness knowing that there is always someone willing to help the community. I promised myself that one day, I would help out as well, no matter how small part I play.
Last October, I decided to step up my courage and ask Father Reyes if I could help him out distribute the food packages on his next scheduled outreach in our community. He happily obliged and asked me to come back on the next scheduled release.
Last week, I handed out food packages to twenty seven street children. I could see the smile on the children’s faces when I handed it out to each of them. More importantly, it provided me a sense of happiness that I have never felt before. Being able to help someone, this wonderful feeling, was priceless and something that I would never forget the rest of my life.
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