Take a step

Sometimes you need to step outside, get some fresh air and remind yourself of who you are and who you want to be.

Now I've decided, I want to be a blessing.

A friend of mine decided to celebrate his birthday with the kids in an orphanage and I feel delighted that I became part of it.

25-Jun-2016, Saturday. It was already past 3 in the afternoon and they were already playing parlor games when I arrived. I was amazed seeing the children’s enthusiasm and willingness to participate and have fun. I was just observing when suddenly a little boy came up to me and gave a tight hug as if he’s known me for a long time. I don’t know his history, where his parents were or how long has he been in the orphanage since we were advised that we are not allowed to ask personal questions to the children or even take pictures. I hugged him back and asked for his name. He is Dandan, 4-years old. He’s so cute and his expressive eyes make him even more adorable.

After a while, another kid jumped from behind me and gave me a back hug. I turned around and tried to wrap my arms around him ‘til another little boy came close and hugged me. My heart melted that very moment. I felt that they all really wanted to be embraced, like they’re longing for love. I was holding 3 kids but I wish my hands were bigger and my arms were longer so I could hold them all together.

I also had a chance to talk to older kids. They’re all eager to answer questions and share their and experiences. A 10-year old girl, Angelica, even asked me if I can be her best friend. Of course I said yes and when I did, she embraced me as if she’s never letting go.

That moment, I realized how blessed I am. I knew my biological parents, I live with them, and they paid for my fees, sent me to school, clothed me and fed me. No matter how my relationship with them maybe, the thing is, I have a relationship with them. I know them and they know me and we are concerned about each other's welfare. I saw some kids fight and quarrel, much like we all do with our siblings at home. Then, I realized how much I love my siblings and how lucky I am to grow up with them.

Many times, I complain life is unfair, because some things don't go the way I want. I get pissed when I don't find a particular food to eat, or when I don't have a particular clothe to wear but when I met those kids, when I saw the innocence in their eyes, when I felt their longing for affection, the way I see life has changed. I was reminded of all the blessings that I have and that no matter how uncertain the future may seem there is hope.

It’s already time for the kids to eat and I was about to leave, a thousand thoughts played and fought for pre-eminence in my head, a thousand words wanted to burst out of my mouth in expression of my feelings, but yet, nothing came out. Yes! I was overwhelmed. Something makes me want to stay. I looked back and saw Dandan enjoying his food. I decided not to bid goodbye to him because I didn’t want to cry. I was about to step out of the dining hall when I bumped into Angelica. When she realized I was leaving, she asked me, almost in tears, “When are you coming back?” I was lost for words for I honestly didn’t know when I will be coming back or if I will ever come back. I replied, “Soon honey. I’ll see you soon.” I gave her a hug and walked away without looking back. That moment, I told myself that I will come back. I don’t know if she or Dandan will still be there when I come back but I will surely come back.

If you’re reading this, I urge you.  

• share your food
• donate something or anything to an orphanage
• pay a visit and just put smiles on the less privileged faces
• help send someone to school
• say a prayer for those who lack the little you have.
• reduce the size of your wardrobe and give those clothes to people who need them more.
• help or support an NGO or a project.
• volunteer, lend a hand.
• Inspire, Motivate.
• say a kind word
• smile at someone
• Just DO something, anything.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.”

- Proverbs 11:25-26