“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

~ Anonymous

I’ve always wanted to organize an event for kids. I’m very lucky because this dream of mine came true last Saturday.

happy me with some of the G-Kids

My bestfriend Donnie and I, along with our friends (Joko, Kas, Mommy Lee, JP, Trick, Jap etc) went to Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Guadalupe Viejo to be with 60+ kids for snacks and games. We became big sisters and big brothers for the day and played the superlooooong game of Pass the Bag-Hat-Balloon and the very intense game of The Boat is Sinking with the Guadalupe Kids aka G-Kids.

The balloon is spot on. Life is indeed a blessing.

We also assisted them in creating thank-you notes for the people who extended their help through their time, effort and blessings. The kids used crayons, markers, glitters and popsicle sticks! The group who finished first made this:

Thanks to Ate Leejoy, Ate Em, Kuya Brian etc. =)

The winning group received books and school supplies. The kids who won in the 2 games also received the same prizes. After these activities, the kids feasted on pansit, lumpiang shanghai, macaroni soup and cookies/pastries. There was also overflowing orange juice sponsored by Tang. =p

All the kids received bags of toys, Tang and Koko Crunch after the snacks.

I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the success of the event because I was really scared that Donnie and I might not be able to pull it off, considering the one week preparation time and the heartbreaks we encountered from solicitation. I realized that it is true, a little help can really go a long way. And as long as one is focused in goodness, one cannot fail.

Little girl showing her new dress! Yaaay!

I am blessed to have met the kids of Guadalupe Viejo. Through the G-Kids, I remembered how it is to be happy with the simple things that I usually take for granted, like a cup of hot soup or a line of encouragement from a friend. I also sort of missed my days as a preschool teacher. I unleashed this longing in several moments in the outreach, for example…

ME: Mga bata, makinig tayong lahat kay Kuya Donnie. Ang hindi makinig, walang toys mamaya! Hehehe! Check????

KIDS: Check!!!

Hehehe. :p

My colleague Mommy Leejoy, her cousin Em with their group

I’m pretty sure that my friends also enjoyed their time with the G-Kids. I love that I have friends who have big hearts for this kind of endeavor. I’m overjoyed that all of them said they will be helping again in the next outreach. God willing, the next one will be set this December. I have a strong feeling God will not deny this birthday wish of mine. After all, birthday rin ni Jesus that time! :p

Another balloon that speaks of the truth. God is Love. Check na check!

Speaking of birthdays, what triggered the decision for the outreach in Guadalupe is Donnie’s birthday. That was his wish. To spend a day with the kids in the parish that’s very close to his heart. The last part of our afternoon with the kids was when we surprised Donnie with a cake. It had “30” to announce his real age and I had a “2” candle to also grant his wish of just being 20 years young. :))

Jap, me and Donnie. I love my college besties!

Today is Donnie’s birthday. I pray to God that he will have more years to spread love and generosity. I also pray to God to touch more hearts and inspire them to be as loving and as generous as my bestfriend and my other friends.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DONNIE MY BFF! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

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listening to: Chris Tomlin – Indescribable