ACTS 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Dear Family and Friends,
I was fortunate enough to visit Saint Rita Orphanage in Sucat, Paranaque today. Sir Dennis, one of my colleagues at work, and I met with the sisters who ran the orphanage and I think it was really the Lord who led us to that place.
The orphanage used to be financed by Saint Rita College but the school fell on hard times and had to file for bankruptcy. Without any steady income, the orphanage is finding it hard to provide for the 30 abandoned children (ages 1 month to 4 years old) who are now in their custody. Sr.Gwen, one of the three nuns left to run the orphanage, told us that Sir Dennis' phone call to her this morning was Godsent. The orphanage relies mainly on donors and they were running low already on diapers. They are extremely happy that we're bringing 106 of our students there on August 7 to spread a little bit of cheer to these kids.
Sir Dennis and I also got to see the rooms where the children slept and ate. It was very clean and the kids were well-groomed. It was so obvious that they really took care of the children. But what made me really emotional was seeing the kids in the nursery room. There were around 15 of them. I entered the room with Sister Gwen and we went to each crib to greet the kids. They were all smiling at me and a lot of them smiled even more when I reached out to stroke their head. It was a very emotional moment for me because I kept thinking, "What if this was Ethan or Tabby?"
I've had so many life-changing moments in my life but this really affected me. It made me realize how lucky I am that I have parents and siblings who care for me. It made me realize that I don't need to buy a P28,000+ gadget when these kids only want the basics in life. It made me realize that God truly bless all those who have faith in Him.
I was telling all this to my mom and nephew, Ethan, on the way home from work. I'm really so blessed to have a compassionate family. Ethan and my mom decided to spend his birthday there at the orphanage and he said that he'll tell his friends to just buy gifts for the kids instead of buying gifts for him. My two sisters, who are doctors, immediately called me up when I texted them that I needed medicine to bring to an orphanage. Their first words to me were "When are you going? I want to make myself available." (Sorry Yum, di pa kita natatawagan. Financer ka nalang).
I am so excited to share this experience with my students this August 7. I hope that they will be able to see how lucky they are that they have a family to go home to everyday; that they go to a good school; that they don't have to worry where they will get their next meal.
If you are willing to be part of this experience, below are a list of things the orphanage needs for the kids:
MILK
Nido Fortified
Nido Fortified Jr.
Nestogen
Nestogen 2
Nestogen low lactose
VITAMINS
Ascorbic Acid (drops & syrup)
Tiki-Tiki (drops & syrup)
Polyvisol
Enervon
OTHER MEDICINES
Tempra
Drapolene Cream
Asmalin/Bronco
Bactroban Cream
Elica Cream
OTHER NEEDS
Diapers (L and XL)
Cologne
Alcohol
Cotton buds
Baby soap
Johnson Milk Lotion
Johnson Milk Bath
Johnson Top to Toe Wash
Laundry Soap (Powder and Bar)
Dishwashing Liquid
Rice
Biscuits
Juice
My family and I plan to visit the orphanage after my students and I go on the 7th. If you would like to come with us and/or contribute to our donations. Just text, message, or call me, my mom or sisters.
