A Different Christmas

Every Christmas, our parents gives us kids (yes kids :) ) cash to buy what we want. my brother immediately bought what he wanted. I, on the other hand, was kinda not in the mood to buy stuff for Christmas. i think, at this age, am already overdue for new stuff for Christmas---although i want to, who doesn't?  i just cant make time for shopping. I thought to myself what if i give something for charity---since it has been my desire to celebrate my birthday in a charitable initiative. And so i googled the nearest orphanage. then i got into my car and off i went to that orphanage. Mo. Spinelli. Augustinian Sisters | Servants of Jesus and Mary. the contact person said that they were just after the curve going to Sta. Rosa---i went until i noticed that am actually going uphill to People's Park. I asked for directions and yes, i got lost. i traced back my ride and there i got it---very narrow two-way street at if going nowhere.

I saw the arrow that says my destination. there were a handful of people lining there asking for some help and the nuns were actually giving them supplies for Christmas eve. then i went in and parked. "This place looks familiar.."

The receiving nun (the nun who received my stuff) asked me if i could have a seat first as she was giving away the supplies. and the obedient boy did so. the place really looked familiar. then the receiving nun and i spoke and handed her the "stuff." the nun said a big "Thank You!" ---that made my day. i love hearing words of gratitude whether to me or for others. saying grace shows what you're made of. Gratitude is a Great Attitude. The receiving nun told me to stroll around and check the place as people came in. and so i did. and here's what i found:

 the tank looked really familiar

it turned out that this place was the one we had our retreat

at back in college.

 the receiving area. very serene. very placid. very conducive.

i love tagaytay. the weather. the place.

 this place was "sawali" (coco lumber/palm materials) before.

we use to make "tambay" here while we're bored of the seminars during our retreat.

we had "Kapeng Barako" (native brewed coffee) here as the sun rose.

i remember we took pictures here going down.

the multi-purpose hall. the right side is for seminars. the left side is where the mezzanine is.

the upper left side serves as their chapel for the catholic mass.

the mezzanine. this is where we did our thesis from 11pm up to boredom.

*left side are some donated "stuff"

there's no way you won't utter a praise to God when you see this scene in real life.

and another.

 the Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary.

I wasn't able to interact with the kids since it's their nap time. the kids' age ranged from 1 month old to 11yrs old. it's a different feeling, being able to give something to someone. hoping that it somehow can make their life easier.-----which led me to Psalm 72 (of Solomon). This Psalm is actually a very selfish psalm that at first, you'll think that Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man who ever walked the earth, was actually asking for more----more influence, more prosperity, more blessings, more fame. until you read the 12th verse up until the 14th. He had valid and indispensable reasons why he's asking for more abundance, more fame, more prosperity. I personally pray for givers and people who have the heart to give to the needy. I pray that the Lord will fan into flame our heart's desire to give and to provide not just for the needy but also for the workers in the harvest field. "How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-15. if we're not gonna start now, when will we get started. let us be the change that we want to see in the world---start from within.

if you guys want to start sharing and caring:

you can start with them:

Augustinian Sisters: Servants of Jesus and Mary

Mo. Spinelli House of Prayer.

Cabangaan Road, Iruhin West. 4120

Tagaytay City.

Contact person: Sister Yolly - 09215538484; (046)4833945