Bukal ng Kapayapaan

Last November, I posted the Give a Gift Challenge to encourage everyone to spread the love around them.

We got some awesome responses from our fellow daily warriors in this blogosphere. Do check them out here:

An Exchange of Hearts by Renedith
A Lunch with a Gift by PuppyDoc
Interview: Corey Hudson by Natalie

Personally, I set a “Give a Gift” event with some alumni students from my university and their friends. It was overwhelming to have so much support from my batchmates. Even our college adviser went along with us.

With all the negativity around us, it’s always heartwarming to know there are people who still have compassion for those who are not given much attention in society.

We went to Bukal ng Kapayapaan (Home for the Abandoned Special Children). Bukal means “Source” or “Fountain” while Kapayapaan means “Peace”. 

We were able to catch 3 members of the “Missionaries of Charity Brothers” while we were there: Brother Vincent, Brother Benedict, and Brother Gabriel.

 I am in awe of how much love and concern these missionaries have for the kids under their care. Along with some caregivers and social workers, they are taking care of around 30 kids ages 7-25 years old in the home. Some kids are bedridden and they have a set schedule for the caregivers to follow daily. Other kids are responsive enough to attend a school for special children. Some of the kids are turned in by parents who are homeless and have no idea how to care for them.

I liked that they had a list of things that the children needed posted on the wall. In this way, donations given will surely be put to good use. The list included canned goods, noodles, medicines, diapers, toiletries, towels, clothes, and other necessities.

We had an informal program that included a prayer, opening remarks, presentations from the volunteers, and some games for the kids. I also gave a short message about how important and valuable children are.

Psalm 127:3

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”

 

The situation of the kids seem heartbreaking, but they looked so cheerful. One of them touched my hair and kept smiling at me. He pointed at his own hair. “You like my hair?” I asked him, and he nodded. He looked so happy. Another kid kept looking at me and my friends, giving a thumbs up. He would do this every few minutes.

It was certainly an experience that I will never forget. I will definitely cherish the innocent, joyful smiles of those kids as if they have no problems at all in the world.

We also gave the responsive kids some time to create hearts from clay (with the help of some volunteers). Here are their finished outputs:

And of course, I’m really thankful to everyone who participated, donated, and attended our “Give a Gift” event.

We’re not allowed to post pictures of the kids where their faces are seen clearly (a view from the back and sides are okay), but here’s a short video.

 

My friends said that they wanted to visit the home every year, which made me ecstatic! I’m so happy, and I can’t wait for the next Daily Warriors Community project. It’s actually a great idea to bond with old friends in a different, more fulfilling way.

Acts 20:35

“There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” 

 

If you feel like contacting or visiting the home, here are the details:

Address: 132/A Indang Road Trese Martires
Cavite City

Contact Person: Br. Benedict/Br. Vincent
Phone No: 09951245376
Landline: (046) 419-1710

Email Address:
fekrs100@gmail.com
mcbrothers@yahoo.com

 

 

P.S. Anyone can do the Give a Gift Challenge at any time, the rules are simple.