Hope Love Gratitude | The Boys at San Damiano

gelfire (55)in #teammalaysia • 6 years ago

Last weekend was such a blessing to me personally. I joined a group of Steemians from #teammalaysia Sabah to participate in a charity drive for the Montfort boy's hostel at Kiulu, Sabah called San Damiano. You can read Here for my earlier post for more information regarding the purpose of the charity and an introduction of the Montfort hostel.

So we had an early start that morning and arrived on schedule at our meeting point at a petrol station along the way to Kiulu. We didn't have enough time for breakfast before our drive so @veenang decided to buy a quick breakfast from a local lady selling home-cooked noodles, pastries and finger food out of her mini car!

@veenang caught in action buying breakfast

Finally Here

We finally arrived at hostel at 9.30am and we were warmly greeted by ALL the boys and their warden, Mr Vincent. What a joy to see, their faces lit up and they came forward to hug and shake our hands. It was as if, we were meeting our long time "no-see" friends! I was humbled and touched by their actions and welcoming gestures.

the boys were excited and eagerly waiting to help unload the goods

"passing parcel" - passing on the 10kg bags of rice

As if that wasn't a warm enough welcome, after unloading all the stuff from the cars that were carrying all the donated goods, we gathered in the hall where the boys sang a welcoming song especially for us. I nearly cried! I was truly moved... Here's a short video of their welcoming song.

Steemians In Action

After the welcoming song by the boys, @veenang took the lead to give a brief introduction of what Steemit is all about and he also explained how we came to raise the funds for the charity. Later on, the lead the team to introduce themselves to the boys too.

@veenang in action

@veenang @chanelcalestus explaining to the boys some of our proposed activities for the day

Activities for the Day

~ played some team-building games
~ performances by @darryljonesjr @angeljames
~ performances by some of the San Damiano boys
~ celebrated April birthday babies with cake cutting
~ lunch
~ prize giving
~ chit chat and photograph session with the boys before bidding farewell

@darryljonesjr @angeljames exchanging and sharing stories of their music journey and experiences with the boys

@veenang @chanelcalestus @beverlyjoe presenting prizes to the winner of the day

the boys and @veenang

US and the BOYS - picture credit to @danieldaughty

Special Thanks

Before I end my post, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone behind and in the front scene, @veenang @chanelcalestus @beverlyjoe who took the bold initiative to spearhead this fundraising/charity drive. Not to forget @myach and #teammalaysia members and our Steemit Ambassador @danieldaughty for their support and advice throughout this journey.

I would also like to acknowledge all those who participated and those who also wanted to join but could not make it on the day of the event. Know that your love and care were passed on to the boys. God Bless your hearts. To those to made it there @viverridae @darryljonesjr @angeljames @veenang @beverlyjoe @chanelcalestus @danieldoughty @melindajamulis @arwine @lauratommy @celo769 @angeljames @darryljonesjr @diddy89 @borneoairbrush, kudos to you guys! We made it and we had fun!