#Ulog Reflections | The Gift of Giving
It has been raining for the past 3 days with the Storm Domeng in the Philippines area of responsibility as reported by the weather bureau.
Things were not looking up as the core group of @giftinkindph were discussing the plans for next day.
It is hard to make a decision if the lives of 25 people are riding on it.
We have been preparing for this for the past 6 months and we were not ready to have a storm wash all those plans away but also wanted to make sure that the safety of the volunteers and the children were accounted for.
So 4am was the plan for the supplies to be loaded into two tractors that we rented out to bring the supplies as with our experience has the biggest chance of traversing the rough terrain to Banawen.
We have used 4x4 vehicles and even rode a carabao at one point to deliver supplies there.
It was raining hard the entire night and to our dismay the decision was for the supplies to go ahead and with only a few volunteers who with full disclosure of the dangers went with the tractors and if the path was passable, the rest would follow.
Because the riverbed was swollen with the rains it was already ruled out on using tahy route and the other choice was the mountain.
The drivers of the tractors were more confident there because they used it the other day.
So we loaded the tractors and as they made their way we would monitor their progress and hope for good news.
With nothing to do but wait most of the people slept or talked about the experience.
These are opportunities for us to talk about new things that happened to them as well as remember past outreaches we have been together.
We were making fun of one member there that was absent for the past 5 years because of a break up with one of members so it was kinda taboo for them to be in the same day together. It is always a challenge to know who would come.
An hour after they left we received the call that the mountain path was also impassable. There was a huge landslide and to risk it further was to risk the supplies, the equipment, food and medicine.
Yet most of all the the lives of those that were their so they decided to go back.
We knew everyone felt sadness an disappointment of not being able to Banawen this year as we were looking forward to the kids that we have bonded with and seen their progress.
It would mean that we would not be able to see their smiles as we played games and get to know them.
We would not be able to hear their dreams and hopes.
We would not be physically there and show our love for their community. Most of all they would not have notebooks to write on.
It was a sad time for @giftinkindph but we know that once the storm leaves the supplies will be delivered and the gifts and love given to each child.
They will know that next year we will be there again and again bringing the gift of giving.
God bless you a lot and all of the members of your community.You are doing such a great work.Helping the needy people is always a peaceful work, keep it up.Hope the sun will come out soon.
Indeed there is that peace and awesome feeling when you help people.
More grace sir and may God give you strength to continue to do what you are doing. Love is what this world really needs
This is so true and if we loved our fellow men more then the world will be a better place.
Couldn't agree more. That is how God planned it. How it was supposed to be but too sad we choose to hate instead of love.
Sad to hear about that but the volunteers' safety should come first. I'm sure they'll be able to understand that you still tried your best. Hope the sun would come out soon so that these supplies could be delivered.
I agree the volunteer's safety is important and as sad as disappointing both them and the kids, their safety is vital for us to continue.
It is still raining though :(
I hope things get better soon.
God bless you.
Yes it will! The sun will come out soon!
Sorry to hear that things didn't work out for you to get up there. I know you personally look forward to it. As you say, though, what can you do if a storm decides to hit? The main thing is, the supplies will be brought when it's possible and so the kids won't miss out for too long. And everyone is safe.
It's still a great act of kindness and service you're all doing, regardless of whether you could do it in person or not. I suppose that's not a whole lot of consolation because you want to see them and talk with them. Who knows why these things happen? Good will come of it. :)
Thank you Glenn and yes when a storm hits the only thing we can do is hunker down and brave it and wait for it to be over.
Everyone's safety is important both the kids and the volunteers!
Thank you for your kind words Glenn.
Wonderfully said!
Weather like that can make for quite a gloomy day. Chin up @maverickinvictus, things will get better for sure!
Thanks FS and the weather will turn out to be sunny in a few more days and the kids will get their supplies.
Thats great news! A wonderful thing for these kids and what you are doing. I know I have said it and others as well, but it must be said anyways. You deserve a reward after all this. Let me think on that one ;)
Rains, with its attendant disruption of activities is common especially in the tropics of Phillipines and Nigeria; your experience being one of its kind.
Nevertheless be optimistic of a clement weather soonest to enable the delivery of the Supplies. Surely,the vulnerable children need them.
@alaisguineasis is planning to set up a similar non profit scheme for the vulnerables; he is hoping to draw from your experience at the auspicious time.
Won't you be of assistance??
Yeah once the weather calms down and the rain stop the supplies will be delivered to the children.
Sure I would be happy to help out and do something with your non-profit.
God bless you always @maverickinvictus and to all volunteers and missionaries out there who are braving the risks of reaching their destination just to give hope and love for people who are in great need of help.
Thank you Shine and it is our wish to provide hope and love to these kids so that they have a better tomorrow.
It's inspiring seeing you help people in the difficult weather.
Thank you doing it for the past 12 years has been awesome and fills our heart with gratitude and love,
This is not good. Hopefully supplies can get to those in need. I pray your roads will dry soon.
They will in due time once the sun comes out and we will have the opportunity to send it to the kids :)
If all successful people in the world could engage in Charity, the world will be more better and safer place spread with love.
@maverickinvictus I understood the sympathy and sadness of everyone over there, but I want you to know that you tried your possible best to make it happen. I hope they will experience more of this next year.
Most Successful people of today are just self centered because they don't love showing love to the orphans, less privileged and weak once. A Successful person is one who spread success to other people by making them Successful.
Ralph Nader defined a leader has someone who produces more leaders and not followers. I must say you are a true leader because @maverickinvictus and @giftinkindph are spreading love by giving hope to the weak once and making them have the passion to live in life.
I conclude that saying "Your Actions towards people will never be forgotten because it leaves a scar in their heart which may be positive or negative". Let's always try to reach out to others with the little we have and let's make the world a better place by spreading love and making the hopeless people believe there is still hope for them in life to live.
Thanks for sharing this great post with love from @hardaeborla
Such beautiful words said and one that moves me.
I have not seen myself as a leader but more of a humanist who just wants to help people and build their dreams.
In a away I have been largely influenced by Simon Sinek's Together is better philosophy that when we help others around us we grow better all around.
Exact @maverickinvictus... I strongly agree with you. Keep the good work up boss 😁🙌