It really feels good to share the blessings we receive, especially to those people who are in need. I and my officemates decided to do some charity work. We searched in the internet for an orphanage in Tagaytay City and discovered the Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary (ASJM), which has an apostolate with abandoned and neglected children. They are an institution called “Mother Teresa Spinelli’s Treasures”, which is accredited by the DSWD. At present, there are 24 abandoned children under their custody. We chose Tagaytay City because we are also having our early Christmas party celebration at Balay Indang that is only 30 minutes away from Tagaytay. It was a double purpose.

So we called ASJM and scheduled our visit last weekend. We asked them their needs for us to be able to know what to bring. They told us that they need toiletries, diapers, bath soaps, and milk for the kids. With the help of my kind-hearted officemates, we were able to raise funds for the charity work and were able to purchase their needs. So, last weekend, my officemates together with Abeth and Andre, went to ASJM for the said outreach program. We were able to meet the sisters and the children. We brought them food and had simple games during our visit.

Andre played with the kids without knowing that these kids were abandoned by their parents. I am trying to explain it to him to be good to these children because they’re “kawaka”, but he can’t understand it yet. I told him that these children had no mom and dad. Andre asked me why, and told me, “Are they dead?” I wasn’t able to answer him back quickly because I don’t know what to say. I just told him that these children were abandoned by their parents and some were dead, too. Then, he stopped asking me questions anymore. I know he didn’t understand it yet, but, I know in time, he’ll understand it and would want him to realize how fortunate he is to have us as his parents. We also like him to be exposed in this kind of deed so that he’ll be able to appreciate all the blessings we receive.

It really feels good being able to share our wonderful blessings through these children. It’s a mixed feeling. It was a heart-warming experience knowing that we were able to make them happy in our very simple way and in just a little time. It was also disappointing to know that there are parents who can easily abandon and neglect their children. These children were found by the Augustinian Sisters in the field, in the garbage, and the streets. I really feel sorry for these kids, but am also partly happy knowing that there are NGO Institutions like ASJM that are willing to take care of them. Still, these kids are luckier compared to street children in Manila because they have no shelter and no food to eat.

One of ASJM’s goals is to trace the parents of these kids and return them to their respective parents because they believe that finding their parents will have an impact in building a child’s self-esteem. This will help a child to function successfully in life.

Here are some of the photos during our visit:

Our gifts to the children

The orphans with the Augustinian Sisters and my officemates

The abandoned children

The youngest among the orphans

It’s play time!

Andre hugging one of the orphans

the kids enjoying their meal

So for those people who want to help instead of having expensive myrtle beach vacation rentals, here are their contact numbers and location:

Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary.
Mo. Teresa Spinelli Novitiate House,
Kabangaan Road, Iruhin West,
4120, Tagaytay City.
Philippines.
Tel:- 046-413-39-45
Fax:- 046-860-00-16
Cellphone:- 09192658058
E mail address:   srcarmenborg@yahoo.com

You can also visit their website.

That’s it for now. May the good Lord bless us always!