PSI Volunteers at Missionaries of Charity

This isn’t telling the right hand what the left hand is doing.

This is just to remind myself to do outreach at least once a year! I’m really determined to do this! The spirit of volunteerism has been with me, but sometimes my work and my family hinders me from doing so. I’ve always wanted to help others, especially kids.

I was Sunday School teacher to 4-8 year old kids for many years and I miss doing that. :(

Anyway, now that 2009 is approaching, I promise that I will share more of myself and my skills and talents to others especially the ones that need them most---less fortunate children!

Anyway, these are the pics from PSI Outreach last December 13, 2008. I attended the Leadership seminar last June and PSI admin asked those who attended the seminars for volunteers on this outreach. I immediately said yes. I only have to be there and help with the distribution of food and gifts to the kids. No sweat! :D (That’s what I thought: the sun was determined to roast us that day and the makeshift shade was a little help. Anyway, I enjoyed the day!)

PSI volunteers

Kids at Missionaries of Charity---all 900 of them!

Posed with Anselm, a native of India,
who I talked with for almost an hour!

Missionaries of Charity is located in Tayuman, Manila and they can be reached at telephone number (632) 252-3870.

My Hands Were Busy

I never thought this would come so soon. My 6 year old son told me, when I asked him why he wouldn’t let me kiss him especially when we were in school, “I’m all grown up. My classmates would see you giving me a kiss…” I got surprised when he said that. But I followed his answer up with a question: “What’s wrong with me kissing you?” But he was not able to reply as his classmates started coming in. I left the room feeling sad and kind of confused. I wanted to hug and kiss my kids always and let them know that I love them so much.

When I picked him up after school, he explained the reason. He said most of his classmates were brought to school by nannies so it’s expected that they won’t kiss their nannies, and vise versa. So it’s a bit embarrassing for them to be kissed in public because only a few do it there. Ahh, I’m relieved and convinced this time. He just doesn’t want PDA (lovers, as if! lol). I find his explanation reasonable because when we are in our house, he is very loving and would always ask me to lie beside him before he dozes off during siesta and nighttime.

Tonight, as he sleeps, I watch him and I thought, he really has grown up! How time flies! I miss my baby boy! And it saddens me to think that he may someday let go of me---which will surely happen. He will spread his wings and do whatever he wants to, go to places he wishes to visit, etc. Hah…but for now, I will try my best to give all the time and love I can give, for someday, he will be too busy with other things. I will make sure that he doesn’t forget to give Mommy a kiss, even if it means giving it on the way to school, when none of his classmates are looking! *wink* And I will make sure that I will not own the poem below someday. I’m posting this so I will always remember to have time for my kids, kiss or no kiss! :D

My Hands Were Busy

My hands were busy throughout the day
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say: "A little later, son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wished I'd stayed a minute more.

For time is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear...
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.

Author Unknown

Yahoo! I won again!!!

My kids and I went to Philippine Daily Inquirer Office to get the prizes I won in the PDI-Madagascar 2 online contest. Yes, I won again!

Our loot

Gabby and Sunday received their Madagascar books and t-shirt (which fits me, so I think I will be the one to wear it!) from Ched Sarthou, the Product Officer of Inquirer Interactive Inc. They were so delighted that new books were added to their bookshelf! I would have to brace myself though for some storytelling and book reading later!

Sofitel Swimming Pool All To Ourselves!

I am posting our day at Sofitel last December 7, 2008. The kids literally had the pool to themselves!