We’re getting close to the feeding location and we roll down our windows to our air conditioned van…FEEDING! FEEDING! FEEDING! Out pop little heads and little hands with bowls, plates, cups, mugs, bags to get the soup that we’re offering…they run along the van or are already waiting because they know which days / times we come to visit. Some of us stay by the van and start serving or greet families with a Good Morning to make them feel welcome. The rest of the group walks down the roads and stop by houses calling out FEEDING and children come out with their bowls and head to our van.
The children range in ages…but this time of day children are typically in school so you know these kiddos are ready for some extra TLC from us, they’re willing eyes and ears to hear that they matter. They love to be swung around, play hide and seek by the van, you know typical kid activities. Mama’s, elder men and women, and a handful of men come to receive some basic first aid. Babies without diapers “Go” on their mama’s arm while they wait in line.
There he is completely naked asking for food with his little cup or bowl. There she is wearing just a tank top or t-shirt not much older than my little niece waiting in line. One of the girls was wearing those squeaky shoes that make a sound each time the child walks along….awwwww! Some of the children come with their mama’s and some have to toddle along with their bowls as we try to remind them TWO HANDS as they carry their hot soup back to their shacks….we walk with them if we can…but sometimes seeing a white person is scary!!! Some have “cool” clothes like Hello Kitty or Superman…many come with smiles but the little ones need some extra time to warm up to us.
Two of the locations we visit are either called tent villages or evacuation locations for typhoons. Each year families migrate to these areas after major typhoons have it…and some just stay after losing most all they have. Major organizations like the Red Cross have come in and built huts/shacks for them and there are wells for clean water. Or the families live in a poll shed and their “houses” are separated by thin piece of fabric making a square space. This is home…this is where these babies go to, play, and live their lives. These babies grow up a bit and start having their own babies…young girls or teen moms…you want to ask is this your brother or sister…but often the answer is…NO, this is my son or daughter. Such a contrast as the children walk by who go to school are dressed in their school uniforms or own an iphone take our pictures. This has been my mornings the past 1-2 weeks.
My after-noons are at the children’s home working with kiddos in the nursery or working with the older children. You open the door to walk in the nursery greeted with big smiles. Most all are waiting to be adopted. You instantly become a human jungle gym or slide and your heart melts as one or several children hop on your lap waiting for you to read them a book. The kids are getting three meals a day…several changes of clothes…showers…toys…swimming…ice cream…cuddles…and with their care givers and teams visiting they get all the love they can handle. This is my life…such heartbreak and such joy at the same time. I am so thankful to be a part of this. Life is Good!
