This has been an overdue distribution since the delayed of the gift boxes, but I should say that it was all worth the wait. Ever since I worked as a Project Coordinator in a non-government organization whose focus is a direct response to education during these difficult times, I found myself loving my job more and more as I continuously meet children in varied age groups.
Since our
organization received 200 gift boxes from an international company, I was
assigned to allocate which barangays or areas these boxes be given to. My
colleagues advised me to give half of these boxes to the island barangay here
in Lapu-Lapu City which our director directly approved. I should say that it
was easier said than done because the journey of these gift boxes took me a lot
of hard work and challenges.
First, I needed to get these boxes from the company in Cebu City then transferred them to a vacant family room in Maribago. The transfer was a bit difficult because I only have the community mentorship children who initiated to help me. Honestly, I was grateful and proud of these children who truly practiced our weekly session on leadership, helpfulness, and love. Transferring of the boxes was not easy either when I had the distribution in Olango Island.
It required transportation which I think could have not been made possible if I didn’t ask for assistance in Olango Wharf. The story went that I was waiting for my colleague to join me for our distribution that I overheard one of LGU staff talking about their ride going to Olango. Then, taking the right timing and opportunity, I introduced myself belonging to a certain NGO and I was bringing educational supplies for the children in Olango. Without so much interrogation, the LGU head approved of my boarding in their designated pumpboat and willingly helped me load my children’s gift boxes until we reached Olango Island.
Even though I waited for a few minutes for another vehicle to transfer the gift boxes to Sta. Rosa Gym, I paused for a moment to reflect how the universe conspires me to achieve my goal for the children.
Cookies and
Coloring Books
I must say that
it was not an ordinary distribution I did earlier. First, we distributed (the
parents and 2 volunteers) the gift boxes to the children asked them to take the
cookie frosting pouch inside the box. The kids took them out and we instantly prepared
our cookies. The kids decorated the cookies with the use of sprinkles and
frostings. They became very busy decorating their own cookies after the two
volunteers (whom I picked in the middle of the crowd) showed them how to
decorate them.
I saw smiling star cookie, colorful cookies with a lot of sprinkles and a lot more. I could their own expressions how excited they were to eat their personalized cookie whilst taking the chance to show-off their creativity to their parents.
Afterwards, I asked some children if they wanted to do the coloring books which I felt grateful again when they colored and showed their creativity skills. It was a surreal feeling!
Reflections and Realizations
Believe it or
not! But this Saturday is the only time of the week since the beginning of April
and May that I had the chance to relax in the evening. It has been weeks since I
never had an ample time to redirect my self and to refocus. I was so tempted to
work that I forgot that I also need self-care. I have been talking about
self-care during Mental Health Care. It hit me rock bottom. Am I doing self-care
to myself?
It was more like self-destruct in me part - 48 hours awake, mentally stressed, and lack of exercise, and been stress eating as well. I am no way healthy!
So, I did a
great leap to change myself and fit in the advocacy I have been telling to our
beneficiaries – to be mindful of oneself and health! Today, I took a break even
for only 4 hours away from the social media and queries. I found myself enough
even more without any distraction. With this, I hope there will be a moment
when I could only think of happy thoughts, and not think of anything at all.
Social work is not an easy job. You should take a break, Miss Angel.Schedule a few minutes during the day to take in some fresh air. Just being outside works wonders for reducing stress and has countless other benefits.
ReplyDeleteHave a stress-relieving massage to make your skin feel good and relieve tension in your joints and ligaments. Aromatherapy has also been shown to decrease stress levels.
If you have nore time, perform a meditation at a comfortable place. Focus on your breath to lower stress in the body. I hope these suggestions help in giving you the ultimate break that you need.
I praise you for doing charity works Anjville. Your act of kindness means so much to people who really need support. Keep doing what you love doing. It may be tiring sometimes but know that someone out there who greatly appreciates your work.
ReplyDelete- Julius
Don't forget to take care of yourself. That's the only way we can reward ourselves for all the stress in this world.
ReplyDeleteI wanna give kudos to people like you who still do charity work despite the situation right now. I hope you will be rewarded for your service. :)
ReplyDeleteI used to volunteer in the nearby island called Caubian. The island is a bit smaller. Maybe you can visit it oneday and do all your social work. I am pretty sure the people will appreciate it too!
ReplyDeleteI love your reflection too! Please take care of yourself so you can give more and do more Miss Angel.