Letter to John Robert

Photo credit: Nomad and Happy

IN my recent visit to the Island of Camiguin Norte, Babuyan Islands, a couple of weeks ago, I asked some volunteers who were with me to help me come up with materials for a scholarship campaign we are doing for the schools in the islands.

I asked one of the volunteers, Ann Marie, a native of Davao, but who is now based in Manila, to gather some children and ask them about their dreams and ambitions. So they were asked the question: “What would you like to do when you grow up?” The answers came: teacher, nurse, doctor, policeman, military, etc. But to Ann Marie’s amazement, one of the children, John Robert, answered, “When I grow up I would like to eat.”

A week after coming home from that mission trip, the child’s face and story still preoccupied Ann Marie. She wrote a letter in her blog, as a form of reflection from a beautiful encounter with a little boy who dreams of nothing but to eat when he grows up.

Ann Marie Cunanan was a volunteer of the Babuyan Islands Mission 2015 Batch 2. With her permission I am sharing her blog post from nomadandhappy.wordpress.com:

“John Robert!”

“Your innocent answer did really surprise me. But it reminded me of the simple pleasures and joys when we are able to eat. I couldn’t agree with you more, especially when you live in an island that is teeming with mouth-watering seafood. For the past few days, your community elders have fed us with red juicy lobsters, freshly caught grilled fish, squid adobo and even octopus adobo! A day before we left, they fed us again with the sweetest watermelons and gave us freshly harvested wild bee honey…ohh my! It was really yum yum!

I don’t think you are poor and have nothing to eat. You have everything you need here to live and breathe.

Just keep on enjoying food Robert and while you take on the simple pleasures of eating, your parents and people like Father Joemar, his donors, and the rest of the volunteers that are here will make sure that your other needs are supported—that you can go to school, and you have all the support you need to grow up to be a smart and a happy boy.

Did you notice? They brought you all new crayons, new pencils, notebooks, and papers. They even brought you books and have built a library for your school! Open those books John Robert. Look at those bright colored photos in those storybooks. When I was young like you, I used to enjoy looking at the photos of encyclopedias and storybooks. Those books made me dream and imagine about places I have never been to. One day, you’ll also explore new places, meet new people, and yes, taste new exotic dishes from the different parts of the world. But I must tell you, your food here in the island is still one of the best!

So even if those kids laughed at your very simple dream of eating and even if some people may read your answer differently (that you are one hungry boy), it’s ok. For you have simply reflected the lesson I have been reflecting upon. As you see, I am already a grown up and have pretty much achieved those what “I thought” I wanted to become. But believe me Robert, at the end of the day, at the end of all the titles and huge salaries, adults like me only wish to do the simple things in life that truly bring us joy—have time and great conversation with our loved ones, laugh out loud, and well, in my case now, I just want to travel and meet amazing people like you.

So, you are on your way to success little boy. A lot of people would want to support you too. I have no doubt that there are big brothers and sisters out there who would like to see you and your friends succeed.

So eat as much as you like, play as much as you like and remember we are always here to support you. Thank you for reminding me to find joy in the simplest things in life, one we often do but often neglect, which is to find joy in eating.

Much love and I’ll see you again.

Love,
Ate Ann Marie
(A certified kid at heart!)