Not an ordinary family day

Family day in school was always marked with so many fun-filled activities, lots of food, fun and prizes. But the family day just recently was something different. Not only we were having our family day outside Davao City, but we were having it together with our little brothers and sisters from the Grade 3. It was a family day with a mission to give medical and feeding assistance to the different tribal groups and peoples living in Lorega, Buda.

As a kid I was very excited when we left for Buda. This was my first time to go to Buda and most of all my first medical and feeding mission activity.

Upon arrival in Buda, we were instructed to remain at Adrian’s place which served as our packing center. We packed goods that were given to those who had their medical check-up. The goods contained old but usable clothes, rice and canned goods. It needed team work to finish packing a huge pile of goods and we did it swiftly with the guidance of our Grade 6 teachers headed by Mrs. Xenia Gonzaga. Packing was so much fun especially because we all knew that the goods we had packed could make someone happy.

After packing, we all went to Lorega Elementary school, the site of the medical and feeding mission. The place was filled with people when we arrived. They were all waiting for their turn to be examined by the doctors. Everyone was busy. I saw volunteer parents and teachers taking blood samples, weight and blood pressure. Others were giving medicines and free vitamins. For us kids, we were instructed to form a line and took turns in distributing the packed goods to the participants.

Amidst the busy distribution of packed goods, I could not stop the sadness in my heart upon seeing kids just like me who walked around the site on bare foot, not even minding the pain caused by sharp rocks on the soles of their feet. I did not see them cry for pain. I guess they did not mind the rocks because they were in a hurry to fall in line and have their share of the free goods.

Free food was also given that day and I could see the smiles on the faces of our brothers and sisters from the Matigsalog-Manobo tribe after they got their food.

Their happiness made me happy as well. Seeing them, being with them and knowing their simplicity in life made me appreciate my life even more. Most of the time, if I do not get what I want like a new cellphone, new dress or shoes, I would get really sad. But now, I know that there are far more important things in, life than a new cellphone, dress or shoes. What is more important in life is to appreciate what we already have- our family, friends and people who care for us. My mom always tells me that when God gives us more, it is because He wants us to share more and by sharing we become much happier in life.

Indeed, the Ateneo Grade School Community Association Family Day was not just any ordinary day because it taught me a lesson I will always carry with me even when I get old, that is to be happy with what I have and to be more appreciative of everything that God has given me.

I distributed packed goods. I helped for the medical mission but the people from Lorega have given me more. More than the value of all the packed goods combined, they have given me lessons in life. They have given me the gift of appreciation and contentment. And I really thanked God for the grace to be with the Matigsalog-Manobo tribe. (Cayla Gwenneth P. Cole, Student Council Governor, Ateneo de Davao Grade School | Edited by Flor Deloria, HFP SoCCom)