There are too many mediocre things in life...and LOVE shouldn't be one of them.

Paper Tiger's soup kitchen was a success.

...and another answered prayer today ('yesterday' by the time this is posted) to share before I go to the details. I kinda uttered once before this day, 'how I wish the weather will not be too hot on the day of the planned SK'. If you all noticed, the weather has been a lil unbearable lately; but today, (at least in Manila) twas cloudy. It even drizzled just about the same time as I was doing the activity. God really is moving in ways we can only imagine. *sincere smile*

Twas a great feeling to see smiling faces as they receive blessings. To me, it's actually mixed emotion. Was filled with joy and at the same time moved by those kids' situations. They toil the entire day...walking around the streets and highways to sell "Sampaguita", cigarettes or wiping cloths to motorists... paying no attention to the sun's radiant heat. And if you just closely observe, these children are very young. At least most. Maybe around 5-10. They're in ragged, torn clothes and with growling tummies. Twas a pitiful sight.

We trekked Ortigas. It's the area where we usually see lotsa street kids. Only, afternoon is not the best time to look for them. It is during this time that they are scattered in different areas to get more customers so it kinda took us long to dispatch the goodies.

Our first child -- a cigarette vendor. Found him along EDSA under the flyover going to Greenhills. The red light gave us a good chance to hand the goodies to the small boy. He was already knocking at the window of the black F50 in front of us (to the right) when we called on him. He moved to our direction hesitatingly and was surprised to see the goodies being handed to him. The boy grabbed the food and said "thank you". He walked slowly away to the isle and sat to start with the food. At that time, I was really teary-eyed thinking the boy might already be starving and that chance of getting free food is already something.

Our first group (a group of boys) we found in the posh part of Ortigas Center. They were picking up bottles and steel metals. We parked shortly to give them goodies and left. I was moved when before we closed the car windows they said, "thank you" with so much sincerity. Tears collected around my eyes as I felt how they appreciate a simple act of generosity. And yeah...how evident that they haven't eaten anything yet when it's already way past lunch.

These are just the same scenarios the entire SK hours. Same... only becoming more intense emotions with each child. Particularly, this group of girls who also thought of their parents and siblings. I mean, they are already safe. They already have food. But, no, that's not enough. If they are going to eat, their siblings and parents are also going to eat. Proof that there's really good in everyone.

Twas a wonderful feeling to be a part of a few peoples' lives. Even for just a few seconds. What's more fulfilling is to see the smiles on their faces. Like telling you, 'you answered one of our present needs'. It's addictive. It won't stop today. There is going to be a series of this event. This is a gift I give myself. And there is joy in my heart.