My Dichi (second elder sister) decided to give her boyfriend a surprise birthday party. A resounding "Happy Birthday Kuya Louie!" echoed through the grassy compound of Beauty For Ashes today, as the children sang, danced, laughed and enjoyed with a very much surprised Ahya Louie. (^^,)
Beauty For Ashes is a Children's home, founded by American missionaries Mr. Benjamin August Harter and his wife, Mrs. Betty Jo Harter. The purpose of the foundation is to give health support to sick children. As an extension, they give foster care to these kids whose parents could no longer support them after such illnesses, or who, in one way or another, abandoned them. Fortunate for these kids to still have people like them who paved the way for opportunities and second chances in life.
It is very much a surprise for us visitors to see the simple yet sophisticated way these kids were brought up in this foster home. They are comfortable with the English language. Bragging to us their very neat houses, school ribbons and awards, their tidy sleep and eating areas. The compound itself is surrounded by flowers, vegetables and fruits growing evidence of the hardwork these kids put on their gardening daily. Nine-year-old twins Kelly and Kaite, both with muscular dystrophy, are very smart and friendly. Trishia, an eight-year-old girl with down-syndrome is very sweet and polite. The older boys were very much caring with the younger ones. They pay attention to instructions, very much respectful and very friendly.
It was not difficult to make these kids happy. My Dichi, shobe (younger sister) and I prepared the prizes, loot bags, games and the favorite part, the "pabitin" (Filipino game of hanging bamboo frame tied with candies and toys: courtesy of google ;)) the birthday celebrant got to hand each kid the goodies plus some toys. All were smiling at the end of the day.
We ended our celebration by thanking them for allowing us to spend the day with them, but their endless thank you's, hugs and smiles left our heart light and happy. I wondered who was happier, the kids? or Us? hehe (^^,)
Beauty For Ashes is a Children's home, founded by American missionaries Mr. Benjamin August Harter and his wife, Mrs. Betty Jo Harter. The purpose of the foundation is to give health support to sick children. As an extension, they give foster care to these kids whose parents could no longer support them after such illnesses, or who, in one way or another, abandoned them. Fortunate for these kids to still have people like them who paved the way for opportunities and second chances in life.
It is very much a surprise for us visitors to see the simple yet sophisticated way these kids were brought up in this foster home. They are comfortable with the English language. Bragging to us their very neat houses, school ribbons and awards, their tidy sleep and eating areas. The compound itself is surrounded by flowers, vegetables and fruits growing evidence of the hardwork these kids put on their gardening daily. Nine-year-old twins Kelly and Kaite, both with muscular dystrophy, are very smart and friendly. Trishia, an eight-year-old girl with down-syndrome is very sweet and polite. The older boys were very much caring with the younger ones. They pay attention to instructions, very much respectful and very friendly.
It was not difficult to make these kids happy. My Dichi, shobe (younger sister) and I prepared the prizes, loot bags, games and the favorite part, the "pabitin" (Filipino game of hanging bamboo frame tied with candies and toys: courtesy of google ;)) the birthday celebrant got to hand each kid the goodies plus some toys. All were smiling at the end of the day.
We ended our celebration by thanking them for allowing us to spend the day with them, but their endless thank you's, hugs and smiles left our heart light and happy. I wondered who was happier, the kids? or Us? hehe (^^,)
