One thing we most look forward every Christmas is the presents. It is very exciting to hang socks back when we were kids. Even though, we only got a candy by the next morning, our joy is priceless and wouldn't be compared to anything.
We usually receive gifts from our parents, our godparents, grandparents, some crazy rich aunt or from random people. I remember when I was a kid, we were gathered together in our church, we even invite children from different religions. There was a small program held that a so-called teacher shared stories about Jesus. After that, we had our snacks and we were each given a box of gifts from abroad.
The project is called Samaritan's Purse where an organization where people would send boxes of gifts of any kid. Usually, these are kids and couples from other country. In the boxes that they packed, they would also write their names and contact details so the recepient of their gifts would be able to keep in touch and thank them.
I was one blessed kid before to be one of the recepients of the gift box. It's size is a shoe box. It could contain art materials,toys, shoes, or clothes. It is a box full of delight! A kid will surely jump in excitement if ever he receives one. The colorful gifts plus its smell would definitely be something to be thankful for. Not to mention the value of those gifts.
Before the pandemic happened, I was given a chance to be part of this project. I was asked to attend a workshop so I would learn what to teach the student specifically before giving them the gifts. It was a two- day informative workshop where we had fun with other participants. The original plan was to elteach the kids about Jesus. There would be nine lessons but each lesson should be done weekly. The goal is to instill Jesus in the hearts of the kids. Then, after that they will be given the gifts.
But the pandemic happened that we were not able to finish all the sessions. We didn't know until when the lockdown would be at that time so we decided to give them gifts.
The recipients of the gifts are kids from the ages 3- 18 years old. These are few of the kids who attended the first session and got to hear some message about God.
Their parents joined in too. This was taken after we had some games for kids.
Yay! Finally! The gift boxes on their hands. Happy and excited. Can't wait to unbox!
What did you get? Oh wow! All of them all smiles and wonders as they unravel what is inside the box. I bet some of them had their first time to see a kind of toy!
All in all, the kids and parents equally happy as they head home carrying boxes of gifts. Those gifts were extra special because some kids from foreign country packed them personally and handed them to the Project Shoe box.
This event happens occasionally and we are always happy and excited to be delighted as of the beneficiaries of the gifts. We were thankful to the lives and hearts of the kids and parents who have helped other people even without anything in return.
There are a lot of inspiring stories behind this project. There was a case when a giver who is a kid put his details on the box. The recipient tried to contact him using the details attached. After that, they had constant communication and they started as kids. They end up being married to each other. The girl being the recipient of the gift is from here in the Philippines while the boy who is the giver of the gift come from a foreign country. What an amazing love story, right? We can truly conclude that God must've written their love story perfectly!
Until then!
Hindi ko alam if Project Shoe Box din ba yung teleserye ng LizQuen before na parang laki sa bahay ampunan si Enrique then may gift na shoes and shirt ata sa shoe box.
But anyway, sana matapos na talaga ang pandemic na ito. Para mas marami pa ang makarinig at mas mapalapit sa ating Diyos. 😇