A Flicker of Hope

How could it be February 2010 already? My last entry was in October of 2009, many moons ago. Since then, so much has happened. Typhoon Ondoy hit our country and Hungry Minds homes were not spared. When I asked parents whether we should collect relief goods and clothes for their families, I was told that they were fine. Help should be given to those who need it most, those whose homes were totally damaged by the floods. Such generosity of spirit, if I may say so.

Since my last entry, two fires have hit our communities in Manila. Once again, our families were not spared. About fifteen families lost their homes and property. Up to now, they are rebuilding their lives with the help of those who so generously shared what they had even just weeks after the big flooding.

I spoke with one of our boys on Hungry Minds high school scholarship. His family lost everything. He told me that his Third Quarter grades went down because he was helping rebuild his house after school. He carried hollow blocks and sand so that his family could have a place to live in soon. Afterwards, he had such a difficult time studying since it got so dark because there was no electricity. Yet again he assured me that this Fourth Quarter his grades will get better. Despite what happened, he still had enough courage to look me in the eye and tell me that it will be all right.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with things that happen in Hungry Minds that I don't get to write them down. The next time I look so much time has passed, so many stories have unfolded. As always, the Hungry Minds story continues in the lives of our children who continue to struggle in spite of their young age. Some are overpowered with their difficulties. Most triumph over them.

I look forward to writing more stories this 2010. Some of these stories may bring you laughter. Others may bring you tears. However these stories may get across to you, may they somehow provide inspiration during times when you search for a flicker of hope amidst your despair. May these encourage you to carry on in spite of how difficult life may seem to be. Aside from bringing you closer to Hungry Minds, my hope is that these stories will allow you to get closer to satisfying your own hunger for joy, for love, for life!

Cheers to 2010!

Lunch Talk: A Discussion on Citizenship

I had fun during lunch today. I sat with some Sixth Graders and they told me that their last class was Social Studies. We had a lively discussion on citizenship. I was told that one can become a Filipino citizen either by birth or by naturalization. We had several combinations of parents and different examples of ways one can become a Filipino.

Then I asked, "If you had a chance to be born again, what citizenship would you like to have?" Angela said, "Filipino, of course." Karl said he wanted to try out something new and be Canadian. Karen said she wanted to be Korean. I guess this is because of the Korean shows she sees on TV. Then Clifford said, "I want to be Chinese." I asked him why. He said, "I like noodles!" :)

Photo Credit: http://www.matsuk12.us/tms/lib/tms/lunch.gif

Today - August 17, 2009

As I write this I am in a hotel room in Honduras (on-du'-rras). I am writing to remember that today, I had the privilege to orient the Academic Director of Food for Hungry Minds School Honduras, Fernando. He had so many good questions. Thankfully, I had some answers.

More than five years ago, I would not have thought of being in a country in Central America telling someone my Hungry Minds stories. I just concentrated on doing what I loved and what I needed/wanted to do. Look at where these have brought me now. I had a good trip down memory lane reliving all the good times and the hard lessons. As I told those stories, I was just so proud of children, parents, teachers, staff, donors, and volunteers who have been with me once, twice, or throughout the whole endeavor. I am so honored to be in this journey and to be surrounded by people who have been of so much help.

I know that in the future there will be more stories written, more pictures taken, and more lives transformed because of Food for Hungry Minds. I just don't want to forget today.

And I write back...

Ayi's mother was in school today, so I was able to send her my response.

July 2, 2009

Dear Ayi,

It was such a treat to receive your letter. :) Thank you very much!!! I admire your courage in facing these challenges in life. I can only imagine how difficult it is to start out in a new school. Yet, you have done such a great job so far! I hope you keep up the enthusiasm and zest for learning. Remember that even if there are many obstacles, we are behind you and cheering you on. I know you will go a long way with the kind of attitude that you have. You make me so proud to be part of your life.

All the best,

Teacher Candy

A Letter from Ayi

One of the best things that could spell utter joy to a teacher is when a student comes back and tells how much difference you have made in her life. Today I am blessed with such joy because of a letter from one of the scholars of Food for Hungry Minds in its High School Program. Ayi graduated Elementary in Food for Hungry Minds School - Makati last March. She is in now in first year high school in Philippine Normal University Laboratory High School. Here's her letter.

Dear Teacher Candice,

How are you? I hope you're doing good. I am happy now with my new school. During my first day, I felt miserable. It was horrible and was such a disaster because it was so different from my old school. All the things I saw were new - new classmates, new teachers, new environment, and new faces, but I was determined to make friends and at the same time excel in my studies. On my second day, I could already breathe well because I already made new friends. My first quiz in Math was great because I was the only one who got a perfect score. In our first quiz in Science, I got 14 out of 15. I also joined the Math Club.

I realized that I have a big advantage in my subjects because our lessons here were tackled in Food for Hungry Minds School. I also realized that we had everything in Hungry Minds - crayons, markers, and dictionaries. I promise you that I will not waste this opportunity that you have given me. This is my stepping stone for success. I would also like to thank Teacher Amie and Teacher Olive who have been my inspiration in my studies. They taught me that I may not have money, but I have knowledge.

Thank you and God bless you!

Ayi

FHMS Class of 2009

1st Year, PNU Lab High School

Photo Credits:

Smiley Buttons - http://designflute.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/radioactive-happiness-face.gif

Happiness Quote - http://themadgrad.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/happiness-jpg.jpeg