This journey started as a quiet dream — a calling from God that I first shared with Papa, whose birthday is June 9th. That date was no accident; it became our day of hope and giving, a way to honor the man who was the first to believe in my dream when no one else did.
I came here not knowing exactly how it would all unfold. I was scared, overwhelmed, even doubting myself some days. But God’s faithfulness and the kindness of others have carried me through.
In just seven days, we gathered more than I ever imagined possible — 96 pairs of slippers to protect little feet from the rocky paths, 96 raincoat to keep children dry through the harshest storms, 96 sets of school supplies — pad papers, notebooks, pencils sharpeners and crayons to fill eager minds with color and possibility. Two sacks of rice, groceries like instant noodles, sardines, medicines, first aid kits, and even roofing materials to shelter them better.
I’ve seen how these simple things—things many of us take for granted—mean the world to these kids. Slippers for the muddy trails, raincoats for the sudden downpours, notebooks to write their dreams on, food to fill their empty stomachs. It’s heartbreaking but also deeply humbling.
I won’t lie — it’s been hard. I’ve wrestled with worries about logistics, transportation, funding, and even personal struggles that almost made me want to give up. I haven’t always been able to keep everyone updated, because life doesn’t pause just because you’re trying to serve.
The donors — most of them I’ve went to school with or worked with other missions before— have quietly given what they could. The volunteers from Knights of Columbus and Alpha Kappa Rho of Rizal have stood by me, also believing in this cause. The local government is also expected to open doors and provided support. Even the Rizal Rural Health Unit will sent extra medicines.
Yet, I must be real — the need here is urgent. Hundreds of children still lack the basic necessities to learn and thrive. The teachers, heroes in their own right, work without enough materials, without enough rest.
This is more than a project. This is a calling. The Bible says in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” I believe God appointed me to this mission long before I even realized it myself.
Serving is not about seeking praise or recognition. It is about stepping out in faith, trusting that God will provide what we lack and multiply what we offer. Like Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
I’m not asking everyone to join this mission. Not everyone is called for this path. But if you feel that quiet nudge in your soul, that stirring in your heart, I say — answer it. Because faith, paired with action, can move mountains.
This is not just about me. It’s about God’s grace made visible through the hands and hearts of many. It’s about the children of Maruso Elementary — the Palaw’an kids— who deserve more than just charity; they deserve a future.
To the donors: your gifts are sacred. Thank you for trusting this dream, for giving without seeking glory, for believing in hope. You remind us all that humanity is still here.
This mission is just beginning. There are still so many needs — food packs, more books, volunteers. But with God, with faith, and with all of you who have already joined, I know this dream will keep growing.
