I was also confused during those times because some parts of my body were aching which led me to consult 6 doctors (because the first doctor recommended me to other doctors and I included my regular doctor) and took a lot of tests that I need so that, my doctors could see what could be the cause of it. I was so scared that time even my family and friends really worried about me. So, I prayed that this aching body parts was nothing and I promised that if the result is good, I'll attend the Christmas Party at the orphanage as a return. I'll do the best that I can do even borrowing money to my friends just to go there. After 4 days of waiting for the result, my prayers were answered that's why I really went to the party because I know I really need to go there to make other people happy this Christmas.

~o~

My whole experience

| Short background about the Helping Hands Group |

Helping Hands is an independent group spearheaded by a civil engineering student from Lyceum of the Philippines-Cavite, Angeline Santos. It is a group mostly consists of civil engineering students and from LPU-Cavite (I'm the only one from DLSU-D). I became part of this group because of my dear friend, Aerole Syto who's a CE student from LPU-C and a great friend of ate Angeline.

| DECEMBER 21, 2015 |

I'm so excited for the event that's why I really woke up early because my travel time from Laguna to Cavite is 2 hours. I don't want to miss this event that's why even though I'm too early and tired from yesterday's errands, I still managed to really be there earlier than our call time which was 9:30 AM. I'm quite nervous that time because it would be my first time to meet the other members of the group, good thing they're so friendly and accommodating, they didn't make me feel that I'm not part of the group. I was not left out. :) and I wasn't informed about the required attire for formality which was white t-shirt, good thing I wasn't alone because one of our fellow members, wore a different color too and that made us to be in-charge with the documentation and technicals. (I love these tasks tho) 

When we're too busy preparing, we heard kids' laughs and screams and we saw all the kids were running towards the pavilion, they're so cute and I suddenly hugged the first kid who came in. All of them were so excited and mesmerized with the balloons that we provided for them. I almost cried during that time because they're really cute and adorable especially when you see them smiling and laughing.

We started the program with a prayer and an introduction where we introduced ourselves to the whole organization. We did some parlor games, story-telling, clay-molding and a time to talk and bond with the children during lunch time. 

After the program, we started the gift giving where all the children received early christmas gift from the group. Time flied so fast during that time and even though we still want to be with them, we were required to be with them just for a certain period of time but still, it's worth it and we enjoyed every second that we were with them. we even got a chance to tour around the place, the office and visit the units where the children stays. The volunteers or workers in the organization never left us all through-out the event that's why it wasn't hard for us to handle it. 

The whole experience for me was really wonderful. I can't explain how happy I am too see how these children enjoyed the whole event and even touched our hearts from how they treated us. I really admired how the organization helped these kids to feel as if they're really at home and how they take care these children to be kindhearted and smart. I never regret spending my money and time for this event even though I traveled from Laguna to Cavite and forgot about doing my projects because I know I have more time to do those things and I wouldn't want to miss this opportunity. It made me think about getting back to the place and hold more parties or events for them. Well, right now, I miss those kids already even the people in the organization who made us feel welcome to the place. I 'm looking forward to see them next year again, because as of now, I'm planning to celebrate my birthday with them by making them happy again. Seeing their smiles is a very wonderful gift for me already.

~o~

I would like to thank the Helping Hands Group for giving me an opportunity to be part of this event and for welcoming me to their group especially to Ate Angeline, Aerole, Kuya Peter, Kuya Lindone, Ate Karla, Ate Lyka, Ate Mitch, Kuya Marlon (?), Kuya Nico (?) and Nille. Looking forward to more events with you guys.

I would also like to thank the people from The Samaritan's Place who accommodated us. I really hope to see all of you again soon (esp the kids)

Last, but not the least, I would like to thank all of the children in The Samaritan's Place who made us smile and laugh all-throughout the party. It was really worth it. We hope that you enjoyed the party as much as we did. We love you kids! Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; God bless everyone.

more pictures on my facebook account.

for more details about the Samaritans Place, visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/samaritansplace/?fref=ts