As the Christmas season comes to a close (this Sunday in the Catholic Church), I look back with delight at my Christmas season and how I celebrated it this year.Yes, we had our usual gatherings with family and friends, yes, we had the decorations, gift giving, Christmas Eve mass and the all the other activities. All of these were wonderful but what made my Christmas season different this year were two unusual celebrations.
First, I celebrated my birthday on December 24. I don't usually have a big party. People are just too busy. Most of the time, I am too busy! But this year I had a hundred guests! I finally found some people who could come to my party! Well, actually, they are what we call captive guests. I celebrated my birthday at the Quezon City jail, with a hundred inmates!
Those of you who visit my blog regularly perhaps would know that three Fridays a month, I go visit the jail. Most of the time my hubby or some other man shares the Good News to the "captive audience" but once in a while, I get to share too. Many of these men don't get any visitors and Christmastime is especially hard for them. What a joy then for me to celebrate with them. Who would have thought I would ever celebrate my birthday with jail inmates! Seems like the last thing I would do just a few years ago. Even my children (17 yrs to 24 yrs) came along. My 20 year old daughter told me she was envious of my party and she wanted to celebrate her birthday with the indigenous Aeta community she and her friends are helping! That was music to my ears! 
The second celebration I attended was on December 27, when I went with my daughter to visit that Aeta community for their Patak ng Pagasa (Drop of Hope) project. We brought water containers for them to use to bring water up the mountain. We also had a simple party with them. On their last visit, my daughters and her friends noticed that the Aetas didn't even have proper plates, glasses and spoons and forks. They had to share plates with one another and drink juice from the same bowl they ate from. And so, this time, when they fed them, the food came in new plastic plates, the juice came in colorful glasses and they had spoons and forks (We Filipinos use spoons and forks to eat our rice meals).
The pictures here were taken by my daughter, Elyse (visit her photography portfolio). Their Patak ng Pagasa facebook page says "These are just some snapshots of the wonderful places and people we met while on our mission. Their faces are reminders that Christ lives in each and everyone of us, especially the least of our brothers."
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives...
to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord."
Beautiful photos Peggy, and really honestly lovely and uplifting to hear of your family's dedication to your country.
ReplyDeletePeggy,
ReplyDeleteI believe that we are all someone's angel. In your case and your daughter's, you are angels to many more than one. I admire you and your large, giving heart!
Cindy:-)
So many times we are powerless to change people's situations or affect their choices, but to see the spirit of Christ in someone, spreads hope and the power of His love. God bless you in your mission of love, and happy belated birthday. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful Christmas you described here...being His hands and feet while celebrating his birth! What a blessing it must be to have your children involved in these wonderful missions. Your daughters photographs are beautiful! Thanks for sharing this and happy birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to celebrate the season... and your daughter takes amazing photographs! Thank you for sharing your experience and your heart.
ReplyDeleteYou must be a very good person. How great you help all this people.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to celebrate christmas.
How wonderful to share your birthday and your faith with those who are "capative". your art and heart are beautiful. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos taken by your daughter - they are exceptional. All the best for a wonderful New Year,
ReplyDeleteVicki, A little inkling
Hi Peggy, thank you so much for stopping by and entering the contest. While reading this post, and belated birthday wishes, I am convinced you are the reason there are angels on earth. what a wonderful story and pictures. I can't help but be sure the men you visit in prison know that too. Giving back to the community is so rewarding. That is something we all need to do more of. Thank you for the reminder. Big hug, and thanks for being you. Riki
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful post Peggy. You are so lucky to have such thoughtful people around you, but i am sure that they are all attracted to your kind heart.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday wishes, I hope you have a wonderful year.
caroline
Bless you Peggy! This is such a beautiful post...and those photos of the little ones are so precious! xo Paulette :)
ReplyDeleteSo far your blog has brought me to tears twice. I love what you're doing, and I wish I could join you there. I have some very good friends that are moving to Ilo Ilo City in a few months, and as I've researched the Philippines, I wish I could go more and more. Keep giving hope around the world. We need it. And thanks again for reminding me to have hope and spread it around, too.
ReplyDelete:) Michelle