I was scrolling through my phone gallery last night and I realized that I haven't shared with you this inspiring story from my Birthday celebration last year. Since it's one month left before I add another year into my life, (my Birthday will be on November 29) I am finally sharing with you the first ever Outreach program I did for my Birthday celebration.
Growing up in the province of Argao with fisher folks parents, we were not born with a silver spoon. We needed to hustle every single day to get the life that we always dreamed of having someday. That's also the moment when I learned to be grateful even with the smallest things in life. I always pray to God to bless me with good health so that I could fulfill my dreams and pay it forward.
Early last year, I saved up a little amount to celebrate my Birthday with the less fortunate kids in Brgy. Ermita, Cebu City, Philippines. I chose them as my beneficiaries because I was able to visit this place as well during my college days when our school had an outreach program. Look how amazing God is for using me as His instrument to INSPIRE people.
When my best friend, Anne, asked me what I want to do for my Birthday, I replied to her and said "I want to do an outreach program for the kids in Brgy. Ermita." When she heard that one, she was so happy and told me that the company she works with loves to sponsor this kind of activity. My savings goes to the food that we prepared for the kids, and the generous amount given by her employer goes to the school supplies that we gave to them. Anne and her boyfriend volunteered to buy the school supplies while I was in-charge to buy for all the stuff that will be needed for the food preparation.
Anne and I worked hand in had to sort each school supplies to be given to the 50 kids in Brgy. Ermita which is our beneficiary.
Anne's relatives were very kind enough to offer that we could prepare the food at their house. They also helped us in cooking the delicious spaghetti and fried chicken for the kids. We had so much fun while doing this. I'm just so blessed to be surrounded with people with the same values as I have.
While preparing all these food packs, I didn't feel tired at all. I enjoyed it so much and was imagining in my head the faces of the children once they receive these food right here. We also paired this with juice for their drinks.
Some of my close friends also volunteered to help me during the distribution of this bundle of joy to the kids of Brgy. Ermita. The moment we arrived here, the kids were jumping with so much joy and excitement. They also told us that it's not everyday that they could experience to have these kind of food since they can't afford it. I was really teary-eyed in every "thank you" that I heard from them. It feels great to know how grateful they were.
We also had some games as part of the program and prepared prizes for them. Everyone was just so participative. My friends and I were just laughing the whole time. We were so happy that we were able to put smiles into their faces.
After the games, they sang a Birthday song for me and we took photos together. I am just so happy that I celebrated my Birthday with them last year. It made me appreciate life even more.
We ended the day with a photo together with my close friends. I am beyond grateful for their support. They helped me a lot in making this event possible. I may not have much in life yet financially, but I'm happy to share every little blessing that I received from God with these kids right here. A Happy Birthday indeed!
After the outreach program, my friends and I had a simple get-together at SM Seaside, Cebu City to continue the celebration. It is always the simple things in life that matters to me. I am grateful for the gift of genuine friends.
I also got surprises from my other circle of friends and I am so grateful for their effort. Despite having their own priorities in life, they still managed to exert an extra effort to make me feel special. I am thankful! Here are some of the snaps from the surprises that they prepared.
When it comes to celebrating my Birthday with my family, I simply asked them not to prepare for anything since we are saving up for our family's needs. I went home to our province days before my Birthday and I spent time with them by watching a Basketball game with my brother.
For me, my family always celebrates my Birthday every single day and just being with them is the most precious gift for me. I couldn't ask for more. I always thank the Lord for this blessing!
Self love and time with the Lord is so important to me. So I had some alone time at the coffee shop near my place in the city and head on to the church right after. I lighted a candle and thanked the Lord for this another year of living a life with a PURPOSE. Life is worth celebrating!
For this year, I just want to be happy as I enter Chapter 27 of my life. I surrender everything to God now. I hope I was able to INSPIRE you with this.
If you are interested to watch the vlog for this, I posted it on my Youtube channel thru this link:
Youtube channel: Regine Villamejor
That's it for today's Rejourney. I will see you all on my next one. Much love from your Inspiring Cebuana. Stay safe!
THANKS FOR READING THIS POST!
Your Inspiring Cebuana is here to spread positivity and at the same time take you to different tourist attractions. She is here not just to share her inspiring journey, but also to share other people’s inspiring stories. She was able to overcome a lot of challenges in life and she continuously gives light to the people around her. She always has the heart for the less fortunate and would definitely go the extra mile to help in her own little way.
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