Being a Blessing

Yesterday, I went back to school to finish some works for our school publication. My friends and I decided to eat together at a mall nearby. We agreed to go back to school 12:30 to continue our job. Before heading back to school, my friend Liza dropped by Mini Stop to buy something. The four of us followed her. When we got inside, there was a commotion. Near the fridge, a guard was holding a young boy in his shirt and the two salesmen was there. I overheard in their conversation that the boy stole one chocolate (the kind the costs 10-15 pesos) and one of his friends escaped. The boy testified that his other companion got a lot of stuffs from the store while he, who got only one, was caught. The boy was crying so hard begging the guard to take his hands off him. The salesman calmed down the guard. Later on, one of the boy’s friends went inside (there were three of them) but this one didn’t steal anything. I couldn’t stop myself from looking at them with empathy and started to feel like I’m crying.

I bravely interrupt in their conversation and ask one of the boys if he wants food and he nodded. I went to the racks and grab some bread and took two water bottles from the fridge. As I walked over them, I asked the guard that I would give food to the young boys.

He said “Maam, indi na. Nangawat na ni sila” (No need for that Miss. These two already stole something).

But I hesitated. “Manong sige na bala. Nalouy ko sila nong mo. Basi nagutom lang sila.” (Just let me manong. I pity them. Maybe they’re hungry.)

I then gave the food to the two of them. Though I didn’t hear them say “Thank you”, I know they’re grateful.

“Lakat ta. Idul-ong ko na kamo sa balay niyo. Basi karun diin pa kamo makadto.” (Let’s go. I’ll bring you to your house. If I let you go home alone, maybe you’ll visit other stores and thieve). The guard said as he escorted the two boys out of the store.

I then lined up to pay for the food. My friends asked me what happened and I suddenly burst into tears as I tell them what happened. I know it was awkward to cry at that time with all the people present in the store, but the sadness in my heart seeing those kids gave in.

When it was my turn to pay, the cashier said “ Okay ka lang maam? Amo man gid na sila. Pirme nadi sila gakadto. Kis-a kung malouy kami gina tagaan lang namon pagkaon.” (Are you okay miss? Those kids are always here. Sometimes we feel pity towards them and so, we offer them food.)

I replied “Hou nong. Nalouy lang gid ko ya dan. May mga manghod man ko nga parehus sila ka dako ti gina butang ko man bala nga kung sila sa sitwasyon. Ti nalouy ako sila nong.” (Yes, I’m okay. I just feel sorry for them. I also have brothers as young as they are. I just put them in the situation of those kids. I really pity them.)

“Makita mo man dan nong sa itsura nila nga nagutom sila. Indi man na sila mangawat kung may makaon sila nong.” (it is visible in their face that they’re starving. They wouldn’t steal if they have food to eat.) I added.

“Thank you gid maam sa gin ubra mo” (Thank you for that miss). The cashier smiled at me and handed me my change and receipt.

My friends and I went back to school and but I won’t forget what happened.

When our work was done, I headed at a local thrift shop before going home. I passed by an old man begging for alms. I feel pity for him but I do not have anything to give him.

When I was inside the shop and was about to pay at the counter, I met an old friend of mine, Jariz. We hugged and talked for a while. I told her what happened today. She was happy of what I’ve done. Before leaving, we even took a selfie.

Beside the shop, I saw some cassava cake on display. I asked the lady how much and she said it costs 12 pesos. I grab my purse and took out all the coins left. It’s exactly 12 pesos. Before finally buying it, I remembered that I no longer have money to pay for my fare. If I pay the 200 peso bill remaining, the jeepney driver won’t have enough change. And I thought to myself to just buy the cassava cake and stop worrying.

When I approached the old man, I gave him the cassava cake and remembered that I still got water in my bag and gave it to him. I even apologize because the water’s not full but he gladly accepted it.

As I was walking, I felt my right pocket bulging. I checked what’s inside, and to my surprise, I saw the receipt from Mini Stop with my change in it. Yes! I don’t have to worry about my fare or my change.

Thank you Lord. Thank you for blessing me :)

What good did you do today?