Once a distant dream has now become a reality!  Not only 50 families but close to 60 have a bright future ahead with homes they can call their own!  Thanks to Kerygma magazine and generous benefactors, the village is growing! 

One sunny afternoon, I was able to join their regular Thursday morning prayer sessions.  We were met by the warm welcoming tugs of little children with infectious smiles.  They were a playful, curious bunch (with a penchant for having their pictures taken!).

My father, sisters and I also got to meet He Cares' newest volunteer from the US, Tim Gott.

Like the many kind-hearted souls we've met who've left jobs, families and loved ones to spend some time with these beloved ones of He Cares, Tim was no exception in amazing us, traveling all this way to help in whatever way he can for the mission.

Single, 32-year old Tim has left a flourishing IT career to follow what he's heard from the Lord in prayer - to live a simple life and serve His poor.  He says he wants to look into staying in the country for long term despite his initial commitment to stay only for 6 months.

Looking at the little stores, busy housewives and cheery faces around, you could forget that many of them were in dire need of livelihood.  A junk shop sign on one of the homes was indication enough of what options they had.  Collecting trash would get them through another day.

Kuya (Brother) Joe Dean starts off today's meeting with singing "Lahat ay aking ibibigay, ibibigay pati aking buhay upang purihin Siya" (All I will give, give even my life to praise Him).  Everyone's voices ring loud and clear during this favorite tune, specially the little children's. 

The meeting takes place in front of the homes as the chapel was unavailable.  This doesn't bother anyone.  Everyone is comfortable where they are and everyone closes their eyes as Kuya Joe Dean exhorts all to reflect on what they need to offer the Lord during this Lenten season.  Many eyes overflow with tears.  I sensed the deep sincerity with which these prayers were quietly made. 

Kuya Joe Dean also asked impromptu sharings from us about how God has worked in our lives.  Surprisingly, once we were called, we were able to think of something to share.  (In the meantime, Kuya Joe Dean counseled a young man in the office.)  No time at all was wasted! 

Everyone, including all of us guests, were uplifted by the prayers, stories and songs!  Truly the Lord was in this place!  May more and more of the blessings that God wants to give them flow unhindered into their lives and be multiplied to even more who are in greater need.

I hope to see the smiling faces again soon, with even bigger smiles, not only believing in the occasional magic tricks Kuya Joe Dean would perform for them, but to believe in God's power of transforming lives for the better!

by Christina Alejandro, volunteer

*If you would like to visit the He Cares village, simply contact us for directions and/or schedules of trips.

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