Arnel's Gift

Do you ever wonder when you read about celebrities that are involved with charities? I'm sure that some of them are good hearted and generous, and are trying to make things better for others in their own ways. But sometimes I think that, for some of them, its a matter of publicity and image. The media tends to make heroes out of people who make high profile gifts - even if their charitable giving is only a small percent of their income.

Here's a story that will warm the heart of even the most diehard cynic! We have started a yearly program of collecting money at our school at Christmas time to be given to a poor family in the community. Our kids are given allowances during the year that they can use to go shopping. Some spend everything when they get it, while others save until they can get a large enough amount to buy a toy, music or clothes. Arnel is a nine year-old boy who has been with us for two and a half years. Before coming to CSC he lived on the streets, both in Manila and Cebu. His life was extremely difficult, and for the last few months, he lived near the jail where his father was incarcerated. In spite of those experiences, Arnel is a happy, thoughtful and big hearted kid who cares about others. He is able to think reflectively about his past, and has extended forgiveness to his relatives who let him down.

Arnel had saved a pretty good amount of money in his account. When the collection project was announced at school, Arnel inquired from Auntie Sandy about his balance. When told that he had more than 1200 Pesos (a pretty nice amount for a CSC kid! - almost $30), he didn't hesitate for a moment. He said he wanted to give the whole amount to the poor family!

I suppose all of us can let our life's experiences lead us in different directions. Some might feel that their purpose in life is to overcome the difficulties and difficiencies that they experienced - to grab for whatever they can. I am sometimes surprised at the materialism of former CSC kids who are quick to tell me about their cars, i-pods and other possessions, when I would prefer to hear about their progress in school, their families and their relationship to God and their service of Him.

Arnel is on a good path. He remembers his past and all the negative experiences he had. He recalls hard times like not having enough food to eat, and the helplessness of living on the streets. And he wants to help alleviate that suffering for other kids like himself, kids who didn't have the experience of being rescued by CSC and given a second chance at health, education and family life. I hope that he can continue to enjoy the blessings of life, even as he remembers where he came from and what the challenges of life are like for others.