Posts Tagged ‘Philippines’
The Least I Could Do
On May 8th Hope For Change had a benefit concert featuring an amazing line up of great musicians. Terrance Motley opened the show, the band 3 performed and Ceili Rain brought the evening to a great close. We were honored to have as guests 3 legendary musicians; Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin and Pete Levin. If you’re a musician or if you’re familiar with music of the last 3 decades, you will know who these guys are. They have played and recorded with the best of the best in the music business and we were blessed to have them participate.
One of the songs performed that night was a song I wrote about an encounter I had with an 8 year old girl dying of AIDS. I have to give credit to my dear friend Bob Halligan, Jr who, as the founder of Ceili Rain, also performed at the benefit. Bob helped me through the songwriting process to help me tell the story. So, here’s the story….One evening my wife Vanessa and I went to visit a patient in an HIV-AIDS ward. As we entered the reception area I immediately noticed a young, frail and obviously ill little girl. I was initially taken back by her appearance. She was visibily dying of AIDS. She had the open sores that afflict so many of the patients. I have to confess that my first reaction was to try an avoid her. When she saw me she came right over to me and followed me wherever I went. I finally asked someone about her. They called her Girlie, which is a popular nickname in the Philippines, but they didn’t really know her name, she had been dropped at their doorstep. For whatever reason, fear, shame or both, her family wanted nothing to do with her. She spent her days on a temporary bed in the reception area, they didn’t have a room for her. No one came to visit her. All this little girl wanted was to be held, she needed human touch, love and compassion. So, there I was trying to avoid this beautiful little girl who had no one and just wanted to be held. My insides were screaming, “who needs love more than anyone in this place”, I knew the answer. I decided I would hold her. To this day I can remember how hot with fever she was. She just laid there in my arms the entire time. When it was time to leave I hugged her good-bye with so many emotions churning inside. Two weeks later I learned that Girlie died. I cried when I got that news, but I was so thankful for her because she taught me so much in that one short visit. I really learned that there is a difference between having pity and having compassion. We all can pity a person or situation, but compassion moves us to action. I couldn’t heal her of her disease, I couldn’t do much of anything….except for what she wanted….to hold her….and that was the least I could do for her. Please watch the video of the song.The Least I Could Do
Some pics from H4C Benefit Concert
Here are some pictures of the musicians, H4C Directors, and volunteers who made the H4C Benefit Concert a night to remember. We’ll write more soon… Until then ~ huge thanks to all who came and gave to the cause!
Another Goodbye
Today on my final day here in the Philippines I will spend it as I usually do on my last day and try to say goodbye to everyone. This is always the most difficult part of traveling…..mahirap talaga! Not only am I saying goodbye to friends I’ve had for the last 20 years, but each time I come there are new friends and relationships that have been established. The good news is I know I will be coming back. I have had people say to me, “I could never do what you do, I couldn’t go there”. I know that’s true for a lot of people. The fact is, it is difficult here, especially for us in the west. The weather, food, culture……so much is different. I have faced some situations here and thought to myself that I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’ve seen the pain and suffering that poverty brings, but there is a grace that goes beyond ourselves when we reach out to others. My life has been so enriched from traveling here. I have received much more than I will ever be able to give. The love and hospitality shown to me here can never be measured. That’s why I will continue to come here as long as I am able, to me what I give is so little compared to what I receive. Can I challenge you to join us in bringing hope AND change to those in need……
MABUHAY NG PILIPINAS
AKO AY BUMALIK SA LALONG MADALING PANAHON!
So Many Dynamics
Because I have spent so much time here in Balut, Tondo Manila over the last 20 years, these past couple of days I have been trying to pay attention to the different dynamics that come into play on a daily basis. This place is non-stop in activities, emotions, struggles, sorrows and laughter. I am able to experience the worst of situations in one place and in the next hour be laughing and enjoying close friendships. Yesterday I had the joyful experience of video taping some of the sponsored college students who will be graduating this year. They shared their experiences and struggles, real stories of success in the midst of great hardship. Then today I was at the garbage dump helping feed almost 100 children living in the dump. For some it’s the only meal they will receive today. They laughed and sang as they ate. Just a few yards away sat a family in front of a coffin holding their 14 year old son who died inside a garbage truck while trying to get a head start on the scavenging, not realizing the compactor was on. They don’t have enough money to bury him yet so they are trying to raise the money…dynamics! Sometimes I feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. But listening to those college students talk about how excited they are for their future I know that doing nothing is never an option and I will gladly accept the tears to be able to share in the joy and laughter.
When You’ve Lost Everything
A few days ago we went to the Taytay region of Manila to deliver relief goods to people who suffered during the major flooding from the multiple typhoons that hit the Philippines a few months ago. Believe it or not there are still some areas that are flooded even now. I was asked to be the one to present the items and share a few words of encouragement. I have to say I struggled with what to say to these people who had lost everything. What could I possibly say to them? I have a nice house in upstate NY, I drive a nice car that works and I have food in my refrigerator. I was honest with them about that, but I was able to tell them that back in the States we saw their plight on the news everyday. I wanted them to know that they were not alone in their suffering. Even though we could not relate to their loss, we could come and try to help ease their burden. It was a joy to watch them receive the items, that to us in the west may seem so minimal but to them is a huge blessing. Just 24 hours later we would hear of the devestating earthquake in Haiti. Here in this nation of the Philippines where they are no stranger to major tragedies, they were trying to find ways to help the people of Haiti. The hearts of people all over the world are hurting for the suffering Haitians. May we who have so much, do whatever we can to reach out and help those who have lost everything.