Something I said I would never do but I did

[Jack Peterson]

In all my time in the philippines I have tried hard & succeed until this Morning, that is to give in to aggressive beggars and wanters

 However my heart was turned when I walked the Dog after his lunch. a Little Lad (about 7 or 8) was sat outside his house crying his eyes out, Now I have seen this lad growing up since I have been here in this House full time, ( about 4+ years now) so it is not as if I do not know him or the family. I know how some of the Locals get offended at times but on this one I was given to a little shame. I asked what's up Din Din? I can't go to school today, OH! why not, I don't have a notebook he replied. The Mother came out and said oh don't bother sir with our problems, it's Ok I said I don't mind listening she smiled and  she said that the money was late from her Husband (he works in Cebu) and that is why he has no Book, I have to feed them all first, so I asked what book is it, OH! number 3 double lined OK, off I go to the sori sori and get him the Note book and 2 kilo of rice for mama. So Din Din, go to school this PM and learn plenty.

The Mother was so grateful that she was near to tears, as I said it is not the thing I do as a rule but the Lad wanted to go to school, I am happy to have done it the Lad is over the Moon and the family are fed at least for today, 

 I don't need thanks from them as the smiles on their faces was enough

 That was me & my Pooch not that long ago 

[Richieboy67]

Really good on you Jack! 

I've got the same rule but I did let it slide a couple times. It feels good to help sometimes.

There was a little boy in Manila begging. I didn't give him money but I gave him some food and he was so happy to eat. He dug in right away.

I don't mind bending the rule for kids sometimes..

Edited December 5, 2017 by Richieboy67
Edit

[manofthecoldland]

Small acts of kindness are all that allow people to survive in many low level economic situations. The life altering leverage of small amounts can have out sized effects. That's what i look for when it comes to local acts of charity. As an old man with limited income, I do not contribute to organized charities for a large variety of reasons (high overhead and immoral administrative perks and salaries, for instance) and prefer to sniper my small, light weight .223 piso shot where it can be truly effective.

   You hit the target with the boy and mom. Well done !   I like hearing stories like this, instead of how the relatives' business that an ex-pat funded at great expense, failed and caused more harm than help.  

      

[RBM]

Similar situation Jack, here when walking our dog come across a few weather beaten guys pasturing cows. No English but always smile.

My partner made up some simple bags of small treats, mostly few chocolate bars and a can of drink. To see the faces upon receiving same is priceless.

 

 

[Jeff R Us]

"What goes around comes around" is a Universal Law. I have throughout my life, especially in my later years, found that when I give at some point I receive much more than I gave. I am no longer motivated to make money. "Been there, done that". Like many of you the smiles and gratitude seen in there eyes is what really motivates me to give. Feels so warm and fuzzy!

[mogo51]

7 hours ago, Jack Peterson said:

 I don't need thanks from them as the smiles on their faces was enough

Nice story Jack, well done

[Kuya John]

You big softy Jack, now I really do believe in Santa Claus.

Kindness always brings it's own rewards well done mate.

Edited December 5, 2017 by Kuya John

[Snowy79]

There are a lot of kind and generous Ex Pats where I live. Not a day goes by without seeing some kind gentleman giving some poor girl who obviously can't afford many clothes money and a warm bed for the night. 

[canadamale]

16 minutes ago, Snowy79 said:

There are a lot of kind and generous Ex Pats where I live. Not a day goes by without seeing some kind gentleman giving some poor girl who obviously can't afford many clothes money and a warm bed for the night. 

And here I was thinking it was these nice, scantily dressed young ladies GIVING these poor lonely kind gentleman a warm body to lay there tired, creaky bones next too. 

[bows00]

I love this time of the year... Merry Christmas to you Mr. Peterson!