Everything in our lives ebbs and flows. Unfortunately, there are some times when I need to look for inspiration. I look for this inspiration things get hairy scary, and when feeling like I’m failing…
I’m not going to say I have been going through the past couple of weeks without any inspiration AT ALL.
But, I have been dragging.
I have been tired.
Sometimes, discouraged.
And maybe even pausing every now and then to wonder what all the madness and BUSY-ness is for…
It is during these times, that I know I need to turn to God for more guidance.
I do this by making sure I attend worship services with the kids. It’s been such a blessing to be able to concentrate on spending time with my kids (and Nino, of course) on the weekends because somehow my schedule has permitted me to rest and relax and recharge during the weekends.
This is exactly what I need to be able to keep up the part of the BUSY-ness that goes on during the week.
On top of all of this stuff, I have a friend whose momma just had a massive stroke.
I didn’t ask permission to share her story, so I will just say that she had to drop her life back home and make sure everyone was going to be ok while she came back to Manila to take care of her mom. She is still in the hospital, and I hope you won’t mind including my friend, her momma, and their whole family in your prayers.
When someone gets sick. Or when someone passes, (Is there a reason this usually happens in threes?) it’s like a BIG flashing reminder for us to be grateful for each and every blessing He bestows upon us.
BIG.
and
SMALL.
These gifts can also inspire us to live a more gratitude filled life.
Which leads me to what I wanted to share with all of you today.
On Saturday, I was able to attend our Best Buddies DLSZ Halloween Party. And if I was kinda tired when I arrived, I was energized and full of inspiration and LOVE when I left.
Best Buddies DLSZ has been consistently impressing me with their level of dedication and their commitment to furthering inclusion through friendship. I have seen their core (many of whom have been with the club since it started in their school) grow in their desire to make each monthly event that they host better than the one before.
The students’ dedication is largely due to the inspiration and guidance that comes from their faculty advisors. Ms. Lyka, Ms. Anna, Ms. Marianne, and Ms. Mau.
In each of the schools where we have Best Buddies chapters, we ask the teachers to show the kids how to mount events, but we eventually, want the kids to run the clubs by themselves. We want them to take charge, to find ways to mount the events without having to ask our Buddies to pay for very much, AND we want each event to be meaningful and FUN for everyone in involved.
This event was well planned from beginning to end. The students even planned for a snack making activity where they used chocolate chips and bananas sponsored by Dole Fresh for a cute Halloween Ghost Making activity.
When the chapters have gone on to plant these seeds within the students’ hearts, the outcome looks something like this:
Even the Buddies who were BEST in costume went home with fun prizes!
You will have well thought out and planned events where the kids enjoy each other’s company.
You will see the kids’ friendships deepening, and their connections and ways that they relate to one another will be even more enriched.
You will see the students tap into different circles and look for sponsorship within the community. By tapping bigger companies, the students are all letting these companies know that all kids should be counted, and they are letting these companies know about what we do outside of the friendship program to further inclusion.
The team for this event even thought about sending everyone home with loot bags.
You will see the thoughtfulness that goes into putting together an event like this, and if you are a softie like me, you will go home with your heart really full.
These SMILES. I just can’t.
Great job guys. I am so happy to see your growth as a chapter. I am happy to see you tapping different members of the community to bring awareness to our mission and to make sure each of your events are fun and everyone has a snack.
My heart is full.
Now I get to spend some time with my family and fill my cup in another way.
Happy Weekend Y’all!!
Would you guys like to come to our Halloween Party at the end of the month?
Check out our FB page for more information and please DM me if you would like to help out, volunteer, or even donate.
https://www.facebook.com/BestBuddiesPhilippinesManila/
https://www.instagram.com/bestbuddiesphilippines/
https://www.instagram.com/bestbuddiesdlsz/
THANK YOU DOLE FRESH FOR SUPPORTING THE STUDENTS IN THEIR EFFORTS!