The happy smiles shared at Reverse Carolling

After postponing Reverse Carolling for a day due to heavy rains, we returned to Salaban, Amadeo to visit more families. Again, we had to squeeze our way past coffee and banana trees to reach the families. This time round, we had to deal with the challenge of the wet and muddy lanes whilst carrying the hampers and our guitar. Despite the slippery paths and muddy shoes, we reached the families that made the inconvenience worth it.

These were the things that made us smile..

We met Maria, a visually impaired woman who lives alone after her mother passed away. Filled with so much joy, Maria sang the Christmas carols with such gusto and was so happy to receive the food hamper. She said that it was her prayer for Christmas.. to have food to eat and soap to wash her clothes. Such were the simple yet basic needs that God met today. Yet as Maria took over our tambourine and started playing with impeccable rhythm, we were the ones who left with hearts filled with joy and gratitude to have met such a lovely person.

Maria receiving a lit candle, the symbol of Jesus, the Light of the world

Maria singing with gusto with our tambourine

And who says you can't share what little that you have? Maria's neighbour was so touched to see us that they insisted that we join them for some local snacks and hot coffee...

enjoying merienda with the family

It is true that love is the thing that you are never too poor to give away. We saw this in practical action as a woman who was supposed to receive the hamper asked if we could go instead to her neighbour's family as they were more in need than her. This came from a woman who was also very much in material need herself and we were touched by her generosity and her love.

The family that received the food hamper instead

And finally a young boy, stunned to receive a Christmas gift this year...

My Christmas gift!

 We continue to give thanks to our generous sponsors who helped to make this event possible. We carry you in our prayers and our hearts as we visit each family.

Please join us in prayer as we continue Reverse Carolling. We are praying especially for good weather as we are experiencing heavy rains these past few days.