Fairs are supposed to be fun, lively and energetic.  This year, the fair I went to was somehow different but definitely one of the best fairs I have ever come to visit and experience.

       I volunteered as one of the group facilitators for a group of Aetas from the Katutubo Village in Pampanga.  This was the first time I’ve joined and I honestly did not know what to expect.  When they arrived, they looked tired from their long journey.  We had them use the washrooms to freshen up and as soon as the orientation began their faces began to light up. 

         The first activity was the Sunday Mass.  I got worried when I couldn’t find one of the kids in my group.  After straining my neck to look back and forth, I saw her on the lap of an elderly priest, Fr. Mena.  It was a touching sight.  From that point on, I knew that this day would be special to me, special in a meaningful way.

          After the mass, we proceeded as planned.  The kids enjoyed the activities prepared for them.  They loved the puppet show, were thrilled with the games and prizes and were very happy to go on the rides.  They actively participated in the group games prepared for them.

         As the day wore on, I got to know my group better.  They were very polite and respectful.  I was surprised at how easy it was to lead them considering the fact that I couldn’t speak their dialect.  I was pleased to see that the simplest of things and tokens made them very happy.  They were very appreciative and thankful.

          Funny how an experience like this can make a person think and reflect.  A day spent with these kids made me realize just how lucky we all are.  I am lucky to have so many blessings in my life.  They, on the other hand, are lucky to have the contentment many people, including myself, long to have.  We all have our own blessings and trials. What’s important is how we perceive these things and how we let them affect us. It is a matter of looking at life situations in a different light, a light that hopefully leads us to happiness and gives us inner peace.

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