We've moved to a new Formation House which sits on the corner of a T-junction. There is a store attached to the house. Every day our scholars gather at the store. There's tutorials, singing and even ballroom dancing. Our store doesn't sell anything but we rent books out. We look like we have very good business and some neighbours wonder what is it we are really selling. Kids? haha
Our scholarship program has grown. Just in Erap alone, we have 15 scholars. When we gather all of them, including their siblings, there are more than 30 kids and teens. So there's always enough people to play Captain's Ball. There's always enough people to sing making us look like a choir. And the spontaneous ballroom dancing make us look like we train these kids to dance. We need to rent at least 2 jeepneys if we head to the parish in town for Mass. I understand why the neighbours' kids hang around too. They see a strong sense of unity, belonging and purpose. They too want to be part of something like this. With the store alive, who wants to hang out on the street or spend hours at the computer shop? Here our kids learn to accept everyone as they are. They learn the meaning of sevant-leadership and they learn to care for one another.
Coming to the formation house this time, I feel that the season has changed. The kids have bloomed. They are growing taller, they are leading confidently and loudly in prayer. They go on service trips and reach out to the elderly too. Most importantly they've got each other's backs. The older ones always look out for the younger ones. And the younger ones look out for the youngest.
As I look at them from my corner seat in the store, I too want to belong. I too want to be a kid growing up in Erap and be one of them. Just being with them for the last 7 days, I truly felt the love of God and I am so proud of each one of them.
acts 29 - A Call to Serve. 29 to continue on the work of the apostles is alive in their hearts.
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