This season of Christmas we are always asked, "what do you want?" Similarly a Christmas wishlist is requested from you so as to make your secret santa's life easier when he/she scouts for the perfect gift. We would most likely reply with objects that are superficial - like clothes to wear, shoes, toys and gift certificates. These objects wrapped in glittering paper would already be enough to make us happy, others would even want more.
But in the inner parts of Negros Oriental, the people want something different this Christmas. These are the people whose homes were destroyed by typhoons Sendong and Queenie; people who have withstood strong rain and heavy floods. As of the moment they do not have anything to step on except for the earth that soil their feet. Their roofs are tents which steam off hot air whenever the sun becomes too hot. When the rainy season comes again, they pack their belongings and run off to the furthest side away from the river just to save their lives like what they did years back. They are not quite sure where to go or when to wait, they only want one simple gift this Christmas.
They do not care about the fancy glitter paper or the gift in the box. Just as simple and as honest as they could be, they need shelter. Residents of Negros Oriental who have been affected by the typhoon need a home to sleep in where they could enjoy each other's company especially this time of Christmas.
When I paid them a visit earlier this week, all of them were busy trying to build make shift homes. Woods carried away by the current were retrieved from where the water brought them. Nails from these wood pieces were removed and then use them again. Ropes and ties were utilized to make sure their temporary shelter would not trample again, but still this is not enough. The trauma and fear that the typhoon brought them would not go away especially when at this particular month of the year, tropical cyclones visit the country. They are not so sure if their lives will be spared again, they could only pray hard. Faith has brought them through.
I met a certain Elisa, who did not have the guts to speak out because her tears got her first. She narrated of how the typhoon washed away their house and it has been three years ago. The rain taught her to be strong when her mother was frail. It made her a different person. But she could only wish for a decent Christmas under a decent roof. She and sixteen others in their family currently sleep in a rectangular tent with no electricity. Every night, each member is asked to curl their legs just so they would fit in the cramped space of the makeshift home. If this goes on, how will they continue to live their lives?
Many of us have homes that we live in, although the inside sphere may not be perfect. What is important is we have a place that covers our head with walls that shield us from the cold. It does not matter if it is big or small or where it is located. Never complain that you have less. Be happy about it because others have none.
In this time of Christmas, may we give what is more than what we need. There are others who need blessings more than we do. If we have what is enough, go and give to others who have not seen had a dainty feast for Christmas eve. Stop thinking about what you do not have but focus on what others have not experienced. We are all lucky enough, it is time to share.