I celebrated my birthday this July. In a world in lockdown and a pandemic in our midst, I thought my day this year was going to be an uneventful one. I thought it would already be a stretch to have the usual small celebration in my home here at the children’s village organized by my housefather. But I was surprised to find out that my co-children’s council members (leaders) and the center supervisor got me a cake and honored me with heartfelt messages.

I expected a meeting and fellowship. Instead, I was showered with love and celebration. I was overjoyed and humbled that day. Grateful for friends cherished as brothers and sisters, center staff valued as real parents. In a troubled world shaken by COVID-19, at least for a moment then, I forgot the scare and loneliness that a dreaded illness could bring.       

Jerome, 18

(This reflection was written by Jerome in Filipino and was later translated and edited to English by a CMSP staff for publication)