A Reflection on my Home Visit

Two days ago, I visited the family of a certain girl in Bulacan. Her name was Rosalie Cabigting, Saleh as I fondly call her. When I told her that I will visit her family, and that I will personally go to their house, she was excited, niyakap niya ako sa sobrang katuwaan. She started telling me different stories about her family; she also said that her parents will be glad to know me.

After a while, she sadly told me, “ Pas (the name they fondly call me), pasensiya ka na sa madadatnan mo sa amin ha.” While scratching her head as if it was so itchy.

“Kasi maliit lang bahay namin e. Saka, wala kaming pang-meryenda sa ‘yo.” (We don’t have anything to offer in our house, its very small) She added apologetically.

I smiled and assured her, “Don’t worry, maliit lang din bahay namin. Kaya sanay na ako.” (Don’t worry Im used to it, our house is also small) Trying to assure her. “ Saka ang taba ko na, di ko na kailangan ang meryenda, hehehe.”

“Yes!!! Sabi ko na cowboy ka din Pas eh!” she exclaimed while grabbing my arms.

Few days after that, I just found myself talking to Saleh’s mother. She was very accommodating and hospitable. Her father was not around because of work. My friend and I were surprised to see how many sisters and brothers Saleh have. They are all twelve and her mother is also pregnant. Most of her siblings were malnourished. Yes, their house were very small. The kitchen and receiving area plus the sleeping area are just one place.

Her mother cracking a joke said, their house is “All in One po ang bahay namin, Pas. Pasensya na kayo!”. (I apologize for our house its very small)

I smiled and tap her in the shoulder. “Buti nga kayo may bahay, may iba sa kalye lang natutulog” (You’re much better, a lot of families are living on the street)

I looked around, I saw the children outside the house shouting and playing. As I looked to the children the thoughts played on my mind, apparently, the food in the table are not sufficient. The fruits and bread that we brought for the family quickly disappeared.

“Pinag-agawan na naman ng mga batang to! Hay naku! Pasensiya na kayo sir ha, hindi maawat eh.” (My apology for the behavior of my children, they took all the snacks you brought) the mother said apologetically.

“ No problem po! Sa kanila naman talaga yan eh.” ( Don’t worry, it belongs to them, anyway) I assured her.

We talked outside the house since the house were too small to accommodate us, while waiting for the father to come home.

Later that day, the father arrived from work. All the children run to him asking for money and “pasalubong”. But the father angrily shouted and told them to shut up. We were introduced to him. We chat for a while and he offered a coffee which we declined since we knew they have none. Afterwards, they both told us the story of their family. The mother is a full time housewife, taking care of the children while the father were just earning P150.00 a day as helper in a big house nearby. I saw him puffing cigarettes. I’m sure he also drinks by way he tells the stories. Her wife suspected he also takes illegal drugs. I wonder how they can make both ends meet on the meager amount he is earning.

Since they cannot feed their children, they send the others for adoption. Saleh told me where her other brothers are. Although she wanted them to live together, unfortunately, her parents cannot afford it. The neighbor secretly told us that two of the boys were sold to some affluent families, and is now living abroad.

My heart almost break when I saw the youngest child, very thin. “Super malnourished”, my friend whispered. All of the children never went to school.

The father said, “ Yung ibabayad sa eskwela e, ikain na lang.” (Instead of payment for the school, can be spent to their food)

As a matter of fact, Saleh never ever stepped into school. The first time I met her, she doesn’t know how to read nor write. Sometimes, if I talked to her, she would always say,

“Pas, ano sa tagalog yung sabi ni ate?” And many other easy questions which obviously due to lack of education.

We talked for more than two hours. I didn’t notice the time slipped away. I have enjoyed chatting with the couple. Most of the time we laugh at the jokes of the father. Seemingly, they are not troubled by their situation. Buti pa sila parang di namomroblema.

I wished I’m rich, so I can send the sick children to hospital and bring them to school. I
wished I have money, so I can buy food for their table. All wishes. I don’t know if I will blame the couple for not planning how many kids they need to have. Do I have to blame the government for not doing anything to help Saleh’s family. Or blame myself for exaggerating their problems that they are not even troubled by it. Now, I am leaving it to God who controls everything in this world. That includes the future of this family. Nevertheless, I know I need to do something to help them.

Before the day ends, I said a prayer for the family. They were all thankful for our visit. On my way home, I felt sad for what I have witnessed on Saleh’s family. I grew up poor, I still live in an urban poor area and as I reflected on what I witnessed today, I realized the blessings of God on me. But I can’t imagine how a family like them live in such condition.

Ahh! I will just pray for them, and try to help Saleh.

Please include us in your prayers!