Urac and Paito

On August 20th a group of K.I.M. staff meembers from the Malaybalay site and myself traveled 5hrs to the western coast of Mindanao. We traveled to the city of Iligan to pick up two children who are now a part of the K.I.M. family, Urac and Paito. Just when I think I have a grip on things there always seems to be something new.lf traveled 5hrs to the western coast of Mindanao. We traveled to the city of Iligan to pick up two children who are now a part of the K.I.M. family, Urac and Paito. Just when I think I have a grip on things there always seems to be something new.

The staff organized a feeding and presentation to show some of the people in the area what K.I.M. is. Since the children's home has had two children from the area and now four, the staff thought it to be appropriate to show where the children were going. We arrived to the farm which was arrangend to be the site of our presentation. Within minutes the place was packed with Mothers and their children. Donald showed pictures from his laptop as he described K.I.M. in Visayan. Everyone gathered around to catch a glimpse of the computer screen. Shortly after food was served. The spaghetti with meatballs and rice vanished immediately. I was suprised we had enough for everyone, children and mothers included. Everyone seemed to especially enjoy the granola bars for dessert. Kids continued to play for a short time and once the food was finished it was time to leave.


On the way home we stopped with our van full of children, staff, one white guy, and Urac and Paito to eat dinner. Everyone sat and ate happily while puzzled locals tried to sneak glances at our table. I thought Urac and Paito might have a hard time, but to my suprise they seemed to fit-in naturally. Our unusual family laughed and smiled as we ate our rice and barbequed chicken. In between the chicken I wrestled with how a parent can abandon their children, ss was the cse with Urac and Paito. Just that day several mothers approached our staff asking them to take their children...how bad do living conditions have to be for a parent to be willing to give up their child? How do you measure the chance of a better life over seperation of a child from their parent? I looked up at Urac to see him with hands full, cheeks stuffed and smiling. I smiled back...welcome to reality joe.