Last Friday, February 2,2007, the CWTS or the Civil Welfare and Training Service went to the "Gasa sa Gugma". It is a place where the people, like the elders, were left by their loved onesand had nowhere to go. This place was located in Mabolo. We brought some food and a presentation for them. When we reached the place, we found it very clean and quiet. There were many trees which made the place cool and refreshing. I saw a board that says,"No Cameras Allowed". When we walked through the corridor, we saw their wards. There were old womeninside the wards. The workers were very busy taking the elders outside, because there would be a mass. So, our team helped them by guiding the elders to the chapel. Some of us chatted with them, while others just prepared the food. I was having a conversation with them. While we were chatting, I noticed a woman(not as old as her wardmates, her age around 40's) who doesn't talk. I could see in her eyes the loneliness and sadness. I tried to have a conversation with her. Suddenly, she asked for a paper. Of course, I gave her a paper. She wrote something on it, and gave it back to me. It said,"ang mga workers diri mangaway tudluan tika ug si kinsa".I was shocked because some of the workers there were maltreating their patients. Then, she pointed her finger to a woman with white shirt. She warned me not to tell the secret. That time, I was like a candle that melted because of her revelation. I was thinking why were the elders, who were very weak and only need is love and comfort, treated so badly by them? They were scolded by them even if it was not their mistake, or if it was, it was unintentioned. That time, i realizedthat the elders were also like us. They have feelings too. They were hurt when somebody hurt them, and happy when the one they loved made them feel special.
When it was time to go, I went to her and told her that she should take care of herself. I told her that we have to go. While telling her that phrase, I almost cried in front of her. I couldn't help myself. But I manage not to cry. I left her with memories we have shared, even in a short span of time. I left the place with a haevy heart.
When it was time to go, I went to her and told her that she should take care of herself. I told her that we have to go. While telling her that phrase, I almost cried in front of her. I couldn't help myself. But I manage not to cry. I left her with memories we have shared, even in a short span of time. I left the place with a haevy heart.
