Wander-ful Thoughts

The Christian (2014)

English declamation piece performed last February 2014

"Nothing is yours, Nicole. My husband is mine!"

Ah, the same drama every day. Boring. Click

"Sir, do you think there's a chance that Napoles will eventually speak up?"

Interviewing an ordinary citizen about corruption - will that even help? Click

"For the latest news - Hundreds of families in Tacloban City are still -"

What? It's been three months and Yolanda's still on the news? Isn't there anything new on TV? Click. I'm sick and tired of all of these! You know what, we Filipinos are so boring. Look at those dramas, and news, and shows on TV - all of them about poverty, hatred, revenge, deception. Perhaps that's why God's making us suffer - climate change and all.

Good thing our town wasn't hit by the super typhoon. That's maybe because I go to church every Sunday. I am a true Christian. Fake? How dare you say that? Why? Do you even go to church? I bet you only do during Christmas, or if somebody's sick.

Ok, fine. I go to church not because of Christ but because of Chris. I am a CHRIStian, didn't I say that? Sshh! It's a secret. Don't dare mention it to him.

"As it is stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast."

Ah sermons! - The boring part of the mass. I sleep during the homily. You do too? Oh, you don't have to deny that. I know, I know. Well the best part? It is of course when I hear Chris' voice when he sings - so angelic!

"Mia."

Oh my, it's Chris. It's Chris! He's calling my name. Isn't it amazing?

"Uhm h-h-hi Chris."

"Good to see you again."

"Really? I mean, yeah I attended the mass again. I'm happy when I go to church."

"That's so nice of you."

"Thank you. Hey, what's up?"

"I don't know how to say this but are you free next Saturday?"

Jeeez! He's asking me out?

"Yes. Why?"

"Great! So you can come with us. We'll be visiting the victims of the super typhoon on Saturday, and offer some help. I just thought you'll be interested to go."

"Y-yes, sure!"

For the sake of being with Chris, I went with the church people to the typhoon victims. We brought with us food, school supplies, clothes. I hate charity works. It's boring. People do that to become famous, to let the others know that they helped. Such a show-off!

"Thank you for these. Thank you."

"Oh no, don't thank me. They're not from me. They're from rich people."

But the old woman seemed to not care about what I said. She even held my hand and stared at me with sincere look in her eyes.

"I was so scared my granddaughter can't go to school anymore. We had nothing left. Her parents died and I didn't know what to do. I was hoping and praying that God would help us. Then you came, you were such a blessing. Thank you so much."

She was in tears, and I don't know how but her gaze went through my soul.

"Lola, look! I've got a new bag. Isn't it nice? Come on lola, they're giving food too. Let's go."

I looked at them as they went to the other station. Without knowing it, my tears started to fall. Did she say I am a blessing? But how? I have been so rude all my life. I never cared. All I cared for is myself. I hate all the bad things, but I have been bad. What have I done to help? Nothing! And yet I am spared. That beautiful girl and her grandmother - they don't deserve this.

"My life is boring"? Such a stupid thought! I have my family, my friends, I have a TV to watch at home, I have money to go to school, but look at these people. They don't have anything. All they have is hope - hope that they can get through this mess. This is faith. This makes them Filipinos. This makes them Christians. How about me? Surely a fake one!

"What's wrong, Mia?"

It was Chris. I managed to wipe my tears and smile at him. "Nothing. I'm just happy"

The happiness I felt that day was remarkable. It was the happiest happiness I had. I know I was wrong, but God forgives. By then, I learned to be grateful, to share, to help, to be a true Filipino and a true Christian. I'll do good things and enjoy life, swear to God. :)

By: Maria Danna Sedantes :)