Traits of HOJ Children

Ever since I came here in the House of Joy, I have appreciated some positive Filipino traits that the HOJ children have established in themselves and I know, that when they go out of this foundation, they will carry it wherever they go...

Respect for elders. HOJ children never fails to put their elder’s hand to their forehead every time they came from school, when elders arrive, or every after church mass as sign of their respect. Saying “po” & “opo” when talking to an older person is also observe to them which only means that they have learned to be polite as they stay in the House of Joy.

Responsibility. Children will wake up early in the morning to clean the HOJ premises, from their rooms to their area outside. Sweeping, watering the plants, weeding, scrubbing, washing their own plates, clothes, folding their clothes and putting it on their respective cabinets.

Asking for forgiveness. Recently, Jerica cried while saying Jeremy bit her arm. There was really a mark of his teeth on Jerica’s arm. When I came to ask why, Jeremy approached Jerica saying “Sorry, ate.”, several times, without being told to do so. Jeremy’s eyes were so apologetic and he was touching Jerica with an intent to ease the pain of his bite. This only means that even a 2 year old boy has learned the value of asking forgiveness after making a mistake.

Praying the rosary. Even the younger children of HOJ has already memorized the rosary. They have learned how to lead praying and it is very heartwarming when you would listen to them and as they say intentions, they would mention all the people who have helped them and the people of HOJ to be always okay.

Debt of Gratitude. Yesterday, children visited their Nanay Goring who is currently suffering from a mild stroke. They took Nanay’s hand to their forehead as their sign of respect. They were there because for more than ten years that Nanay Goring served the House of Joy and the children themselves, Nanay Goring deserves to be shown concern. Nanay Goring was a disciplinarian to them but they knew very well that Nanay cares for them by cooking their food and ensuring that the vegetables they eat were cleaned as well as tidying the kitchen before and after cooking.