Thank you for visiting HOJ Children!

Daichi and Tatsu giving their farewell messages.  They were teary eyed and thankful for the children for the enjoyment they shared with them.

Falling in line for Kuya Daichi and Kuya Tatsu's baloons.  Simple gifts like this gives so much joy to these children. 

Father Ogie, Tatsu, Daichi, Ms. Hiroko, and Father Kim

Father Ogie and Father Kim danced with the children.

Marites sat with Ate Risa while singing a farewell song for her.

This is Tatsu, Daichi and Risa's first time here in HOJ and all of them cried during the farewell program.  Don't worry guys, you can always come back to visit these children.  You are always welcome here. 

To Father Kim, Father Ogie, Ms. Hiroko, thank you for sharing your talents and participating in their dances.  The children do appreciate and are glad when visitors never hesitate and refuse their invitation to dance and sing with them.

Farewell Prof. Maki, Kuya Yusoke, Ate Haru, Ate Kana and Welcome Ate Risa!!!

Just this morning Prof. Maki, Ate Haru, Kuya Yusoke and Ate Kana left House of Joy to go back to Japan. 

 

Children expressed their happiness with the games prepared by Prof. Maki and Kuya Yusoke and the activities such as bracelet making and message writing.  

 

Ate Kana and Ate Haru were emotional when they said goodbye to the children.  They were here for almost three weeks and have interacted with the children well.

Though the four  have left the House of Joy, children were so thankful for the memories of joy, laughter and lessons they have learned from them.

Thank you Prof. Maki, Kuya Yusoke, Ate HAru and Ate Kana!!!

And, welcome to House of Joy Ate Risa!!!

Games at Urawa and Japanese Day 2

Prof. Maki, Tatsu, Daichi, Haru, Kana, and the children on the elf truck. Just arrived to enjoy the day at Urawa Beach.

Kuya Yusoke and Tatsu versus Jayson and Marton.

Go Rosa! Enjoy Limbo!

Sorry Joan!  You're caught by the guard, Jepril.

Kuya Yusoke and Tatsu were welcomed by the Children.

Ate Aya and Ate Kaori, giving their farewell message to HOJ Children.  They promised to visit House of Joy again.

Japanese Visitors danced with children.

Jeremy dancing the Sorang.

Kuya Daichi and Mitchie

First winner of Bingo!

 

 

Convention Hall was filled with laughter, cheers and excitement on the second part of Japanese Day.

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.

smiles and laughters...

Participation during games is one good attitude of the HOJ children  They would really volunteer to join any activity prepared and would never hesitate to try games new to to them.

                                                       Japanese Day