Written By Tini Castillo, Volunteer Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
For Jennelyn Gamus, life has been a series of unfortunate events and tragedies. At 23, she is a widow with three children. Her husband committed suicide after a drinking binge in May of this year. Her mother died when she was 11 years old, and as such, she was raised by her father Wilfredo, and her step-mother Malou along with five siblings. Adding to her distress is a brother who has been missing since December of last year.
For a young jobless widow with three young children to raise by herself, the future seems bleak. On top of her grief from the
tragic loss of her husband, she is a desperate mother who longs to provide for her very young children, Jamaica 5, John Mark 3 and Mikaela 2 months old. While she has every desire to get a job for her family, and her step-mother a willing caregiver for her children, she is hindered by one sad fact—she has no birth certificate. Having no proof of identity, landing a decent paying job seems impossible. Her worries are compounded, as her eldest daughter will be going to school soon, and like her, still has no birth certificate. This leaves her very anxious and quite dispirited. Though she has plans on working as a saleslady in Divisoria, nothing is guaranteed. For now, the family depends mainly on her father’s income as a construction worker in Manila. She tries to augment it by selling scrap and used bottles. 
With the children being sick with fever and cough for more than a week, her worry increased knowing that the household income will not be sufficient to cover their daily needs should medical expenses arise. Fortunately, Operation Blessing’s Medical Mission in their town in General Trias, Cavite came at the most opportune time. Relief and gratitude was evident in her as all three children were given free consultation, medicines and diapers.
Through all the trials that life threw at her, Jennelyn continues to show resilience amidst hardship. “Mahirap mag-move on pero kailangang kayanin kasi maliliit pa po sila.” (It is difficult but my children are still small so I have to move on, it has to be done.) Despite her frail body and weary eyes, one can tell she is dauntless—a picture of determination and persistence. Seeing how engrossed and encouraged her children are in watching stories of hope and victory in the Lord through Superbook, Jennelyn fights and continues to dream and envision a better life for them. The hope she has is clearly drawn from God through her children.
If you are moved to help Jennelyn and her family, you may call us at 477 7802 to 04 and 06 or visit http://staging2.obphil.com/home to learn how.
Together, let us inspire change.
