Written By Neyzielle Ronnicque Cadiz, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
She cries because she always feels like she is unwanted since her husband left her and their son five years ago, uncared for because she is always the one who needs to take care of other people, forgotten because she can’t even remember the last time she talked with her siblings, but still grateful because she was blessed with a family in their church to call her own.
Veronica Natividad, 54, became active at Vineyard Christian Full Gospel Ministry (VCFGM) church after her parents died when she was still young. Since then, she found shelter in the church, serving as the cook on Sundays, and even on ordinary days.
Crying, she told an Operation Blessing staff member that she was very afraid for her life, and especially for her child, narrating how deep the flood water was as they were carrying the things they could save from their church. That day, she depended on their pastor for food, as she always does whenever she doesn’t have anything to eat, she said.
Upon arriving at the PFCI covered court, Veronica, along with 874 other affected individuals, obediently followed the flow of the relief effort, falling in line for counselling, then proceeding to the procurement of relief goods, and finally to the medical check-up where her blood pressure was measured and free medicines were distributed.
Not having money to avail of medical treatment, Veronica never returned to the doctor for her high blood pressure maintenance. But with the help of Operation Blessing, she and other affected indviduals in Barangay San Andres, Cainta can now have access to free medicine, in coordination with their pastor at VCFGM.
Indeed, God helps those who help themselves. Veronica went home with a bag full of goods that she said would serve as a week’s supply of lunch for her child in school. She did not stop crying as she shared about her life, but they were tears of joy because she said that she never expected other people to help ease her anxiety about going without food.
Distribution of relief items like mats and blankets, relief food like steamed corn and bananas, story-telling and trauma counselling were also done in different parts of Cainta, Rizal.
The disaster response efforts of Operation Blessing again brought hope and joy to those affected by typhoon Mario, especially the children. Always the first on-site to bring aid and encouragement, Operation Blessing never fails to inspire change.
Because of your your unending support, Operation Blessing is able to reach out to our fellowmen who are in dire need of assistance. To know more about our projects, please call or text: (+632) 477-7802 to 04/ 0920-4975558/ 0922-8036922/ 0917-5812603. Together, we INSPIRE CHANGE!
