As I was laying out the tables, in anticipation for the arrival of the orang asli kids (OAs), I wondered how they would be like. We had sponsored and entertained kids from an orphanage at the hotel before, and I had no doubt that OAs would not be too different.
However, I was in for a surprise. There were 30 of them, and all of them were bubbly and chatty. As this was their first time stepping into a hotel, they had put on their Sunday best. The organizer, Dr Peggy Wong who is helping to raise funds to feed and educate these preschoolers, told us that ever since they heard that they were going to celebrate Christmas at Grand Kampar Hotel, they were extremely excited and had been asking loads of questions, the most popular being “Is the Big Day happening tomorrow?”
My eyes welled with tears when I heard that these chirpy kids had hardly ever enjoyed a proper meal. They would be lucky to get chicken once a year! In fact, by the surprised look on their faces, I realised that they had not seen nor tasted ice-cream before. Suddenly, I felt that I was actually bringing cheer and hope to these children. Through our small and limited contribution, they could experience love and joy, which in fact should be the spirit of Christmas.
I have been most blessed by these children as they have reminded me how much God has blessed me with and how I should use my gifts to bless others. This Christmas, may we be inspired to think of ways to be a blessing to the less fortunate.
(used with permission from Grand Kampar Hotel)
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