of faucets and latrines and broken things

by Yas Jayson Tuesday, October 01, 2013 1 palagay stargazing street lessons

When I started working for disaster victims, I thought it is just about providing food, constructing houses, and repairing faucets and latrines. Later on, I realized my faith drove me to uphold the humanitarian imperative that every life is sacred and must be protected.

Soon I realized that behind a newly repaired faucet is a story of dignity. That behind a newly constructed bridge is a story of hope. And in listening to the stories and company of the distress, my own longing for attention becomes insignificant.

I am an instrument, a medium. Like a flute waiting for its musician's breath to give it its meaning, its life, I let my self ready to be used. And I fearfully hope I am a flute like I always want to be.