In July, as our STEPS teachers were looking for a host and place for our modular classes, they met Myrna from Bolod in Panglao, Bohol. In her rental home, she offered our teachers a place under a big Mango tree with a “lantay” (big bench) where they could give classes to the STEPS students. The teachers gladly accepted.
During their classes, Myrna was always very active, helping and working with our teachers. One day, the teachers were wondering why Myrna was not around while they were teaching. By the time they finished their class, they saw Myrna coming home with her son. The teachers asked her what happened and why she did not bring her son to the class. She was crying as she told them that they needed to leave home they were renting, since they hadn't been able to pay the rent, and the motorbike, which her husband used for “habal-habal” (motorbike taxi), was taken by the motor company since they weren’t able to pay the monthly installment. On top of it, their eight months old baby was sick.(To backtrack a little, both Myrna and her husband had been employed previously in tourist establishments, but since the pandemic, they hadn't been able to find work, and were forced to live hand to mouth. Sad to say, we hear that often, and we see poverty spreading throughout the province.)
When hearing about Myrna and her family's plight, we brought them food groceries a few week's worth. One of the STEPS parents offered them a free place to stay. It’s a tiny Nipa house, old and broken, but nevertheless, a roof over their head. Because of some generous donors from abroad, we were able to help them with materials to fix the house. Look! It is now in good structure and safe for Myrna’s family to stay. "LESS HOUSE, MORE HOME."
During their classes, Myrna was always very active, helping and working with our teachers. One day, the teachers were wondering why Myrna was not around while they were teaching. By the time they finished their class, they saw Myrna coming home with her son. The teachers asked her what happened and why she did not bring her son to the class. She was crying as she told them that they needed to leave home they were renting, since they hadn't been able to pay the rent, and the motorbike, which her husband used for “habal-habal” (motorbike taxi), was taken by the motor company since they weren’t able to pay the monthly installment. On top of it, their eight months old baby was sick.(To backtrack a little, both Myrna and her husband had been employed previously in tourist establishments, but since the pandemic, they hadn't been able to find work, and were forced to live hand to mouth. Sad to say, we hear that often, and we see poverty spreading throughout the province.)
When hearing about Myrna and her family's plight, we brought them food groceries a few week's worth. One of the STEPS parents offered them a free place to stay. It’s a tiny Nipa house, old and broken, but nevertheless, a roof over their head. Because of some generous donors from abroad, we were able to help them with materials to fix the house. Look! It is now in good structure and safe for Myrna’s family to stay. "LESS HOUSE, MORE HOME."
MYRNA'S UPDATE
9/23/2021
We have wonderful news to share about Myrna and her family. Myrna has been blessed by the Lord in many ways. She feels very fortunate because a STEPS parent has offered her a place where they can live freely. Analuna's family took Myrna in like one of their sisters. They offered to do her laundry and any household chores that needed to be done, and in return they gave her food, baby supplies, and anything else that helped her cope with everyday life. At one point, she burst into tears because she could not explain how great the Lord is in her life, that her family is not alone here on Bohol, but has an extended family to lean on. She said, "Even though I am not related by blood, somewhere in their hearts I can feel the space of their love and care for my family.
Recently, Myrna received a call from her boss informing her that she and her husband can already go back to work at a certain resort in Panglao where they do cleaning and maintenance work. She is very happy that her boss called her. It's really a great opportunity for them to secure their jobs again, and they can now slowly make a living. When Mryna talked to her boss about her situation, he gave her a budget for electricity. Finally, their little house is now brightly lit. Myrna told us, "I am very grateful to all the people I have met who have helped me carry our struggles. I thank the Lord for them, because without them I can't even imagine how we could do it, and I hope that one day I can also help them and others in some way.
Recently, Myrna received a call from her boss informing her that she and her husband can already go back to work at a certain resort in Panglao where they do cleaning and maintenance work. She is very happy that her boss called her. It's really a great opportunity for them to secure their jobs again, and they can now slowly make a living. When Mryna talked to her boss about her situation, he gave her a budget for electricity. Finally, their little house is now brightly lit. Myrna told us, "I am very grateful to all the people I have met who have helped me carry our struggles. I thank the Lord for them, because without them I can't even imagine how we could do it, and I hope that one day I can also help them and others in some way.