One year ago, we shared the beautiful work being done by BodyTalk Outreach worker Gemma Bunag and her husband Dolps. During the pandemic, they started inviting out-of-school children to their farm in the rural area of Nueva Ecija, Phillipines to gather, play, learn and practice BodyTalk Access. The group of children attending grew quickly. In grateful exchange for Gemma and Dolps time, love and effort, the children repaid them with food from their family farms and gardens.

Last year's story

Well, it's been a year, and this regular gathering still bears many fruit. Gemma, Dolps, kids and families recently celebrated one year of BodyTalk Outreach with a special party. Here is their ongoing story submitted by Outreach supporter and our special liaison with the Philippines Marilen Abesamis:

What a day it was! Gemma and Dolps were greeted by 20 children and four adults in the interior farmlands in Nueva Ecija, north of Manila, Philippines.

There was dancing and poetry reading. Cayle (in red on the right) prepared a special dance, which was video recorded so his mother could see him. His mother works in the Middle East and hasn't seen him for two years.

The children put up balloons and posters. They wrote letters of appreciation to their healthcare Outreachers, Gemma and Dolps. Eight children could not come because of the heavy rains, but the feasting went on just the same.

Joanna was the first to volunteer to demo the whole BodyTalk Access routine. She said the habit of daily BodyTalk Access practice has boosted her self-confidence to no end.

Gemma and Dolps also received a handwritten note saying, "Please don't tire of teaching us self-care. Thank you for all you do for us!"

The children overcame their shyness and performed the numbers they prepared for the party twice, and, in some cases, thrice! It was an incredible day of fun, capped by a merienda (light meal) of chicken macaroni soup donated by Jessa, a parent who lent her house for the occasion.

Thank you, Gemma and Dolps, for this amazing work, which will impact these children and their families for the rest of their lives.