A DESTITUTE WIDOWER

We met this foreign guy way, way months back in our place of worship called Kingdom Hall. But apparently we lost contact with him because unbeknownst to us his wife was in and out of the hospital. And just very recently we received a news that his dear wife passed away.

We did go to the funeral home, but he was not there. We just left a card for him, to comfort him in the best way we could. Still, he has been in our minds all along.

One day, when my husband was driving along Real Street (in Tacloban City), he saw Kuya Raul, the foreign guy, who is now a widower. But Kuya Raul couldn't remember him. So he introduced himself and viola, it all came back to him.

We learned about his agony all through those times that we have no contact with him, as his wife was struggling to survive. We cried with him as he was telling us the story. But what is more hurting is that his in-laws kicked him out of the house because they are allergic of his new found faith.

He almost couldn't manage to smile.

With no family to go to, he has been homeless and on the streets for weeks. I can't believe it. And Kuya Raul doesn't have fund anymore because of his wife's medical expenses.

My heart was ripped apart hearing his story. And I wouldn't forgive myself if we let him be go back on the streets and something wrong would happen to him. So we asked him, even begged him, to come home with us. And thankfully, after so much reasoning, he accepted our offer.

The next morning, at past 7am, he woke up, and said that he had the best sleep in weeks. We ate breakfast and I'm so glad to see that smile on his face again.

The next thing we did was find some clothes for him so we went to ukay-ukay (thrifty shops) to find some that would fit him. Unfortunately, nothing did! So he's wearing shorts to the Kingdom Hall.

Until now, he's staying with us. But we count it as a privilege to be an instrument of Jehovah to make him feel how much He loves him.

Kuya Raul's faith is exceptionally strong despite the challenges in his life. He wants to keep his integrity to God no matter what.

It has been a roller coaster ride of emotions these past few weeks, I know. But knowing that all these things are temporary, eases the pain.

For sure, in Jehovah's appointed time, everything will be alright.

This is all for now.

Thank you for reading,
Ging