Outdoor cooking and the other side of the coin

When we arrived in Cangumbang yesterday we were greeting with the news that there was no gas for cooking. What seemed like a big challenge for us is normal for the families in Cangumbang. We went upstairs to wash and cut the ingredients while the Nanays downstairs prepared the stove. When we came downstairs the rice was already boiling and the wok was ready for the adobo.

 

 

While Lesley and me were just pretending for the pictures and complaining about the smoke in our eyes, the Nanay did the cooking and showed us how a “real” adobo is prepared (we will definitely have to increase the amount of oil and salt to match the recipe.

 

We spent our “free time” with the kids. Aren’t they adorable?

 

Since we did the cooking outside we thought it was a good idea to have the meal outside, too. We set up tables and chairs and the kids enjoyed their outdoor meal.

The heartbreaking aspect that we did not consider was that all the other kids who are not part of the program saw and watched us. The centre is in a central spot in the village with lots of space for the kids to play around. Many kids spend their afternoons there with their friends or siblings. 37 sponsorkids are part of the program – 120 are not. When it comes to “feeding time” the sponsorkids on the list hold out their plates and receive their meal. Most of the other kids walk away, continue to play and wait for their friends and siblings.

But some of them stay in the centre, at the side or in the corner. After the first batch of kids has received their portions they come closer, look at us with big eyes and open hands. “Give me.” “Give me feeding.” Me, me, me.” We were told that the budget is for the sponsorkids only, that all other kids get an extra meal on the weekends and that we don’t have to worry about it.
Still, it is absolutely heart wrenching – how can you say “No!” to these kids.

 

A million thoughts race through my head…

Portions for the kids need to be big and nutritious – Is it better to make a difference with a few than not reaching anything with many?
It is easy for me to spend a bit more – does it make a difference to “spoil” them for 6 weeks and leave them to themselves after I’m gone?
Only the kids who come and ask have a chance to get an extra meal – what is with all the other kids who we haven’t even seen around the centre?
Sometimes we give second servings or extra meals to kids. Even then some of them come back for more without a “Please” or “Thank you” – can we expect them to be grateful and respectful or is it just our arrogant principles that don’t mean anything when you’re hungry?
All of us volunteers “complain” about too much food in our homestays and how easy it is to gain weight in the Philippines – how come it is only easy for us and not for the kids we feed?

I guess it’s hard to find proper answers but it is a very welcome change of perspective to think about it.