Faith.Hope.Love

2. More Than Fairy Tales

 As Gabriel and I passed through the pathway of the center, I couldn't help but notice the vacant lot beside the basketball court where the children play in the afternoon. I remember when Ma'am Carmen shared to me about their plans of constructing a new home for the boys in that area. It would not be a huge building but just spacious enough to accommodate the kids. The center wanted to have comfortable rooms for the children so they can move well. There would also be a mini-study room, prayer room, and activity area. These children are for long-term placement in the center.

For months, my friends helped me in brainstorming, writing and revising the book proposal. They even found a publishing company where we can propose the book. And if they like the book, they would print it for free. They offered this upon knowing that this project was for raising additional fund for the children of Today's Hope.

In a moment, we'll know if the publishing company will accept this or not. Ma'am Carmen hugged me as I entered the receiving area, which also serves as the living room of the children. The dining table and chairs were neatly arranged making the place ready for the meeting. Refreshments were being readied as well.

"We are so excited for this Faith. Thank you." Ma'am Carmen uttered.

"Thank you also Ma'am Carmen for allowing us to help in our little way. We can do this... all for the children." I said with so much enthusiasm and hope.

"I'm happy to see you, too Gabriel. I'm really glad you came," said Ma'am Carmen as she tapped Gabriel's shoulder.

Gabriel helped Teacher Angelo in setting up the projector while I was bringing out the folders containing the proposal. After fifteen minutes, the representatives of AGM Publishing Company arrived.

"Welcome to Today's Hope." Ma'am Carmen said as she shook hands with Ms. Mitch Rosario, the Marketing Officer and Mr. Joseph Reyes, the Head of the Publication Department.

"Please come in. Let me introduce to you Faith Perez, she's one of our volunteers here. She's our presenter for this special project." Ma'am Carmen acquainted us.

"Finally, we met Faith. I heard so much about you. And I'm excited to do this partnership," said Ms. Mitch. She held out her hands. And as I reached for hers, I noticed that she threw a glimpse to Gabriel. She was a bit surprised but seemed pleased to see him.

"This is Gabriel. He's also one of our dedicated volunteers. He teaches the kids." Ma'am Carmen told Ms. Mitch.

Gabriel didn't tell me that he volunteered here. I suddenly realized the reason why the kids were so excited to see him.
In a while, we started the presentation. Teacher Angelo started with a prayer and Ma'am Carmen presented the humble beginning of Today's Hope. Then it was my turn to present our proposal. My hands were really cold. Before I stand, Gabriel gently squeezed my hands as if assuring me that everything will be just fine. However, it made me feel more nervous.

The working title of the book is "More than Fairy Tales". It's about the dreams of the children foretold in fairy tales. It aims to impart hope for a better future. Both young and old can relate to this because we believe that at some point of one's life, he or she believes in fairy tales. Children of Today's Hope will also contribute stories and artworks for this book. I didn't notice that I was about to finish the presentation. I was not sure if I delivered it well. They were listening attentively. The serious look on their faces wanted me to end the presentation quickly. I was right, the presence of Gabriel added more pressure on me.

"More than fairy tales in the book that we are presenting, the dreams of the children of Today's Hope will come into reality. This special project would inspire them to reach those dreams." My voice revealed my emotions as it slightly cracked as I closed the presentation.

"That was a good proposal Faith. Congratulations! Sir Joseph, do you have something to say?" Ms. Mitch turned to Sir Joseph.

"Well, what can I say? Like what you just said congratulations. I like it very much. So when do we start this project?" Sir Joseph casually said.

I was not sure if I'd look at Ma'am Carmen or Gabriel. But they both stood up and embraced me.

Finally, we made it.