“Portia En Shakespeare” writes us another story from the GSF Village …..

Success and downfalls are probably the most poignant and important ones in our life. We experience them to help us to create who we become. We can really learn even when we have a bad experience. Sometimes we experience someone who hurts us, betrays us, or breaks our heart, however forgive them, for they have helped us learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when we open our heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

This is the story of Jocelyn Villariz Delacruz and is all about loving unconditionally despite the obstacles of life.

Jocelyn Villariz Delacruz was born out of wedlock. Her father had two wives that included her mother and the other woman. They lived in the same roof in the mountainous part of Lemery.  In her young mind she wondered why their family was different to the others in their neighbourhood and as she grew up together with her other sisters and brothers she kept on thinking the same question.

 When she was nine years old she got sick with poliomyelitis that required her to have an operation that left her leg to be physically imbalanced. Both her physical and family condition affected her wellbeing. She never finished her elementary grade and when she was still just a teenager she got married to Noli Dela Cruz and they were blessed with nine children. The couple made a living by what they got from their hard work and they made a life by what they can give to their children. Their married life was full of trials and difficulties but they remained strong and had a real realization that overcoming those obstacles will prove their potential, strength, willpower, and heart.

 One of the big obstacles that hit their family is when Noli had a stroke. However, despite him being paralyzed he found ways to help Jocelyn sustain their family needs. He tried hard to go to their farm to help harvest corn crop. Anybody could shed a tear and feel pity for Noli’s condition yet he never let himself be a family burden. Years have past and still the family keep striving in their living cycle.

However, it was November 8, 2013 when a horrible, painful and unfair Typhoon hit the Philippines. It was Haiyan’s day that stole and devastated their chances, opportunity, property and their life.  Jocelyn’s’ family was drastically affected by the super typhoon. During the typhoon Jocelyn wrapped Noli with plastic to protect him from the cold. She could do nothing but pray to stop Haiyan. Their house was totally destroyed and they had to carry Noli and flee to the evacuation center in their Barangay.

 The typhoon left them with nothing but devastation. Jocelyn’s family tried hard to bring their life back to normality. Years had past when they heard that the Greg Secker Foundation were launching a Build a House Build a Home project in Lemery and that they were helping victims of Haiyan by building then a safe house to live. Jocelyn was very excited to hear so quickly applied. After several interviews her wish was granted, and her family were chosen as one of the beneficiaries. Jocelyn was so happy and thankful for the blessing and opportunity that came to her family.

 According to Jocelyn everything happens for a reason. All the trials that happen are to test the limits of her soul. And for her without these small tests, her life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

 Today Jocelyn’s family are now living happily in the Greg Secker Foundation Village and they are full of hope with the realization that they are now running through towards a brighter future.  

by Portia En Shakespeare