Tis The Season

Sorry, I didn't realize it had been that long since I posted, my apologies. I will start by saying that I hope I can truly convey the thoughts and feeling I'll be putting in this post. They really do come straight from my heart. This has been an incredible year and I really want to acknowledge and thank people who made it all possible and truly made a difference in my life.

Probably most appropriate is to start with some of the people who made my trip possible. Actually the trip wouldn't have been possible had it not been for the God's Town presentation, then "gentle" nudging of Linda and Becky. Linda first and foremost for encouraging me to move past simply sending money to sponsor Sebio and actually going and meeting him and all his co-children and the staff at God's Town.

Becky just added more icing on the cake with her humor and "let's just do it" attitude. You really both have come to be very special women in my life and I thank you for helping me see not only that I can help others but myself as well by doing things I never thought possible. (can you say big freakin spider in the toilet bowl at 3am) It's much more than that but honestly who really forgets something like that!

He probably should have come first but I thank and appreciate Aaron for allowing me this experience. And no I didn't need permission but he understood how important this was to me and took care of the home front, as did all the spouses while we were gone. He also encouraged  me when I had doubts about going at all and I love him for that.

And of course there is our Sebio who often writes that he has nothing to give us. I tried to explain to him while I was there and I've written in letters that he gives us great joy in allowing us to sponsor such a good young man. His love for us and being like the son we never had is gift enough. Also his doing well in college now makes us so proud and happy.

I'm thrilled to share with all of you his first report which he sent by email I might add. Here in his own words:

Hi ma'am I'm here in Internet cafe I want you to know of my Rating or my Grade of all my subject on my first semester

SUBJECT. RATING
AIT111--------------------------------------------88
AIT112--------------------------------------------86
MATH 111 ---------------------------------------86
MATH 112---------------------------------------81
FILIPINO------------------------------------------88
ENGLISH------------------------------------------84

How cool is this not only handsome, kind and hard working but smart too. This picture accompanied his message and grades.

I also must give thanks to others who gave generously to help put smiles on the faces of everyone at God's Town by giving money or the infamous cocoa we took with us. These special people include: my big sis Mary Blease, Linda Robinson & Edna Chafy my co-workers and Diane Roberts, Aaron's co-worker, along with my friends Josie Geiger, Kristine Maberry and Arlene Horner. I would be remiss if I didn't say special thanks to Mary and her husband Bill for coming to see me the night before we left. It meant a lot to me and our recent reconnection means even more, love ya sis!

Special thanks to all those known and unknown people from numerous countries and US states who have visited the blog to read about not only my adventures but the wonderful kids and staff at God's Town. Very special thank you to the person from Belgium who reads the blog on a regular basis. I don't know you but just recognize by my stat counter your views on a regular basis. I would love for you to friend the blog and say hello.

And even though the year of my big adventure is coming to a close I don't think this journey is going to end any time soon. I say this for several reasons;

1. I want to go back again. I really miss everyone there. And if his letters are any indication Dan, the assistant director and just the sweetest guy keeps saying he wants me to return. Probably not in 2011 (sorry Ma'am Linda) but more likely in 2012. And I love getting mail from my new family there.
2. Aaron wants to go.
3. I really love not only the people but their food. Our big news at home is we had a local Filipino woman from our development open "Manila Cafe' and Asian Mart" right down the street. We're talking walking distance to a real turo-turo; small eateries in the Philippines are lovingly called "turo-turo". The exact literal translation of which is "point-point" simply because all you need to do is point the food you want to eat from the selection of food displayed in a table, I hope to post a picture of this eatery soon. Arlene, who grew up in the Philippines is also to blame for my love of Filipino foods because she was the first one to introduce me to it even before my trip.
4. And of course there is Sebio and we hope Eric as well. While I was there and with Purie present to interpret I told Sebio what he meant to us and offered if he ever wanted to come visit us we would be happy to have him. The onus is on him to do the necessary paperwork etc to come but the offer is out there.

So as I tell Sebio and hopefully as you can see, you don't have to be given "some thing" it's all about the relationships and the people you are loved by.

To All Who Read This

Happy, Safe & Joyous Holiday Season & New Year