Friday April 25 - Bakasyunan Resort, Tanay 

New experiences for all of us today.  Here is Grace - needless to say she has never experienced driving an atv - but she conquered her fears and after she had seen each of her friends - as well as her older brother drive one - she decided that this is the day to go for it and try something new.  Something that is a bit challenging, could be a bit dangerous, and something that takes bravery and faith.  

Grace, unlike her older brother BJ prefers to to be in the background - she studies the situation before jumping in.  She "eyes" things up before engaging in activities. And we discovered that she has quite an eye for the visual arts while we spent time at the resort.  Whether giving others a manicure, creating jewelry from the beads and supplies that we brought along, or taking photos with our digital cameras - she comes up with things that are eye catching.  Grace and her brother BJ have already demonstrated their courage by facing challenges - entering school as older students, learning how to become part of a "family" at their home with 18 others, and now meeting with 8 Americans who have promised to find a home and a family for them - they are survivors - they are ready to meet that new challenge - to take a next step of becoming part of a family.  

Here is the "Boy with the Strong Heart" - BJ.
The Cuya or older brother of Grace.  BJ is the "front man" of these two.  He is the first in the bunch to try something new.  He goes for all the gusto and gives 100% of himself to whatever he engages in.  He is physical and has quite the talents for choreographing routines to popular songs.  He is an instructor or leader of the group and spent time teaching them a routine that they all did while "Jamming with the Elders" at Haven for the Elderly.  (See Ted's entry about this experience - it was not anything like the nursing home visits that I have ever had in the past!)  His leadership skills were obvious when he asked to say a few words to the elderly during our visit there.  In front of about 60 people he was quite comfortable saying thank for you inviting us here - we had a great time.  He is attentive to others' needs and is the first to make certain that everyone has something to eat or drink when we sit down for a snack or a meal.  He makes friends easily - and his eyes sparkle when he gets praise and recognition.  He too has come so far from his early years of wondering where his next meal will come from.  He is ready to enter into his next level of learning - that of "FAMILY" and I am sure that he will do that too with gusto - because he is a boy with a STRONG heart.  (Carol)