Jeremy - Reminds me of the slogan for NIKE:  "Just Do It".  He is most comfortable "doing" rather than talking about things.  If something requires physical motion this young man will be the first to try it.  During our short time together, Jeremy was eager to try any and all the new activities that he could.  

Whether in the pool, or on an ATV, and yes, even at the zoo - he tried it all.










Jeremy's smile seemed biggest when he was in the pool.  Whether playing on the tube, jumping into the pool with his new friends, or whether just hangin' in the pool area - his smile told us that he was having a blast!

 Jeremy is not the kind of kid that is in the front row answering all the questions in class, nor is he likely to feel comfortable with the spotlight on him.  But he is kind, he is strong, and he needs a family who will be patient as he studies, and be amazed when he participates in physical activities and succeeds in them.

 Jeremy is cautious with new people but the barriers break down when physical activity is included.  He is observant and attentive to others.  Just like all of the others - Jeremy needs a family that will provide him with new challenges to conquer, and he will blossom!

John Mark has an easy infectious smile.  It invites you in and captivates you.  He also appears to be a magician - he is beside you one moment, and the next he has disappeared.  Only to reappear as suddenly as he vanished.  While we visited the Haven for the Elderly on our second day at the resort I first noticed that he has this talent - one minute by my side, and the next minute riding a bicycle past me!  First off, who would have imagined a bicycle at a home for the elderly.  Secondly, this boy, like many boys I know seemed to have a knack for spying any object that has wheels.  And, much to his credit he did request to ride the bike from its owner.


Words that describe this boy include, perceptive, moving quickly with little fanfare, and always wearing that smile of his!  He loves new experiences - whether learning new dance moves, jumping into the water with a somersault, driving an atv, or trying new foods.  This young man is all about getting all the gusto he can from life.  He would make a wonderful son, especially for a family who loves to see an active, eager young boy explore new activities.  



John Mark deserves a family - it seems we take that for granted - isn't it a basic right of each of us?  I hope that he can share that twinkle in his eye with a family soon.  

Eight Ambassadors began their journey from Wisconsin a week ago.  We all were anxious to meet the children, not knowing who they were or how they might respond to our visit.  After many hours on the plane thinking about what we might say and what we might do, we landed in Manila with our hearts beating with excitement and anticipation.  We have met many friends along the way who have touched our hearts and left us with many good memories of our visit.  First to meet us were our trustworthy friends and drivers, Ramon and Felix, who have guided us through the streets and paths of Manila and surrounding areas with the utmost skills similar to the game of shoots and ladders.  Driving in Manila is a game of inches.  They are the masters at driving and giving us Philippine history lessons.  Then we met the children who greeted us with warm smiles, great hearts ...but with some questions regarding how we play a part in their lives. 

Along the way we met more friends.  There is Jeremy, a handsome boy who is shy and unfamiliar with our language...yet he overcame that challenge and was a joy to be with.  Jonalyn, with beautiful eyes and a warm smile who lights up a room with her outgoing personality and charm.  BJ, a leader, with a strong personality and spirit that makes you feel welcome and comfortable.  BJ is the life of the party and has a real eye for the photo arts.  BJ's sister, Honey Grace who is a beautiful young lady looking for a family that will nurture her creative skills and need for compassion.  John Mark, small in stature but big in heart.  He has a great smile and beautiful bright eyes that will invite you into his life.  John Rod, a boy that is serious yet has a good sense of humor and a gentle spirit.  And last but not least, there is Joshua, who's says that "this is his turn to be adopted".  Josh melted my heart with his warm smile and soft spoken personality..His eyes are wonderful and bright with a hope for a good future.  Josh told me he wants a family with a dog...a chihuahua

We met these children and they taught us many things, along our journey.  We learned, grace, dignity, respect for others, diversity, inclusion, community, partnership, honor, patience, and persistence........and many more lessons that only a child can teach a bunch of adults who believe they know it all.  Most of all they taught us humility and a perspective to be thankful for our families and what we have in the US.  The kids so long to be like us.  To have a loving family that we be theirs.  Someone to love them and for them to love.

As we end our journey, we are filled with appreciation for what we have and the desire to help these children find homes.  As Josh said so clearly.......It is my turn......it is their turn!

April 24, 2014

The boy whose time it is now.....

Josh has seen many of his friends and room mates leave for their new families.  He is now the oldest in his bedroom and has told the staff of his child caring agency this:  "It is now my time."  (Meaning that it is his time to find a family to call his own.)  He is a gentle soul and I swear that I saw him grow an inch in front of my very own eyes!  It truly did happen when he was introduced on our first day here and the director of his child caring facility said that Josh loves to run, and that he is a very fast runner.  In fact he won his school competition and competed in the regional races and earned third place there.  As he stood before us listening he really did grow one whole inch and there was a sense of pride that came over him.  During our stay at the resort he also conquered his fear of water and learned to take a few strokes in the pool.  He is a quiet boy, but a brave one who needs to be reminded that he has talents and that he deserves more - especially a kind and loving family.  So Josh, I agree - It is your time!  

Monday April 28, 2014

The other day an article came out in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - the journalist did a great job of capturing the mission that we are on - if you haven't read it here is the link:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/religion/lutheran-ambassadors-head-to-philippines-hoping-for-adoption-success-b99252843z1-256634421.html

Ted is out walking this morning already - I don't understand how he can bear walking in this weather, traffic, smells, etc.  but he seems to love it.  I, on the other hand, am enjoying a cup of Nescafe 3 in 1 and listening to the sounds of traffic and roosters in our air conditioned room!  Definitely am not burning as many calories, however I will sweat a few calories off as we visit the other two facilities today.

Carol

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)

Friday, 4.25.14
Departed from the resort this morning for a field trip to Haven for the Elderly.  This is a large senior home similar to our assisted living....but not like any assisted living that I have ever visited.  Capacity is around 200.  The home is a series of cottages nestled into the mountains surrounded by palms, jack fruit and mango trees.  Each cottage houses 20 residents.  I think the kids were a little uncertain about what to expect, and to be honest I shared their anxiety.  However, that anxiety quickly turned to amazement as we witnessed the blending of the generations.  The kids showed such respect and caring for the elders and the elders simply wrapped their loving arms around the children.  It was such a display of compassion and I felt fortunate to have been part of the experience.  Without hesitation the children approached the elders, entered into conversation and gave them small gifts.  In return, the elders held their hands with smiles that melted your heart.  It was simply amazing.  Music is such a significant part of peoples lives in the Philippines....It was no different at Haven for the Elderly.  They had a special room set up for singing, dancing and just listening to music.....called "Jamming with the the elderly." I thought of our son and friends at Bethany as the music starting rolling.  They actually had a small band with amps, mics and large speakers.  No room for wimps here!  The music is loud and rocks the entire room.......yes, rocked  the entire room.  Our kids danced for them, danced with them, sang for them, sang with them....and even the ambassadors got into the act with dancing and singing.  We preformed our own unique version of Hey Jude........The elders loved it and we thought we were rock stars.....what fun and what an amazing inter-generational experience. I came away with a feeling that these kids were special in many ways and it only makes me more resolved to find them a loving home.  Ted