Happy Birthday Mrs. Marlene!!

Today we surprised the children at lunch time. As we pulled up, Jenelyn peaked in the passenger window and began to tell all the other children, "Its kuya Gepher and ate Andrea!!" We were greeted with smiles and hugs (as they did not expect to see us).

   

The surprise of our arrival was quickly overshadowed by the cake we unloaded from the backseat. Immediately the air was filled with "oh's and ah's". The children immediately ran into the building ahead of us and began to sing a spontaneous "Happy Birthday" to Mrs Marleen. Marleen cooks and serves lunch to the children three times a week. It was so much fun to surprise the children and give Marlene the special birthday celebration she deserved.

   

It's Here...It's Here!! The PE Festival Is Here!!

For weeks the children have talked about nothing but the PE Festival.  Everyday at lunch and After School Program they were telling us about the fees they needed paying, different uniforms for each grade, and other props.  They were constantly practicing their steps and moves.  Everyone was excited about the big PE Festival.

As the big event drew closer, the kids began to ask Gepher and I separately if we would come and watch.  The more they asked the harder it became to say No.  So Monday morning, we got up early and hopped in the car and headed to the school.  I have to admit as we headed to the school to watch the children, I felt for the first time like their parents going to support and encourage them.  We didn't ask God for 28 biological children, but He has blessed us with 28 special children that think of us as parents (Hannah Me even told us this truth this week).

   

When we arrived, there was a sea of parents and member's of the Naga community filling the school yard.  I was amazed at how many people were there and thought we'd never find our children.  Well...we didn't find our children, they found us.  Immediately Marilyn spotted us in the distance and came running over.  She was so glad to see us, because her mother was not yet there.  Word spread quickly we were there and all the kids began to run over and show us their fabulous uniforms and even a sneak peak of their dance moves.

   

Each grade performed a dance routine to a popular song.  Each move was carefully coreographed and the kids knew every step.  It was so much fun to watch their big smiling faces move to the music's beat.  After each grade's performance, the children would run over and ask us what we thought or how they did.  They were so proud we were there to watch and encourage them!

    

One of the reasons I wanted to be there to watch the children, was in case their parents weren't there.  I didn't want them to not have anyone cheering for them.  I was so surprised to meet so many of our mother's and other siblings of the children.  It was refreshing to see their parents invested in the children and there to encourage them!  I was also glad the parents got to see us there as well as it showed them we are invested in their children (in more ways than just financially).

   

John Robert & his Grandmother                         Glenda and her Mother                          July Ann & her Mother

   

     Rica and her Mother Tessi                             Vanessa and her Mother               John Clyde & James with their Mom

                      

    Joan with her Mother & Sister                       Marie Rose Marie and her Mom                   Bregel and his Mother

It was such a fun morning filled with lots of smiles, cheers, and pride.  The kids couldn't stop smiling and wouldn't leave our sides as soon as their performance was over.  Proud of their performance.  Proud of what they had learned.  Proud to have their parents & us there.  And Proud to be part of Hope for Tomorrow!  But I must say, Gepher and I were the filled with the most price on this special PE Festival.  We were beaming with pride seeing how far these children have come in such a short time. 

Thank you God for opening doors to allow us to be used as your instruments to help mold these children into the the children you always knew (and intended) for them to be.

Student of the Week - Glenda Baldivino



Glenda is a little girl that is very sweet and hard not to fall in love with.  When she started 1st grade, she had not attended Kindergarten and is very behind. Because of this, she did not know her ABCs or 123's. Since starting school and coming to the after school program two days a week we are seeing her make some progress but she has a long way to go.  She always tries really hard and never gets discouraged when she can't get it.  She is now able to write her ABCs and 123's with help.  She is learning to put them in order and has improved with her fine motor skills (such as cutting).

This week she told us the After School Program is her favorite place to be because she can have fun and be a kid.  When she is at home, she is caring for her young brothers.  We are so glad that at least for a few hours in a day she can have fun and be a kid!!  Although she's making good progress, she is still behind and we are all determined to help her catch up and be successful.