Pogo Sticks & Rubic's Cubes

I think it would get easier to clean things out and "let go". Yesterday, we participated in the annual garage sale at FIA, where the kids attend school. I was reminded again, how things are just "things" to others...really 50 pesos for that amazing pogostick?? But to me, these things have such beautiful memories attached to them.  I love the hands that twisted those puzzling cubes, how it was an obsession. I loved watching the kids in the yard maneuvering the pogo stick, the unicycle, listening to Shel Silverstein, the Wild Wacky World of Mr Henry or Jungle Jam and letting imaginations soar.

So fun to watch.  I absolutely love the memories I have and continue to make, so much more to come. I am realizing that cleaning out and lightening our load is not betraying the past. It is a necessity, but still hard for me.

Anticipating the move of yet another child, I consider my feelings and emotions often. While sorely missing one who is already studying in the USA and now another? Seems like too much for my heart to bare to be away from them, but amazingly I am doing more than surviving this. It is fun to see them learn new things, meet new people and experience life. Yet it is hard to see them walk through things that I am certain I could help with, would help with, should help with?? The growing pains of life, heartache and pain mixed with the exhilaration of seeing your child gaining independence. So many of my friends have gone through this and are going through this and will go through this. I am so glad that I am not alone.  All part of life. I am realizing that being a Mom is about pouring your life into your precious children, all to give them wings and see them soar.

I am  enjoying the moments. Enjoying our family at each stage. Loving the silly things teenagers do and love being with friends. Amazing people who may not always physically be a part of lives but they are part of our journey. Instrumental in who we are becoming. Even if the "things" get sold, left behind or forgotten, the people are not! I am so thankful for such a rich journey.  As we have moved a few times, we have significantly cut down on things but not people! They will always be  part of who we are. As you might notice, I have a hard time posting pics of people other than family, I guess it is just impossible for me to choose. As I scroll through the pictures, I have been incredibly blessed by so many people! We have said "see you later" to many, not knowing if we will see them again on this earth. I just want to be mindful to embrace and appreciate all I can now.

Yes, look back and reminisce but do not stay there. Live in the present.  Take time to smell the roses.

Yes, considering the past and the future  but trying not to miss NOW. Such a delicate balance, this is so  helpful putting my thoughts down into words. Ups and downs. As my family knows, I can be a fanatic when it comes to taking pictures. I just need to have them, they help me capture the moments. For later!  Right now, as I travel along in this beautiful life, I am savoring the memories and grabbing the now times and looking forward to the future. What a rewarding choice.

I am finding that this balance is a beautiful thing. Family, friends, places & things...Rubic's cubes & pogosticks. I will enjoy them all. All part of my
life. Something quite wonderful.

The Power of "Hello"

photo taken by Marlene Bray

Whenever Norhaia is in the Physical Therapy room, it is always a little brighter. As soon as I enter the room, I am greeted with an enthusiastic "hello". I immediately head for Norhaia to collect my hug and kiss. My heart swells with love and pride. A girly girl who loves dresses,  sparkly shoes,  jewelry but most of all people. She invites you right into her world, so lovingly making you feel so special with her attention. Watching her interact with the other patients and therapists is a treat. What a hard worker she is! She diligently works on the functions that I take for granted. Holding her head up straight, sitting, standing, walking, using her hands. The list goes on...... I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank God for this precious gift! Her life is to be celebrated as she brightens the world with her "hello" and a smile. That is something quite wonderful!!

60

I did it!

No that was not it, maybe this?

or this?

No seriously, today, I completed lesson #60 of Cebuano/ Bisayan language study here in the Philippines! I was a little embarrassed to post this as I have been at this a loooooonnnng time. About 3 years?? Ha ha ha. Actually I have taken times off but always had the goal to finish the program. Some lessons took several weeks and some lessons were filled with laughter and lots of cultural lessons. I had two partners during my studies.

First was Janessa, our trusty intern who was with us a little less than a year and a half

but the greater part was spent with my friend, Mars...

.

Am I fluent?? HA HA. Do I understand much of what I hear? Hmmmm, alot with some gaps??! But there are so many languages that people flow in and out of here that I would have to stay a really long time to hash all of that out! I chose Cebuano/ Bisayan because many of patients speak it. It  is not the national language, Tagalog but I do feel that it communicates love, care & comfort. Although sometimes frustrating and humiliating, it often provides comic relief and keeps things light. I am just feeling very accomplished today. Rejoice with me?

One lament? I will miss the language/ culture expert, BeBe Metillo! Gwapa s'ya...sulod ug sa gawas! Elle est incroyable....ooops I mean... Kahibulongan s'ya! (is that right BeBe?)

She is a superstar and a trusted friend. I recommend her to anyone wanting to study. She tried to pitch her Tagalog course next.....need a break for a while! But for now at least Mars understands me.....I think?

I still revert to french in strange or uncomfortable cultural situations....Parlez vous Francais? Je ne comprende pas! Desole....... Oi Vay!! My brain must be in knots? BeBe says it is all in there and says it will just start coming out, WATCH OUT! I just need to try more and not worry about perfection. Believe me, it is far from perfect! Language and culture something wonderful. Today I am thankful for so many wonderful things, friends who stick with things and help me to do the same, dedicated teachers, perseverance & chances to push limits. Salamat kaayo!!

Switchfoot

REALLY, I am not a "fan girl" but I sure love the band, Switchfoot. 

So when they sent two of their band members to the Tebow CURE Hospital last year, I was thrilled. Felt like dancing like this......

Our whole family has listened to Switchfoot's music for years. The group was founded in 1996, just before our first boy, Drew, was born!  He turned 20, just last week! We (probably D & I get most excited) love when they announce a new release and can't wait to hear. It is not just the music that we are drawn to, it is the authenticity of their message. They are able to get us thinking. "Dare You to Move", "Meant to Live", "Stars" and "Float" are among my favorites. I never in a million years thought that I would ever meet them ALL. Well, just yesterday, they traveled down to Davao City after their concert in Manila. Only thing missing? Drew!

They came specifically to meet some children and see what Cure International does here in the Philippines. What an amazing day. It was like hanging out with dear old friends.  

I celebrated a birthday almost two weeks ago. Birthdays encourage me to reflect on the past and get me thinking about what is coming. Many of Switchfoot's songs get me thinking and have postured me to get where I am today. My future is so bright and it is wonderful. I am thankful for thoughtful music that inspires me to do great things. What an exciting event to have two of my favorites collide...Switchfoot & CURE.  So thrilled to have them learning about our mission and wanting to partner with us! Seeing them touched by our patient's stories, meeting our staff, playing & praying with kids really touched me. So many wonderful things....partnership, CURE International, Switchfoot & like minded/ hearted friends!

Seasons

Ugh, I just noticed the other day that it has almost been an entire  year since my last post! Life seems to be flying by at a break neck pace. Thinking over this past year, there have been the great, the good the bad and the sometimes ugly times. Some are just moments and other seem like whole seasons.  Hmmmm, I think I will just see if I can get back to blogging for my own sake. Thinking this may be cathartic.

I just got thinking about seasons  the other day. It is something, in nature, that I really miss living here in the Philippines. Living in Pennsylvania most of my life, I did not realize how much I love the change of seasons. I know I have people complained about snow, the humid month of August, perhaps spring that may be too rainy....believe me, I have had my gripes with the icy roads too...freezing rain,  But I love it. especially the change of the leaves in autumn, the smell of honeysuckle, new life after a cold winter and they list goes on and on.

Living abroad these past 7 years, I have grown to appreciate the subtle changes in temps and the lovely rain on the roof, beautiful leaves that change color, bougainvillea, palm trees everywhere and seasonal fruits. The Christmas season seems especially hard for me. Really though, here it is an "over the top" holiday with plenty of festivities, beautiful decorations, carolers and cheer. To me, it is just not the same away from family and when it is 85 degrees plus. It has been 4 years since we enjoyed a holiday in Pennsylvania. It was so funny to see that the "kids" could play in just a dusting of snow and loved trying to walk in it in bare feet. Ice skating was a delight and brought back great memories. Boy, I do not remember winter being so cold!  Go to the other side of the planet and it is about the opposite. Our weather here in Davao City does not really fluctuate much. Pretty hot and sticky....one morning our thermometer read 79 degrees Fahrenheit and 97% humidity. This past few weeks have been such a gift. Overcast skies with cooler temps and a good bit of rain.

The other morning I was leaving our house for my morning walk around 5:15AM and man did it ever feel like autumn. It had rained in the night and the humidity seemed a bit lower and it had been windy leaving plenty of leaves in front of our carport. There were earthworms all over the road. It amazes me how quickly the feeling of the wind on my skin and a certain scent in the air can take me right back to the days of my youth. I do a lot of reminiscing these days. My kids are growing up and it seems like the season do not pertain to weather so much anymore, especially living here. D has been gone 2 years and now B knows he will be out of the house next year. I have done some crying,  lots of praying and reading about how to tackle these feelings and how to really embrace and enjoy these new seasons. I can honestly say life is so very good and it thrills me to see my kids flying!

So, I find that some days resemble a nice spring day when the birds are singing and all is well. You just feel like nothing can touch you and you would love to shout from the roof tops how great things are. Other days feel like the deep dark wintry days when you just  need a snow day. To hunker down by the fire consuming large amount of hot coco. You just want to hide inside. Other days, I am so hot I think I will blow up while rainy days seem so soothing. My point is, I am sure I am not alone in the changing of seasons. You have them no matter the weather and thanks to God's grace you can weather the storms and  you can praise him for the sun too! There is purpose in each one.  You can't skip t he parts you do not like and you can not control them. I find that I am continually being challenged and my reaction is my choice to make. Sometimes, I screw up royally and others I pass with flying colors. I am so thankful for seasons, both natural, emotional and spiritual. They are something wonderful and part of this wild ride I am on. 

My NTS Experience.

I know that my FB was inundated with Night to Shine photos, videos and comments for a bit, but I have had a few questions. My Mom suggested that I write a little informational blog about what it is/ was. I will try to provide you with a good overview of the whole experience and of course will interject a few of my own neat facts and thoughts. It is my hope that after I write and post this, you will see why the excitement. It was extraordinary!

Basically, this is a Prom for individuals with special needs, ages 16-23. It is the same night for all hosting and it is as close to Valentine's day as possible. This year it was February the 12th.

The Night to Shine (NTS) is one of the Tim Tebow Foundation's (TTF) main initiatives. Here is their official site This was only the second year for the event, but it grew so much. Here are a few stats, rounded and approx, of course:

                                                  2015                                                                 2016
Host churches                            44                                                                    more than 200
Volunteers                                 15,000                                                             more than 70,000
States                                         26                                                                     48
Countries                                    3                                                                       8
Kings & Queens                        7,000                                                                 32,000!!!!!!!!!!

So, the Tebow CURE Hospital (TCH) here in Davao City, Philippines sponsored a NTS this year. My friend HK was the event planner and did a super job. When you are chosen to sponsor a NTS you receive a detailed instruction manual, Prom Kit (deco, gifts), financial support and guidance from TTF staff. We had to tweak a few things as we do not live in the US and some things just needed to be different. For example, we just do not have limo services here in DC, Phils!

  

The guests were chosen from different organizations here in Davao City. I am still in awe how this all came together as we were not a "church" hosting and HK put together a fabulous team to help with all the different logistics. The body of Christ pulled together from different denominations, Non profits and professions. I am certain God was smiling! Our guests came mainly from 2 different Blind schools, a organization for the Deaf, Down Syndrome Association and from our very own TCH CUREkids. We invited 100 and 97 of  them came! Our very first patient, Ruby Anne was there! Each guest was referred to as a king or queen as they were all crowned.

                                        

The kings and queens arrived at the Grand Meng Seng, a hotel downtown, and were registered.  Each guest was paired with a "buddy" (a volunteer that spent the evening with that particular guest). From there they were taken to a room for VIP treatment. They were fitted with a gown or dress or barong. In the US they guys wear tuxes, here the formal wear is a barong. After they slipped into their formal wear, they went into the "chair" to be pampered. Hair, makeup, corsages, boutonnieres and perfuming.  Time and care was taken for each guest. I could not believe the styles that the woman doing the girls hair. Really, I think she came up with about 45 different and unique styles. Everyone looked amazing!

When our guests were Red Carpet Ready, they proceeded to the professional photographer. Everyone had their own photo shoot. 

Then, the Grand Entrance!! I was part of the friendly paparazzi team. Our job was to greet each king and queen. Cheering for, photographing, and encouraging our guests as they walked a long red carpet. Some of the kings and queens would stop and pose and just took it all in! The were seated at large tables and were offered opportunities to play games, sing karaoke or just chat with their new friends and buddies.  

The dancing came later as it was loud and really took over the event. We danced about an 1/2 hour before dinner was served. The atmosphere was like a huge party full of joy and fun.

The scrumptious banquet was served. Each buddy went through the line and served their king or queen. Really was so thrilled to have so many people so full of love in one place. After we ate, we heard a special message from Tim Tebow. He officially declared that each guest was crowned the king or queen of the Prom. This year, Tim Tebow went to Haiti on the 11th and attended their event as it was a day early. He then made surprise appearances in other places in the US on the 12th. You can probably read news articles telling exactly where he went, I know he really got around this year! Back to the DANCING....We could not keep the dance floor empty anymore.....they all just enjoyed dancing so much. I did too! There was a bubble machine and  the DJ did a fantastic job. 

At 9:00 the Prom ended. Guests were given their favors that came from TTF in the states. TTF bags, tumblers and a special silver picture frame with the photo already in it. 

I need to say something about the volunteer aspect of this event. Like I said, HK had to pull from so many different groups and resources. Most of our volunteers were Filipino with a few expats sprinkled in. People donated gowns, a dress shop gave a huge discount for gowns and barongs. The stylists and professional photographers volunteered their time and only required payment for materials, Several churches gathered buddies, prayed and everyone pulled together.

 I am sure I am missing things, but for now this is my best synopsis of what went on. Here is a short video of our NTS. Working together to LOVE is something quite wonderful!