Blog

Our time with the children came to a close on Tuesday afternoon with the grand finale of our despedida, or farewell party.  It was a bitter sweet day as we were so excited to see the children all together once again with their social workers, but it was also our last gathering before our departure from the Philippines.  The program began with first the Filipino National Anthem sung by all of the children, staff, and Bong. Then it was the Ambassador’s turn to share our American National Anthem.  Sister Gemma from offered a beautiful devotional where we held our hands over the person next to us, offering prayer and guidance.  Mrs. Dela Rosa shared some words of thanks for the Ambassador program and recognition of Mrs. Carol Hakala from LSS whose initiative this Ambassador program was born.  Thank you Carol for being a strong force in helping older children of the Philippines find their families!

Each of the children offered some words about what their participation in the Ambassador program meant to them.  All of the children are so brave to be able to express themselves!  Teary eyes could be seen around the room!  The Ambassadors also shared words with the children, social workers and staff.  Mrs. Dela Rosa said she had never seen so many Americans cry and was so appreciative of the emotions that were shared by all.  We were then treated to special presentations of music and dancing.  All of these children are so precious and so deserving of a family to embrace them in life and nurture all that they can become.  There is so much potential in every single child that is just waiting to be cultivated in a loving family.

Our program ended with messages from a representative of the Inter-Country Adoption Board and each of the participating child caring agencies.  In listening to their messages I felt a sense of deep gratitude to each of them for trusting in the Ambassador program and welcoming us so warmly into their lives and homes.  It truly is a partnership of everyone involved to helping make a difference in the lives of these wonderful children.      

Certificates of Participation were shared with each of the children along with a special photo bag filled with copies of pictures from our time together.  The children were delighted with all their pictures to remember the fun they had.  And then it was time to share in a bounty of delicious food before we said our final goodbyes, or rather, see you later.  For this is not a goodbye or an ending, but the beginning of helping a child find his or her own place in a family of their own.  
 

Thank you for following the Ambassador’s trip to the Philippines!  We look forward to sharing more about these 8 very special children upon our return as we search for the right family to meet the needs of each individual child.    Mabuhay from Manila!

Beth