March Update

Dear Readers,

Sorry it's been a long time since we updated you. Some things have occupied our thoughts and energies, mainly, our 3^rd born miracle, Henri.

For those of you who might be wondering, Henri is now over 8 pounds and 3 months old. Many onlookers ask if he was premature. To set the record straight, he was “small for gestational age.” Doctor Enriquez remarked that he looks like a preemie, but acts like a 3 month old. So for such a little guy, he's right on track developmental wise.

Also, our attention has been in helping our other two boys acclimate to the school and culture system. Often, we parents are the ones that are confused when something is lost in confusion.

Our work thus far with GK has been of an advocacy role. Vic talking to crowds, and playing saxophone to inspire them. (The Filipino LOVES music, as is attested to by their nightly karaoke parties.) We were excited to participate in the GK Walk which led us from city hall to the GK Village in Villasis (6 km) to witness the awarding of the first 5 houses to the families that have put in hours of building and service.

Vic has been reading Noli Me Tangere, national hero Jose Rizal's seminal work which most scholars say sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Marisol has been reading up on Ninoy Aquino (not the current president, but his father), who was gunned down in the presence of journalists upon his return to the Philippines after being exiled by then president/dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

It was Ninoy's death that sparked the non-violent revolution to overthrow Marcos, known by the world as People Power.

We are looking forward now to the season of lent. Upcoming GK events are a showing of the movie Paraiso to inspire others to give help to the poor, and a week long build event in Bantayan, known as the yearly Bayani Challenge. This event brings people from all over the world to build a village in a week and rehab the surrounding areas. This is a big deal. There will be tree planting, improving the local schools, and of course community building.