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GREETINGS FROM THE PHILIPPINES  }
Week 39 Last Wed. May 12 - Sent May 20
I have just over one week left (now 2 ½ days) and depending on how packing
and returning or giving away items goes, this will be the last letter from
the Philippines. Thanks to those of you who have supported us through
prayers or financially (we didn’t always know who you were). We
accomplished more here because of your support. We’re using the rest of
the money we have in the mission funds to bless some of those we know
could use a boost or to assist with some particular project.

Thurs May 13, I visited a Compassion Project in Puguis, LaTrinidad just
outside of Baguio. The project is at a church near the big landslide site.
Three of their students were killed in the landslide. Our school helped
raised money for the victims of the landslide. Unfortunately the date of
that party was changed and Jim and I had promised to go to Agoo, so I
missed that opportunity. Today Sister Tessie and Maria joined us. There
are over 220 children at the project. During the “summer” (March –May)
they have morning and afternoon sessions. I was able to purchase some
balls, jump ropes, paints, crayons, markers, games and educational posters
to take and leave for the project.

We had a wonderful time at the Compassion project. I'm so glad I chose to
go and that Sister Tessie and Marie went with me. I think the staff really
appreciated Sister Tessie. They were gracious, warm, spoke English well,
and answered so many questions for us. I feel that Sister Tessie
understands and appreciates Compassion so much more. The pastor Walter
Caput started this project in 1979 and is still the current pastor at the
church. The Director has been there for 15 years. They have a beautiful
church (prettiest Protestant Church I’ve been in) and the church is
building onto their school which is then used by the project on Saturdays
and the church on Sunday. The current office and classrooms are in what
was the old church. I really learned so much more about Compassion. They
served us some pancit, a great fruit salad, and a wonderful sweet potato
(kamote) dish.

Monday May 17 I spent the weekend working on grades, evaluating 8th grade
projects, and meeting with Filipino friends. My friend who has been
approved to immigrate to Canada now has a benefactor for their Visa fees
(I feel so blessed to have been a conduit for this). I also visited the
current living quarters of another friend. It was like a big metal box
with a door and hatch-like window. The interior walls are an unpained
fiberboard. There’s no running water, bathroom, etc. She washes dishes
outside and I’m not sure where they bathe, maybe with family or around the
corner. There is room for a bed, chest of drawers on one side and a hot
plate at the end. They hope to build above some family members and
possible flooding. I felt blessed to give them about $100 USD, but it is
only a small part of the cost. They have been saving and hope build June
and July before the worst of rainy season.

Thurs. May 20
This week I’ve had fun doing review games and winding up the school year.
It’s busy, hectic and blessed week. Tonight is graduation and tomorrow is
the awards ceremony for all students. It should be fun. I have two nights
left and almost wish we hadn’t changed my ticket to three days earlier,
just so I could be more relaxed. But the minute I get on the bus I will be
so ready to see Jim and all my friends at home. I think it is a gift of
God to mix sadness and joy in these situations. See you soon. the attached
picture is from a recent chapel service. I love these kids.

With love in Christ,
Dale