We had two turnover of donations and both had to do with disasters: The first was for Tondo. On December 11, they had a fire that left 1500 people homeless. As if the people in the slums of Tondo didn’t have enough to deal with! When we went to take a look at their needs a couple of weeks ago, it was heart wrenching to see the families all huddled in their tiny tents. Of course, the kids seemed to be happy as if nothing had happened! Well, fast forward to three weeks later and we were there representing the church and working alongside 20 or more church members/missionaries to put together kitchen/cooking kits for 91 families who lost their homes. This might be the first (and last) time we do something that felt like more of a traditional humanitarian project. Like a Just Serve project! The members whipped out their “Mormon Helping Hands” vests (even though we technically aren’t supposed to be using them anymore). It was extra wonderful because Jane Walker, the founder (and my hero) was actually there and talked about her journey to founding Upskills + Foundation. I learned a lot more about her background. She was basically kicked out of her home in England at the age of 15. She had a rather tragic upbringing, but she was only full of gratitude that her parents at least sent her to school (hence the importance the foundation places on education and scholarship programs). She was able to take from her troubles an empathy and understanding that few others would possess in helping the poor here. She received death threats when she first started her work here, but persevered and lived right there until she gained the trust of the people. Anyway, she remarked that she had never seen a group of donors who worked more quickly and efficiently than our church members. I explained they have had lots of practice! She said the quality of the pots/pans and kitchenware, etc. was a much higher quality than they are used to receiving. And they also now have a small stove to cook their food. Sleeping mats and food kits will be distributed later. I think the people were “so much grateful”.

The very next day we headed into Makati for two big events. The first was another convert baptism! Manny has such an interesting story. He was living in Korea and working with the department of defense and got married to an American while there. Then his mother in Africa passed away, so he went home to her funeral. When he got back to Korea, they said his Visa was rescinded since he went home to Africa, and he basically had nowhere to go. He was told the Philippines weren’t as strict with their Visa policies and he should go here to wait for his Visa to the US. So he is here, 9 months later, basically stuck in a country he didn’t want to come to! But the Lord has other plans for Manny, it would appear. He had a friend who told him to find our church and look up Ross Watkins- he works at the embassy and might be able to help him. He did come to our church and found Ross (he and his cute family are pictured below) and became very interested in the gospel. He was a strong member of another church and served as almost a pastor of sorts. He is a good knowledge of the New Testament and loved talking to more mature members of the church about all gospel topics. Well, he is still awaiting his Visa and should be granted an interview within 4 weeks. He has really had a hard time here- being homeless at times, robbed, and very discouraged. But on Saturday, he was radiant and was joyfully welcomed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

After the baptism, we headed to a different part of Makati to attend a long awaited turnover. This is a project that began many, many months ago. The doctor of a hospital in Makati that basically has a free to any resident of Makati policy (so the poor can get treated here for free) wanted to work with our church in the area and have us procure some emergency equipment that could be used in both his hospital emergency room and some stored at the Stake Center to be used when disaster strikes. Their hospital is directly over the fault line, so they figured it will be rubble if “the big one” hits. The church is not directly in the fault line, I guess. We thought it was a great collaboration and was such a wonderful idea. But evidently, the church facilities management department didn’t like the idea of non-church items being stored in the church building (against the handbook). Well, we had to get the items out of the vendor’s facility, so it was temporarily moved to the church anyway. The Stake President didn’t mind at all, since they have many extra rooms that aren’t being used. Well, fast forward ….there was also a change in boundaries and this area is no longer part of Makati city but part of Taguig. Long story short, the MOA or legal agreement had to be signed by the mayor, and it sat on her desk for about 4 months! Lennie was absolutely elated when he got word that the MOA had finally been signed! We could proceed! So it was a happy bunch that gathered at the Stake Center- we had barangay officials, doctors and Stake Presidency members there to celebrate. It was great because the doctor was able to talk to barangay officials and church members about future sessions of emergency training, which will be held at the church. So it was good in the end, and soooo good to have it completed! Also, we love talking to Dr. Cordero from the hospital. He LOVES to talk about American Politics!