Airline Ambassadors International, May 2017May 6th, 2017
First Officer Phil Page and Ella
On Our Way Home
We have made our journey to the Philippines. We come together today, among chaos, laughter, love, pain and the busyness of our individual lives to this place of peace. I am finally home, with all of you and I am grateful to be in this magical place called Shepherd of the Hills!
You are my family. Everyone here today:
My daughter Kim: I longed for the time you would be here with me to experience this together!
My life partner and best friend: “Uncle Philip.” You are supportive and kind. Thank you for joining me on your third journey to the Philippines!
To the person in this room who has known me the longest, and much more importantly, who has done the most, in such a short period of time, for the kids here at SOTH: “Uncle Brian.”
Uncle Brian and Rose
To my lifelong friends, Patty and Karen, you will never know how much your presence means to me.
To Sarah, I remember the day that you were born. You are growing up to be such a beautiful person inside and out!
Hugo, Hugo, Hugo, “Uncle Hugo,” Your enthusiasm has transformed all of us with AAI. We have had to “step it up” and go beyond…because of you!
I want to extend a special thank you to our three, energetic “Delta Girls”: Megan, Heather and Jamie for just being here. Your youthfulness inspires the kids, and you can sing some of the same songs!
Auntie Christine and Casey
To Monica: for liking this place immediately, and especially for following your heart to be here again
Maricel, Kim and Faye
today.
To our new friends: Lucy, Jade and Casey for finding your way to the Philippines. Lucy, thank you so much for your fundraising efforts and for your donation of $1,800. This is so amazing and we truly thank you!
I also want thank Connex, Leah, and all of the teachers and staff for welcoming us home once again!
With all of this, however, I am saddened that our dear Ruth is not here to hug and greet us today. We have memories, but there are no words to express the loss we all share.
When I look around this room today, I am absolutely overjoyed too by God’s glory, Ruth’s wisdom, her children, and her legacy. Ruth has given the ultimate gift. She gave us life. She touched us as a mother and gave us hope.
She led Airline Ambassadors International here through her gracious hands. Ruth life’s work continues in me and in you. I can see her clearly now through your eyes.
Thank you to Nathan for being the father of us all, for enduring such hardship and loss, and for continuing to provide for others. Your life’s work is expanding to provide education, art and music for the community children. We truly appreciate you opening your home and hearts to us once again. And thank you to your family and all of the children here at Shepherd of the Hills for the love that you share with us today!
Auntie Christine
Bravo to Lucy – Youth Ambassador who made a difference!
– here is her report:
Hi Everyone!
Almost two weeks ago I returned home from my trip to the Philippines. I spent an amazing week at the Shepherd of the Hills orphanage in San Antonio, and am pleased to inform you that you have helped me to raise approximately US$ 3,117/ € 2.788 for them!
There are approximately 60 children at the orphanage there, ranging from 3 – 18 years old. The older kids work at the orphanage, and they all treat each other like family. They’ve built their own “huts” where they sleep, a school building, and a church. The community is lovely and feels very safe, and those living there have the opportunity to play sports, learn, and work.
This experience really opened my eyes, as hearing all their unique – but also sad – stories and experiences taught me a lot in the sense of being thankful for the opportunities I have, and wanting to make the most of them. I was very glad to see how happy the children are there, and how they care for each other like they do.
We spent a lot of time playing games and teaching them new things. Because the children have very few belongings, and as recommended by the project leaders, I spent some of the money raised to purchase stationary and various materials for them to work with. We also made gift bags for all the children, filled with things that they would normally not have access to, such as school bags, stuffed animals, games, hats, crayons, and many other materials. During the day some children and volunteers played music, and a few members of our group brought their guitars to teach the kids how to play.
We also took the children out to the cinema, as they had never been to one before. This new experience was an enormous treat for them. Their appreciation really brought me joy.
The rest of the money raised will be donated directly to the orphanage. It will be used to buy clothing, school materials and other items that will help satisfy their basic needs. Some of these funds will also contribute to assuring clean drinking water. When converted into Philippino Pesos, the amount donated will have much more purchasing power than it would in Europe or the USA, which amplifies the impact that your donations will have!
Below are some pictures with the children.
Thank you again for supporting my efforts, and for donating to this great cause!
Warm wishes,
Lucy
