I would like to honor a wonderful lady who has been a huge part of my life along with many AAI members throughout the years.  Ruth Mejica who along with her family have been running Shepherd of the Hills Children’s home in the Philippines.  She has personally made this a great place for the children to grow up, teaching and guiding them into wonderful loving people.  Their spiritual guidance is what makes them so precious to us.  When we visit we feel the love from all the children that most of us haven’t experienced before.  This is a one of a kind place and very dear to my heart.  I’m very proud to introduce new AAI members which means more Aunties and Uncles for the children to love.  We have all been very blessed to be a part of each others lives.

  We found out last year that Ruth was battling cancer and many members of AAI and our Philippine participants volunteered to help.  On two occasions we donated money to help with her medical bills and hospital stay.  We were trying to take away as much stress as we could and to make Ruth comfortable.  Unfortunately Ruth went to be with the Lord on November 25.  Her last night was spent with her family and many children all around her, they all just wanted to be near her.  I think I can speak for all of us that she is greatly missed and we will never forget our beloved Nanay Ruth.  We lost someone very special to us at AAI, I would like to ask that you please continue to pray for the children of SOTH and the Mejica family.

  The members of AAI are like a family to me and when I asked for help for Ruth, people didn’t hesitate.  I can’t thank everyone enough for all their love, prayers and support.  May everyone have a wonderful and Blessed Mother’s Day.
Thank you again,

Ruth (on right) with AAI team and all the kids

Cheryl Robinson

Nov. 27, 2016 – Tribute to an Angel – Our deepest tribute to Ruth Mejica, a true Angel among us who passed from this realm on Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day.  Ruth acted as spiritual mother at Shepherd of the Hills Orphanage (SOTH) in Zambales, Philippines and she was revered by the 75+ children that she and her husband Nathan took in with loving hearts and spirits.  Her lovely voice could often be heard singing praise to God, joined by voices of the children. AAI has visited this orphanage for over 10 years and her loss leaves an emptiness in the hearts of all who knew her.   Her daughter Anne said:

Mom fought the good fight of faith.

Her life will always be an inspiration and testimony of God’s goodness. 

She is very peaceful and beautiful.It is her time.

It Is Gods will. We are comforted by God in this time of sorrow.

Her legacy will always be remembered and will continue to inspire us all.

She is now with Our Creator,

Well done Good and faithful servant Ruth Mejica.

And that should be our attitude too – Rejoicing and praising God 

Please tell all the AAI family as well.

Mom is very thankful for all of them. She is gone but God has given this family to SOTH.
Uncle and aunties who will always faithfully extend their love to the children.
Thank you AAI family.