When I was 12 years old, the top ten students from my school were invited to visit an orphanage. Being one of those ten was a miracle in itself, I thought, since there was no way I could have belonged in such an elite group of smart kids. I remember not knowing what to expect from such a visit. All I remember now is the range of emotions I felt when the orphanage gates were opened and a swarm of young children came to me for hugs. That image and how I felt at that time has stayed with me to this day.
Those who know me know that I have a deep love for children. My dream is to create a Home for children in the Philippines. It is a huge undertaking and one that will take years of planning and vision. I read somewhere that if you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing stand in your way. The best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. So, I'm ready for this task and trust that with God's blessing and your prayers it can happen.
In a few days I am traveling to the Philippines for a month to do the initial work of discovery. I will be meeting with several individuals (e.g., the Dominican Nuns where I went to school, members of my high school class, past clients who live there, etc) and asking for help to get this adventure started. I will be visiting some orphanages, too, to see how they are run.
In time, I hope to have this Home opened. It will be in honor of the three women who have taught me so much about life: my grandmother who was a social worker and worked many years at a Home for boys and taught me about compassion; my mother who taught me and continues to teach me about goal setting and putting your heart and soul into something you believe in and working hard to achieve it; and my mother-in-law who also had a passion for children and taught me the value of sacrifice and unselfish love.
