Monday, June 24, 2013

Thoughts From The Oldest Team Member


These two pictures best reflect my thoughts as we spent the day in a cultural celebration at Villafont School.  Team Pag-asa was paid in full today by the communities it has been serving the last 10 days.  Many dignitaries attended and all paid a wonderful tribute to your kids who they know have served the children and their teachers with love and compassion.  From the school principals, to the Barangy Captains and to the District leaders of the School District, all praised the selfless acts of your kids.  The Filipino's have a pretty good sense now of the sacrifices your kids made to earn money and give of their time to teach the kids and make building improvements to the schools.  They admire your kids because they are truly special, and that is not lost from the Filipino's.  It has been one thing for the kids to feel the love of the school children, but today they felt the love from the teachers, parents and community leaders.  The picture of the team shows them with all the school teachers and principals.

The team contributed to the celebration.  We all sang the National Anthem in a way that would have made the Tab Choir cry; I mean literally cry.  We were on key up through the first note, then it was all voices for themselves.  We then displayed our collective musical skills by singing a song taken from the best movie ever made in Hollywood; Pitch Perfect.  Maddy was the lead on the bamboo and Alena, Megan A. and Emily sung like the Supremes.  Everyone else was background support.  It was a real thigh slapper: I literally mean a thigh slapper.  You will just have to wait for the video.  Dewey spoke in behalf of ROW and Cici, David, Austin B. and Maddy spoke to the crowd.  The event was attended by over 300 kids and parents.   After our performance we played games with the kids; that included a greased bamboo pole climb and a piglet chase.  Who caught the piglets you ask?  Cici and Alena.  PETA would not be happy with our actions today.

The second picture is all about why the Graham's organized ROW.  It is all about family for us.  And, it started with Dewey.  He turned us on to the Philippines by bringing the family here and then by the depth of his spirit and commitment to services.  I am proud to stand by my wonderful son and share this experience with him.  He has changed our family and we are having a blast creating these expeditions for your kids and the children of Antique.

You should be proud of your children and the leaders of this expedition as well.  You have incredible kids that are special and different in all the right ways.  I am so impressed with each of them.  They have bonded into a very close and friendly team.  They are sacrificing every day and the work is hard.  There has not been one complaint; except for when they are served rice.  They have had their fill of rice.

Thanks for your support.  We feel it each day.  We are trying to do good each day.  See you soon.

Rick Graham

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