dreams will start from a book...

We didn't have television until I was in the 5th grade

Reading  has been the activity at home.

My dad would finish a book in 2 days.

he would tell stories of places. He has never been in any of them.

talked about the best food in the world, he has never tasted them.

books helped my dad and i dig into our imagination

the power of reading helps me dream. endlessly.

the girls need to have those dreams as well. .. But.

we need books. we need bookshelves. we need a library

This is where we keep our books today..

 we will be dedicating our first library to all my Mom blogger friends! we thank you for

generous donations and ongoing support. 

You will be making dreams come true!!



www.avagracescloset.blogspot.com

www.spanishpinaynanay.blogspot.com

www.riseaboveyourlimits.com

www.joysnotepad.blogspot.com


Thank you for stopping by!


Hugs!

Monica

His purpose- driven life

You are always looking at the horizon

 i know what you are thinking

" what more can I do to help the girls"

You have done more than any man I know..

You don't have a lot of followers.. and believers..that's okay.

Our boys and I believe in you..and that's all that matters..

You are brave, strong and unstoppable when it comes to your mission..

No one thought you can do it and still don't believe..

You can't stop now.. you have only just begun.

Happy Birthday to my best friend!

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

Nemo meets FLAG!

they have never been to any amusement parks especially not this one! Mixed emotions if this was something they wanted to see and do for our annual trip.  Only 'those' who can afford can visit this park. For them 400 pesos ($10) will rather be spent on food that seeing a bunch of fish.
But because they have worked so hard for one year, they deserve it!  Thanks to our loyal donors as well.

Field trip - Manila Ocean Park

ooooh and aaaaah!!

speechless, confuse or just in AWE!

Well, hello Nemo!!

Finally, they've had enough fish for the day!

For more pictures please visit us www.facebook.com/flagphilippines

Thank you for stopping by,


Hugs,

Monica



Their Big day!

Do all girls wish to get married someday? The perfect dress, the perfect wedding? I don’t remember wishing for any of those.  I can guarantee these girls are not wishing to have a dream wedding either.  All they look forward to is this day. The Graduation Day. 

Team Pink is moving forward to Grade 1 in June
Team Yellow one more year to prepare

Roseanne - over achiever , she is an extra special girl. World, watch out, here comes Roseanne!

There is no greater joy than seeing their parents cry and watching their children go up the stage. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

For more pics, please visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/flagphilippines

doctors without borders

Our first medical mission for all the girls at FLAG. Thanks to our own guardian angels (they do exist!)


Here they are donating their time to conduct the check-ups for both medical and dental.  All of them very seldom (or not at all) visit a doctor.  Imagine your children not seeing one since the day they were born. 

Results: enlarged lymph nodes, underweight and allergies. ALL of them. They need chest x-rays and fast!

Vitamins and supplements are what we need for now to at least boost their metabolism. Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin D anything! We are now in a serious crisis. 


4 to 6 tooth extractions per child. Permanent teeth most of them are gone! Solution, dentures?? or just go by living without your molars. How would you chew your food?

Dr Marion Sanchez, (on my right) and Dr Thess Venturina

Angelica , open wide!

I knew they needed medical check-ups but didn't realize how sick they are.  I need help and soon.

NOW!

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

For complete photos and updates, please visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/flagphilippines

 

 

tough love

Going on our second year here at FLAG, it is an ongoing learning for us.  My husband and I have big hearts however running a school is still a new experience.  The purpose of this visit is for us to build guidelines and processes for everyone to abide to.  That’s one of the strengths Jon has – building processes and growing a business.

Jon's meeting with the  parents ( apologize for the quality of this pic, couldn't upload the pic from my camera)

He didn’t waste any time to speak to the girls’ parents as soon as he arrived in Manila.  We have been receiving reports that there is a huge absenteeism problem at the school.  It is unfortunate although we offer free education, food and clothing, there are still parents who do not want to commit their children to go to school regularly.  It is sad but true. This is just the beginning.

Thank you for stopping by,

 Hugs,

Monica

Day 1 . 19 hours on air

Already I am frantic! My carry on is too heavy. Check-in luggage both full (a tad bit over weight, damn corned beefs and SPAM) kidding!

What to wear? Elastics everywhere! Push-down and pull- up! No belts, no frills. Who travels like Victoria Beckham? NOT ME!. Sigh!

More like this! I swear. No i didn't bring any boxes, I shipped 2 months ago! smart eh!

 Right here waiting. No I am not singing Richard Marx song.  A sea of Filipinos fill the seats. Love it when they go home to the motherland. One "lady'' brought in 2 carry ons, what? She was not allowed.  Oh well, we always have one of us who will break the rules.

Bye for now! Here we go.

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica