The laugh is on me!

Remember the lines of an old song "leaving on a night train...?"   Well, we are not leaving on a night train and may not be leaving at all.  Our next projected date is coming up soon.  We have boarding passes already from Cebu Pacific airlines to leave Dumaguete, Philippines on Monday morning, June 8th.   But, that doesn't mean we won't get a cancellation notice on Sunday.    Ron had to check that we are here on business (which we are to see the safe house being built on the Casa Esperanza of Angels' orphanage property).   No pleasure passengers can fly just yet.    We have to have a health certificate within 24 hours of flight so Gigi is checking with a cousin's wife who is a nurse about getting this paper for us.

Ronald sent a message last night that (after weeks of no cases here) there are 17 new cases of the virus on Negros Oriental.  He suspects they are fishermen returning home but one is an 11-year old girl.   The patients are supposedly "contained" but with this scare, the airlines may be shut down, as well as the entire island.    We are hoping this is not the case and we can leave on Monday.

Since we arrived, I have been fascinated with a sound I hear every night at 5:30.    As we are preparing dinner, this "creature" starts making a sound that I describe as Uh Oh but sometimes the Uh gets stuck and it is Uh Uh Uh with a deep throated growling.    It is coming from a nearby tree or top of the storage room shed at the back porch.  You can set your clock by the first time you hear it.  It will be 5:30 p.m.  I thought it was a large bird that was coming in to roost and I checked the internet and listened to birds of the Philippines on YouTube and came up with nothing. I asked Ronald and Gigi and they had no idea what it was but last week they delivered our groceries about 5:00 p.m.   While we were in the dining room, my friend checked in with the Uh Oh. Ronald and Gigi started laughing.

My elusive friend is the Gecko Tuko (Americans spell it Tokay).
I've never seen one and after seeing the pictures and listening to it on YouTube, I can verify that this is my friend but I am happy for him to stay hidden under the edge of the roof of the storage shed.  They are fascinating creatures but I don't want him for a pet.  Geckos can be small as we have on the walls in the house but this kind can grow quite large.   He is so loud, I think our friend is large because he makes his presence known with much growling and crooking.    The internet says the sound is To-Kay To-Kay and that's where they get their name.   Doesn't sound quite like that to me.   According to what I've read, they hang on to trees or things and sleep during the day.  They can be heard throughout the night hours.  We have heard him as early as 5 a.m. but not after that during the daytime.   They have no eye lids so they lick their eyes with their long tongues to keep them moist.    Their eyes are 350 times more sensitive to light than ours.   They can drop off their tail if they feel threatened and it will continue to wiggle around to distract an enemy.   The tails stores fat but he can grow it back if it falls off.   They can live a long time.   As you can see, I'm getting a little bored of staying in when I am fascinated about reading about geckos.  

I have work to do to help secure sponsors for the new children arriving at Casa Esperanza of Angels.  I am waiting to get information about two little girls who are in danger where they are living and may arrive this morning to live at the orphanage.   They are 4 and 6 years of age so the change may be difficult for these little girls.   All the rest of their children have adjusted quickly and are very happy.

I will post again when I have news or more time.   Maybe my next post will be that we have arrived safely in the U.S.   But, don't count on it.  In the meantime, I'll look forward to 5:30 p.m. to go talk to my gecko friend.

God bless you all.  

Flights cancelled again!

We were planning to leave the Philippines to return to the U.S. on June 3.   We had confirmation from Philippine Airlines on Saturday and then on Sunday a cancellation notice arrived.   Ron assumed they did not have sufficient passengers to justify the cost of the flight but today Ronald sent us a copy of the government order to keep the airport closed until at least June 7.  It is possible that date will be extended again as it has in the past.  We are waiting to hear from Philippines Air when we can book again.   We don't know just when we can leave to return to the U.S.    We can leave quickly should a flight become available but we have to be patient until it happens.  

I talked with a friend in Albany, GA today on Facebook and they had two deaths over the weekend.  Although people are not forced to stay in, the governor or Georgia has extended the time to recommend that senior citizens of Georgia stay inside until July 12.   We know there are other places where it is still not very safe to be out.  

The nation of Nepal is still in lockdown.    Although travel is not permitted there, we have somehow gotten each local supplier to get rice and lentils (crushed and cooked into a gravy) to Christians and their neighbors in about 45 different villages.  

Schools have opened again in Laos but tourism is not expected to come back to these areas this year and the economic situation will be very difficult for most people.   The people of Asia often live on daily wages so when there is no work, there is no food.   Many businesses in the cities depend on tourism to sustain their lives.  No one is traveling this year as airlines are not functioning and that creates no business for hotels, restaurants and many other businesses.
The girls that graduated from our tailoring school were doing well in their shops but no one can afford to have clothing made so their businesses are also on hold until things return to a normal status.   They were part of the group that received food in this effort to help the people.

The good news is that three precious girls arrived to have a good life at the Casa Esperanza of Angels home in the Philippines.    There are now four girls there ranging in age from 7 to 13 and they have become "best" friends almost overnight.  

If you know anyone that wants to sponsor a child at this orphanage at $35 per month, please let me know.   Write me at(patbrown10@gmail.com).

This little girl is small for her age of 13 years.  She's lived with her grandparents since she was 2 years old.   They knew they could not continue to care for her and give her a good life so they wanted her to live as Casa.   They know the house mother so they are confident that Arlene will have a wonderful home. Arlene was packed and ready to go when they arrived to pick her up to bring here to Casa.  She is overjoyed to have girl friends and live in this beautiful home    The children are really enjoying the home schooling and activities planned to keep them busy during the time they are restricted to staying on campus.

We are no different from people all over the world that has been affected by the dreaded COVID-19 virus.   We have to continue to be patient and trust in God to see us through these bad times and bring us out on the other side of the mountain we are climbing.   

When we know more about leaving the Philippines, I will post again.   May God bless each of you with good health and blessings each and every day.

  

Special birthday treats!

Today, May 24, is my official 82nd birthday but since it came 12 hours earlier in the Philippines, I was treated to a special day yesterday.    Ronald and Gigi wanted us to come to the orphanage but Ron thought we should continue to stay in so we can honesty say we have been in quarantine for the past two months.  There are no cases of the virus on the island.  Ron said he was concerned I might pick up a cold from the children and it be mistaken for having the virus.    Our quarantine letter from the government is dated two weeks ago but we were not able to get a flight.    I wanted to see the children at Casa Esperanza of Angels before we left and say hello to two new little girls that arrived on Friday.    Maybe we can go by to just say goodbye on our way to the airport.   Our next scheduled date to leave is June 3rd but there's been no official announcement that the airport is open yet.   Philippine Air has booked us on a flight to Manila so we will see if that flight actually goes on that day.  

Ronald and Gigi dropped off lunch for us yesterday.   We had pizza and salad, chocolate cake, (granola for breakfast), a bouquet of red roses and a beautiful card designed by Gigi.     Gigi knows I love red roses and these dark red buds are beautiful.   I didn't take a picture of the pizza or cake ...sorry.   It was very good and I was very thankful for their thoughtfulness and love.

I received on-line cards and messages from other family members as well.

A little later, Cheryl, Gigi's sister stopped by and brought me a vase of roses from Gigi's Mom's garden, another cake and some sweet treats.

Cheryl has offered to take me out for rides or walks but they have done so much for us and continue to do everything they can to be sure we are comfortable.  The Olis family is very thoughtful and kind.  Ronald is very blessed to have Gigi and this wonderful family in his life
They have many connections on the island that have been very beneficial to building an orphanage.

Many have sent Happy Birthday wishes on Facebook and I am very appreciative of everyone's sweet comments.    THANK YOU!

Changes

Category 2 tropical storm skirting this portion of the Philippines but having landfall on Northern Samar.  We need rain but not this much.   It is cloudy and windy today.   Maybe we will get some rain as the storm moves on up the side of the Philippines.  As I write this, we are getting a really hard shower which has brought the temperature down considerably. It is very hot in the Philippines  and the humidity is high which makes the afternoons feel like a sauna.   People practically live outside during the hot months and we can understand why with a breeze to help with the heat.  The land is flat at the Casa Esperanza of Angels orphanage so they usually have some breeze that helps.

We completed our requested government quarantine on Monday and received our letter and daily temperature record for 14 days.   We had confirmed reservations to leave on the 19th and the quarantine letter would be needed at the airport.   Either unfortunately or maybe fortunately, the flight was cancelled.   They were going to put us on a flight for the 20th but that is the day the American Airlines flight left Japan that we hoped to be on.   I think American has only three flights each week from the Narita airport in Tokyo.

Ron worked on reservations all day yesterday trying to make the best possible connections to keep us from spending long hours in airports or overnight in various locations.   I think we are booked again to leave on May 26 but we will see if that one leaves Dumaguete airport as stated.   I was thinking that maybe leaving on the 19th would have put us in the path of this tropical storm...but I don't have a good sense of direction to know for sure.

The island of Negros continues to be partially closed with restaurants and businesses open only for take out but things are returning to a more normal status.    The shutdown was extended in Nepal so our workers are taking l/2 salary (voluntarily) since they are current in sending reports about the girls and they cannot travel to visit the girls.    I have had plenty of computer work to keep busy until now but even with some things I can work on, I will have some free time next week.  

I've lost a little weight but probably not enough for anyone to notice.    We don't have a microwave or oven so with limited cooking utensils, we have kept our meals simple.   Ronald and Gigi take our grocery list and bring us fruits, vegetables, meats and drinks.    We enjoy a good breakfast of eggs, toast and oatmeal.   They have spoiled Ron with ice cream, cookies and homemade desserts so we have not suffered in the least.

I am letting my hair color go so gray hair is showing at my temples and streaks in my brown hair.   I will probably look much older and more tired even though we have had more time to rest and a healthy diet.  It is just time to let go and enjoy the blessings from God.  

I will continue to post as our time continues in the Philippines and as we are permitted to leave to return to the U.S.   Thank you for following our Asian adventures and for your good wishes and prayers.

SAS house for girls in the Philippines

The next SAS house for girls is located at the Casa Esperanza of Angels orphanage in Tanjay, Negros Oriental, Philippine.    The land belongs to the foundation of Casa but the house is being funded by SAS to house and care for 24 vulnerable girls who could be sold to brothels in Japan.    The setting is absolutely beautiful with lovely sunsets over the mountains and palm trees swaying in the breeze.   The SAS house is on the left in this first beautiful photo.

The houses are identical except the floor plan for the SAS house has been modified slightly to allow room for more girls.   The first house has both boys and girls quarters and it will house a total of 16 children.   They want it to be as close to a family setting as possible for these children so they will not have houses for boys and houses for girls as we see at orphanages in the U.S.   

Houses are narrow but long to conserve land and provide more room to add additional homes as the orphanage expands and a need for more houses arises.   The grounds are beautifully landscaped with fruit trees, coconut palms and flowering plants and bring peace and serenity as you walk around to see the various areas of he campus.  

The house is being finished inside with ceilings going in, windows and doors installed, floor tiling and cabinets completed.  It will be a very lovely home for girls with a large living area and a nice dining and kitchen area where they can learn to cook and enjoy meals together.  They will help in the garden and enjoy wonderful vegetables and fruit produces on site.

Jessica is the social worker hired to work with Casa in finding children and overseeing that the children are cared for properly.   She will also assist SAS with locating girls that will live in our house and see that they are safe. 

Construction Updates

The two house under construction are coming along nicely even in the midst of the coronavirus slowing things down.   Some men went back home and could not return to the job sites due to the shut down of towns.   Those that were on the jobsite continued to work long hours and the buildings are looking good.

Here are pictures of the one in Mukdahan, Thailand along with the garden they are beginning.

The girls from the rented safe house and the house mother are coming to work in the garden and it is certainly taking shape nicely.

The roof sheets are supposed to be arriving this week.   They hope to get the roof on before the monsoon (rainy) season begins.  

This building will house 60 girls and house
parents.

Birthdays Celebrated!

Four more days for the health care worker to come to the house to check our temperatures morning and evening.  We will get the health certificate on the 11th saying we have been in quarantine for 14 days with no temperature recorded.   It will also stipulate that we are to remain in isolation due to our age over 65 which is still mandatory on the island.    They know that Ronald and Gigi come by to bring food and water to us but we are not supposed to have other visitors.
Gigi's sister brought us a box of cupcakes and handed it to me at arm's length on the porch a few days ago.   It was their aunt's birthday on the 5th and although she is in Connecticut, we all had cupcakes and celebrated her birthday.   Happy birthday wishes were sent to Anita Olis Moran as all of us enjoyed the delicious cupcakes.   Even the children at the orphanage enjoyed them.

In April, several of the children had birthdays and our precious Gigi also celebrated her 51st birthday on April 23rd with cakes, gifts and handmade cards from the children.

Gigi has been working so hard with the summer program for the children, she certainly deserved the special birthday honors!