A GEORDIE IN TALAKAG

John & Melogie Burns in Talakag

When ELCI recently visited Bethany, some of the husbands came along as well to support their wives.

Along with Melogie, his beautiful wife, John Burns could not resist getting into the spirit of things and becoming a Talakag warrior for a photo shoot with his wife.

John originally hails from Newcastle in the North East of England and apart from being an ardent Magpie supporter (Newcastle United) he also supports England (notice his shirt). Well I suppose it takes all sorts to make a world.

John is a canny lad don't you think?

ELCI and SIGMA BETA WEAR TRADITIONAL NATIVE COSTUMES WHEN VISITING BETHANY

Here we come don't we look beautiful?

The line up for Miss Talakag

During their recent visit to Bethany my wife Marilou had a surprise for our visitors. Following their tree planting, gift handover, visit to the children and not forgetting lunch, of course, the ladies were given Talakag regional costumes to wear for a photo shoot to mark their visit.

Don't they look beautiful in their native attire?

ELCI'S ANNUAL VISIT TO BETHANY

THE ELCI LADIES PLANT RUBBER TREES AT BETHANY



THE ELCI LADIES AND SIGMA BETA HANDOVER THEIR GIFTS TO BETHANY

Recently the Expats Ladies Charity Inc (ELCI) visited Bethany again (they first visited last year) to see the children and as usual spoiled them with an assortment of candy goodies. The ladies also left gifts of rice and milk for the children. Accompanying ELCI were the Sigma Beta Sorority and Fraternity from Cagayan de Oro Chapter who are also involved in charity work. Sigma Beta also brought many gifts for the Bethany children which were well received by the staff.

During the visit the ELCI Ladies took the opportunity to plant some of the rubber trees that they so kindly donated to the Rubber Plantation Project. In total ELCI donated 75 seedlings which have all now been planted. Well done all the Ladies and I would like to say a big thank you for all you have done for Bethany.

RICKY LOPEZ

As a result of the generosity of some ex-pat friends in Cagayan de Oro Ricky Lopez a Bethany child will undergo on Tuesday 20th July 2010 an assessment to determine the type of therapy and medication to treat his autism condition.
This is really good news as he is now of an age whereby he will benefit most from the therapy. I mentioned in a previous post the story of Jane who is being sponsored by the Gurske family from America another Bethany child suffering from the same condition as Ricky so they will both attend the same clinic therefore saving on transport and support care when travelling etc.
So it’s a big thank you to our friends in CdeO who incidentally against my wishes want to remain anonymous and that I have to respect.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATED TO BETHANY

Marilou representing (ELCI) along with Atty Chemene Nacua, Chairperson of BCHC Inc, Rachel Sulatan, House Parent and the children from Bethany Home who received their school supplies.

Recently, we visited Bethany Home to hand over school supplies to children attending Bethany School. The school supplies were donated by the Expat Ladies Charity Inc (ELCI). Along with the donations to the Bethany Home children there are additional school supplies given to all children who attend Bethany School.

Marilou representing (ELCI) along with Mrs Glory May Maagad, Grade School Teacher and the children from Bethany School who received their school supplies.

I learned today that some children from the Barrios and the Town are transferring to the National High School because their parents cannot afford the tuition fees. It’s such a shame as Bethany School provides an excellent standard of education.

If any of my readers would like to sponsor a student please let me know and I will give you details of cost, etc and how you can help. Bethany deserves to survive but only you can make it happen. Please donate today.

BETHANY HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY IN TALAKAG

Chairperson Atty Chemene Nacua and Greg Longcob watched by fellow board
members cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

Bethany held a ribbon cutting ceremony in Talakag last week to officially open for sale a small sub division of housing lots. The lots for sale are on a parcel of land that Bethany own but which it has no further use for.
For many years the land was rented to various farmers for cultivating corn but due to financial obligations the board decided to put the land up for sale in order to pay off some of its more pressing debts. When the sale is completed the financial status of BCHC Inc will be in better stead and its hoped that part of the funding raised after salary and other related outstanding bills are paid will go towards the maintenance of the Home and School. Although the sale of the land will help in the short term Bethany still requires donors old and new in order to face its longer term needs and asperations.

WALK IN THE PLANTATION

Yesterday I visited Bethany with Marilou to say hello to everyone and make a payment for weed clearing and fertilizing the rubber plantation which is carried out under the management of Mr Felipe Bigcas, Talakag’s rubber expert.

Whilst there some of the toddlers were going for a walk with their carer Mary Joy Radam. We all decided to walk to the plantation together to inspect the progress and give my little dog Maya some exercise. Along the way I gave all the children a stick each to carry and we talked and laughed as we walked. It was so good to be with so many smiling faces and at one point Mary Joy and I even had them singing. It was quite some distance we walked and I was surprised that however small the children might be they never complained perhaps they were enjoying themselves walking with their Grandpa.

The good news is the plantation despite the lack of rain in the last few months is doing very well and the trees are growing steadily. We will plant another 3 hectares when the rains finally return next month so progress is being made thanks to the contributions from our dear friends and colleagues back in the UK.