Mixed Emotions.

It’s every member of Staffs dream at Bethany to have their wards placed in the care of loving parents, whereby they can go off to whatever part of the world and enjoy a new and fulfilling life. This week it was the turn of Angelo and his sister Criselda to do just that. Tony and Christine Fazzini travelled from their home in Adelaide, Australia to Manila to finalize the necessary paperwork and then on to Talakag to collect their new son and daughter. Tony and Christine had already been keeping me up to date regarding the progress of their adoption process and Marilou and I were excited to meet them on arrival at Bethany. Immediately on meeting Tony and Christine we knew what wonderful parents they will make for Angelo and Criselda after watching them interact with their new son and daughter.

The children view a specially prepared scrapbook showing them their new home and family.

 As is customary before leaving Bethany the children and class mates of Angelo and Criselda held a farewell party which actually was also an early lunch. About 30 children attended the send-off as well as members of the teaching staff and after prayers the children sang a special send off song for Angelo and Criselda and Angelo sung a solo song in response. There was hardly a dry eye in the house after his rendition and watching Tony and Christine they were so proud of his effort.

The class mates of Angelo and Criselda sing a special farewell song to them

Angelo sings solo.

Greg Longcob the CEO of Bethany made a speech about how Bethany cherish people like Tony and Christine who by their love of children make the self-sacrifice of offering a loving and truly Christian home and life to our children here. Tony responded on behalf of Christine and himself by saying that he was overwhelmed by the love that’s given to the children at Bethany despite all the hardships encountered. He went on to compare what children have in the developed world with the children he has met here and concluded that the children at Bethany were a lot happier with a lot less. Tony thanked the staff for all their hard work and dedication and promised to keep us updated with Angelo and Criselda’s progress in Australia.

Mr Tony Fanzzini responds to Mr Greg Longcob's speach.

Proud father and daughter

Loving mother and son 

 Bethany would like to wish Angelo and Criselda and their older brother Jason Fazzini a happy and fruitful life in Adelaide. Once again Tony and Christine it’s been our pleasure to meet you and to know that Angelo and Criselda have wonderful and loving parents.

The Fazzini family will spend a few days in Manila and leave on Sunday evening to return to Australia.