BROTHER AND SISTER VISIT BETHANY

Lauren and Andrew with the Elementary Children in the Bethany School Library

Over the last two weeks two American graduates Lauren and Andrew West from Colorado have visited Bethany to further their overseas working experience. Early this year, Lauren wrote to me after reading about Bethany through this humble blog. She asked about the possibility of coming over to do some volunteer work at Bethany. She then asked her brother Andrew, who incidentally has just returned from his trip in Africa, to join her on the Bethany trip.

The brother and sister duo have worked mainly in Bethany School teaching English to the children at both Elementary and High School level. Both were also teaching the children how to do a Square Dance to be performed on Bethany’s Foundation Day event in September. While Andrew, who is a football (Soccer) enthusiast, was coaching the school's football team, Lauren was in the library reading stories to the elementary school children.

They both loved their experience here and I’m sure they will talk about it for many years to come.

ELCI & SIGMA BETA ARE GIVEN TALK ON BETHANY'S ORIGIN AND FUTURE HOPES DURING RECENT VISIT

Attorney Nacua speaking with the Ladies during their visit to Bethany

During their recent visit to Bethany both ELCI and Sigma Beta had the opportunity to find out the origin of Bethany as well as its future aspirations first hand.
The Chairperson of Bethany’s Board of Trustees Attorney Chemene Nacua who incidentally for those who don’t know is an Investigative Attorney with the National Bureau of Investigation Cagayan de Oro Office, gave a short talk to the Ladies on how Bethany was formed and what it means to deserving children to keep it in operation. She also went on to explain what the Board of Trustees have got planned for the future of the Bethany facility and how they are working hard to explore all options to raise funding to ensure their longer term goals are reached.
The Ladies also had the opportunity to ask Attorney Nacua questions as well as join in a group discussion which they all enjoyed.

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.