On our most recent trip to the Philippines we spent 3 days visiting Minoro Elementary. We were so surprised on our first day, we showed up and the entire school greeted us warmly and had a short program for us. All 110 students were neatly lined up patiently awaiting our arrival. They had a small program to thank stakeholders for all the support Minoro has received throughout the year. It was a very humbling experience, the kids were so excited to see us they could hardly sit still during the ceremony and they kept inching closer and closer to us at the front! The Superintendent was present and we were able to meet with him and learn more about the school district and more needs of Minoro.
It takes a village… 
What a surprise, what an honor.
I could think of a lot of other people’s name who would be better suited to be recognized on this banner. Without key supporter and donors, not a fraction of what has taken place at Minoro would be possible. While it was flattering to be on this banner and recognized by a whole ceremony, it’s a lot more people deserving of the spotlight. THANK YOU, SALAMAT! A million times over! To ALL of our donors and supporters. This is for YOU.
After the ceremony we distributed small holiday sacks that contained candy, fruit, and a tooth brush. This was an “early Christmas” for the kids! They were so happy to receive these treats! We also had larger presents for the whole school like soccer balls, volleyballs, jump ropes, badminton, and more!
While we were there we learned more about the needs of Minoro, and more about the feeding program and how the district dictates where funds go and how much schools receive. Minoro receives only enough for 20-25 students. These select students are the less fortunate of the entire class count, and therefore receive lunch. The remaining students go home for lunch. Lunch is only available for all students if there is a donor or “stakeholder” sponsoring the feeding. It was nice being able to experience the feeding first hand and also learn more about the details from the school district. While it doesn’t seem that the feeding we have been able to provide throughout the last year for Minoro isn’t much, that is NOT the case. Administration and students are very thankful for every little bit of help they receive. Their gratitude was overwhelming.
Administration prepared a nice lunch for us after the ceremony and handing out goodies to the students. During lunch, a presentation played in the background with pictures of all the feedings and donations they received from us throughout the year. We enjoyed nice conversations full of thankfulness and love.
It was the best first day back in the Philippines and school visit. Crazy how much can happen in a year, to think this all started a little less than a year ago, and to come here and see so much progress, so much love and support. I wish everyone who supports For the Kids–the Minoro project, could physically come visit and feel first hand the overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and love. These blog posts don’t do enough justice relaying everything happening in Minoro, but I can only hope that everyone who supports the project feels at least a little bit of joy from these updates.
For the Kids 