Forever Life Changing Moments Part 2
(Cover Photo: Me with Sponsored child Marilyn Montejo)
Hi Everyone,
Another moment that has had a huge impact on my life happened while I was stationed in Northern Japan in the Marines.
I was 26 years old and had the feeling of wanting a family, but the opportunity was not there yet. So instead, I sponsored a 12 year old Filipino girl, Criselda Cruz from Tondo, Manila, Philippines.
She's on the left and her younger sister next to her
With a sponsorship, it allows poor children to be able to continue schooling, provides food/medical if needed for the family. I wanted to do more, but wasn't sure if my money was being wasted so I took 10 days vacation and visited my sponsored child in Tondo, Manila.
Wow.
I shed many tears in that 10 days. I had never witnessed such poverty before. Nothing like TV. In person, you see it and smell it. It's 360 degrees all around you.
I fell in love with the Filipino people. I would sponsor 4 more Filipino girls and continue to do so until they graduated high school. Often the poor drop out by grade 6 to work to help their families live. I would later sponsor 2 girls by paying for their college education and maybe, just maybe breaking the cycle of poverty. The cover photo shows Marilyn Montejo who later became a nurse.
Sponsored child Leilani IslaSponsored child Leah Quijano
The local organization who assisted the sponsored children was located in Tondo, Manila also. When I visited again in 1984, the bookkeeper working there would later become my wife in 1989. We have 4 children, Charity was an ectopic pregnancy.
My 3 daughters, Alexandra Jeane, Angelica Marie & Melomi Joy w/fat dad at the time.
Unfortunately after 24 years of marriage, we divorced and I had to start my life over essentially. I chose to work and save and 2 years later return to the Philippines to live in Sept 2014.
Since then I met my now wife Wen and we have a beautiful 4 year old daughter Melissa Jeane. In September I will have been here 10 years.
Who could have imagined?
Wen & Melissa Jeane on Mother's Day 2024
I've always felt I should write a book(s) about my life and I think these posts can help shape that into reality. So many adventures along the way. I have been blessed with so much.
Happy FriSatSu!
Mel Waller
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Mel, your story brought tears to my eyes.
I have an adopted daughter who will be 25 years old next week. Last night I met a guy who is expecting his first child soon and he was asking questions about kids.
Suddenly, he reached over the table and took my hand and asked " has anyone ever said thank you for the sacrifice you made by adopting your daughter? when I replied no - he said thank you from me for caring.
Today, I read your story and realise, many people make sacrifices, except we don't think of it as a sacrifice, we think of it as something that is right to do and a way to support a community and do our bit to make the world a better place.
So, I say, thank you Mel, for sharing, caring and helping to make the world a better place.
You are most welcome Karen! And thank you also.
Its interesting how I/we don't realize the impact our actions/words can have on others.
Have a great week, Karen!
Mel