I Love Paying It Forward

byMelWaller

14.6K followers

2 days ago

Hello everyone,

My history in the Philippines began in Sept 1983 when I sponsored Criselda Cruz and then visited her and her family in Tondo Manila.

Criselda Cruz & younger sister

I fell in love with the Philippine people on that first visit and it was my first exposure to real poverty.

I went on to sponsor 5 more Filipinos until they graduated high school. Poor Filipinos are lucky to get to grade 6 as they are expected to start working to help support the family.

I also went on to assist 2 girls and paid for their college. A whole lot cheaper than in the USA. haha

Marilyn Montejo

I also put Marilyn Montejo thru college and she became a nurse.

Leah Quijano

Lealani Isla and her family

Lealani's older sister on the right has permanent health issues because she was not treated for heart issues when she was younger. Something that would have been possible in USA, but not there. Very sad.

Lorna

I apologize that I have forgotten her last name. I put her thru college for Music Education.

I visited the Philippines again in 1984, 1986, was married there in 1989.

2 years after my divorce, I returned to the Philippines and have been living here ever since.

My present wife Rowena Benting and WA member

Our Beautiful daughter Melissa Jeane

I never imagined where that initial sponsorship would take me that cost just $20 a month.

I certainly have received back thousands of times more in return.

I have always loved helping people and I have learned we can never give too much.

May you all be blessed these holidays that are upon us!

To Our Success!

Mel Waller