Even though most Filipinos are not aware of the American holiday, we want to take a moment to give thanks for all our friends, most of whom receive this newsletter every few days. We are thankful for those we left behind back in the States, as well as our new friends here in the Philippines and on Corregidor Island. We are grateful for the opportunity to live here and help in any ways we can.
We are also thankful for our family, without whose blessing and help we would not have been able to be on this wonderful adventure, living out a dream. Thanks especially to our son Walter Nicholas, namesake of Steve’s father, who served on Corregidor. Nick, as we call him, has been managing our affairs back in Michigan and doing a great job. Although we tried to take care of every contingency, many things such as our last-minute car accident were unplanned, and Nick has had to be there for us.
Although we love the United States, and think it is the greatest country on earth, we also love the Philippines and especially the Filipinos we know on a regular basis. Art, the executive director of the foundation, has been so helpful as to be beyond expression. Ronilo, his chief on the island, equally so. Gilbert, the photographer and often our cook, so friendly and, like almost everyone here, always smiling. Raffi and Vicky, a couple who live here and have been so helpful in getting our house in order. Leslie and Beth, delightful ladies who live in metro Manila, both making us a part of their families. The Corregidor Inn staff. We could go on and on. It seems like our family has increased tenfold since arriving.
So even though today we won’t be eating turkey or sitting around the television watching football, we express our thanks to and for all who make this possible, and for all who make our lives rich in blessings.
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