Dear Ones,

We reported on the great time we had with Vic and Len, but there were other adventures we had during the month that we’d like to share.

We’ve had some interesting contacts.  We went to some screenings at Mabuhay Deseret House, owned by one of our partners, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.  It was the first time the “House” was opened up to the neighborhood and people were invited to come right on in.  We met some delightful people who greet life with a smile even though their bodies are causing them difficulties.  Vision and eye care doctors removed cataracts, uncrossed eyes, and discovered cancers and referred patients for treatment that was life saving. 

Helping Hands are used to keep order during the screening.  This screening is actually in San Mateo.  Members are a wonderful help during these times.

One darling 5 year old named Jona Mae came to Mabuhay House from the far away island of Palawan.  During screening the doctors were concerned and sent her for a scan.  They discovered there was an aggressive cancer behind the troubled eye.  They said it is extremely fast growing and could move to the other eye and then the brain in a matter of days. The surgery needed to be done immediately.  So, surgery was performed that afternoon on Jona Mae.  She is a remarkable person with a charming personality.  She will recover at Mabuhay House.

The ladies from the Area Office go weekly to share crafts and a gospel message of love.  This week the lesson was on the Resurrection of Christ.  We handed out the little flyer that has a picture of Christ surrounded by children.  Jon Mae took the picture and exclaimed “is this for me”?  Then with squeals of delight she kissed the picture of Christ.  She talked about how much she loves him and then with the love of a child said, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!  She is precious.  I felt as if she truly remembered him and knew him personally.  Christ said we must be as a little child.  I saw and heard what he meant.

The darling on the right is Jona Mae, the darling on the left is Sofia.  Jona Mae no longer has the sight in her left eye
(your right)but she is alive and well and precious as can be.  The doctors are watching the healing process and will have more information about possibilities in the near future.  Sofia is waiting for surgery to continue the process of repairing the harelip.

Mabuhay has done other screenings and  LDS Charities plays a part.  We have some pretty amazing pictures that can help one see just exactly what kinds of birth defects they find here.  What a privilege it is to work with an organization that is helping to provide relief.

This is my friend Mirathan.  I took a picture of her before.  She is the 2 year old who was not able too use her limbs.  This corrective surgery will allow her to walk. This process will take 3 month.

This mother supervises Mirathan all day long

Your eyes are not deceiving you, his feet are on backwards.  Actually his feet are club.  This condition is more common than one might think.  We have seen 3 children this last year.  He was accepted to the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation program.  The process will take months to correct things but when it is done he will be able to walk and play like other children.

Screening in San Mateo.  This is the eye examination station.

screening at Mabuhay House

We love our association with Mabuhay Deseret Foundation. Their good work never stops.

TZU CHI FOUNDTATION

Our visit with Tzu Chi Foundation began with a greeting from Michael.
Left to right: Elder Webb, Sister Webb, Benson and Michael

This woman was the Guide for Sister Webb's group.  She was very gracious.  She was trained as an attorney but had a meeting with Master Cheng Len and was told that she would have to represent and defend people that would go contrary to the nature and morals of Tzu Chi.  The master told her she should be a teacher.  So, she quit her job and is now teaching.
Sister Webb enjoyed her time learning about this faithful follower of Dharma Cheng Len.

We also met a new group called Tzu Chi Foundation.  We were introduced to them by Kenneth Lee one of our project managers in Davao.  Tzu Chi Foundation was one of the first responders during typhoon Yolanda and has made quite a name for their organization.  We met with some of the leading local officials here in Manila and the more I hear and see what this organization is doing the more I realize they are doing a great work.  They are a Buddhist organization, but they say the motivation for their work is to fill the earth with love.  They are very well organized and receive their direction from a Buddhist Dharma named Master Cheng Len, a 78 year old monk whose teachings and direction are revered by its members.  She does seem inspired in some of the programs she espouses.  No work no food is her first directive. 

We were divided into groups during the conference.  Elder Webb sat on the front row  Sister Webb was escorted to a section in the back of the large conference room.  This is her group.  The first response team for a fire department shared the same station.

This is a boat made out of recycled pop bottles.  It does float.

They work in first response, eye care and vision health, medical relief, housing for the poor, recycling and a healthy vegetarian life style;  many of the same areas in which we work.  It’s members are people dedicated to the message of love as directed by Master Cheng Len.  Members donate a lot of their income to the organization.  One does not need to be Buddhist to be a member of Tzu Chi Foundation, but they do preach a Buddhist message.  They were gracious and kind to us.  We were told that Master Cheng Len has told her people she wishes they would be more like the Mormon Missionaries in their dedication.  I have to admit, I heard many of the same slogans and verbiage we hear in Church culture.  It seemed to me she is promoting many of Brigham Young’s ideas. 

Master Cheng Len’s ideas on paying people to clean up their own cities after a disaster have caused many in the first response community to rethink their working prototype.   Their success was revolutionary.  It’s been very interesting to spend time with the leaders and hear them share their visions for the future.  There is a lot to learn from them.

Elder Webb is shown the emergency housing.  It had 3 bedrooms, a sitting area, a toilet, and an outdoor kitchen porch.  All windows are screened and there is a vent in the ceiling.  

 

This is a picture of the emergency housing Tzu Chi puts up.  It is pre fabricated and takes a day to put up.  That is very fast in this business.  Tzu Chi is located in Taiwan and is able to ship relief supplies in a few days.

This is the main room where we were served herbal tea and biscuits. This is the picture of Spiritual Enlightenment, and a place people come to chant and pay homage to Buddha. 

It was all very interesting.  I couldn't help but think they were sharing the message of Christ,

with out Christ.  

I really enjoyed hearing about what they are doing and while some of the things they did, the rituals, were strange to me I couldn't help but think that all good things come from the Father, and these people are doing many good things.