Journey to Shiloh: Journey to Cebu

And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luke 13:29

One month ago, we journeyed to Cebu. Here is that story....

Tuesday, February 5

We arrive at the Bloomington Airport at the delightful time of 5:45 AM! Dad dropped me at the door with the luggage then went to park the 15-passenger van. As he walked back, he texted Papa to tell him where the van was parked; Papa and Gramma (Katherine's parents) would be holding down the fort while we were gone. Once our three large suitcases are checked (without a hitch), we proceeded to go through security with our two carry-on suitcases and two backpacks. My dear husband decided to brave the giant scanning machine; but I opt out. A very nice lady who chatted with me the entire time, checked me for hidden guns, knives, or anything else that could be used as a lethal weapon (sure, I fit the profile...a mother of almost 18 children; also a grandmother of almost 50 years age with blonde hair, no less!) I did learn from her one tidbit of very interesting information...I had on my motion-sickness wrist bands; she commented to me her doctor knows the doctor who created them for morning-sick; however, since the motion-sickness market was bigger, that is how they are sold. She also shared that her father used them through Chemo and how they worked wonderfully for that 'sickness' too.

Our flight to Detroit was quick and painless. After eating breakfast, we walked the concourse half hour for exercise with anticipation of a cramped 12 hour flight to Tokyo. In that time we also exchanged some of our US dollars to Philippine pesos. At the point we were to board the plane an announcement was made...one of the doors needed a new part; it would arrive on another plane. Needless to say we did not leave on time; however, after the 3 hour delay they began boarding. Once the doors were shut, Bob asked the Stewardess if we could move to the row in front of us as those three seats were empty; to which she consented. As these seats were right behind an exit row, my dear husband had a spot with no seat in front; it was long-legs bliss!

Wednesday, February 6

The flight over the Pacific Ocean was peaceful. We enjoyed wonderful food and service as well as some movies on our personal TV screens. Sleep came and went but we did get some rest. Once in Tokyo, we, along with 96 others, were quickly ushered through the terminal to our Manila flight; they had held it for over an hour so the 98 of us on the Detroit flight could make the connection. We were very grateful to the Lord for this!

After we arrived in Manila and collected our bags (all of them made it), we found our driver waiting. His name was Joy, which is exactly what we felt as we entered the machine-gun guarded parking lot of our hotel even though it was 12:30 in the morning. We settled quickly into our room and tried to catch some sleep. Four hours later we were up and getting ready to head to Cebu.

Thursday, February 7

Joy meet us just as he said and taxied us to the airport. We had no difficulty getting to our gate and we had a few minutes to ponder the fact that in just a few hours we were going to finally get to see, hug and kiss our four children. The flight was on time and it seemed to take no time to fly down to the island of Cebu.

The Director, Paul Healy, of the Children's Shelter of Cebu (CSC) was to meet us at the airport. It was a happy sight for us when he drove up. Come to find out, there was an accident just before the bridge backing up traffic in every direction for what seemed miles. It was still like that as we drove past heading to CSC which made us very thankful he made it in the time he did!

Paul made a left-hand turn and let us know we were almost there. He then stopped at the big green doors, honking to have them opened. Our hearts were pounding with excitement and anticipation. We wanted to swallow the children up in hugs...but would they need us to give them space?

We could see the children at the pavilion with several adults. As we got out of the car, Jeralyn and Jovan broke away from the group and ran as hard as they could straight for me jumping into my arms, grabbing hold with their legs. I was laughing and crying at the same time; my heart was so full of joy and happiness (not to mention relief) I felt I could burst! Jocelyn and Jon came up behind the twins and immediately gave us strong hugs. I noticed right away Jon had gotten new glasses and complemented him on them.

And the Director's wife, Marlys Healy come up to us.

We had already 'met' via Skype, but it was marvelous to meet in person!

It is tradition at CSC to decorate a chalkboard to welcome the parents; this was ours!

After more pictures in front of this sign, the children lead us to Cherne House where they have lived for almost five years. A lunch of egg salad sandwiches and chips was waiting for us; however, the children were served chicken, vegetables, and rice. Jeralyn was the only one who tried the 'American' sandwiches. She did not like it, but she and Jovan did like the chips...a lot!

That afternoon, Dad and I meet with the teachers. It was the first of very informative, but also emotional, meetings. These folks really love these kids, and they were going to be missed.

For dinner we had pizza and soda (Coke and orange) as well as some of the most delicious mangoes and a seasonal fruit called lanzonies.

Bedtime for the children was approaching, so Dad and I gave them good-night hugs and kisses; then were taken back to our hotel. The children went to their 'house' to sleep.

Friday, February 8

The morning began with an amazing breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Auntie Marlys and the 4 J's picked us up at the hotel and gave us a tour of Cebu City. We saw the hospitals where the children were born, the fresh food markets, Magellen's Cross, and Santo Nino's beautifully ornate Roman Catholic Church. Back at CSC, Dad and I met with the children's social workers; then after lunch at Jollibee's (Philippines' version of McDonalds crossed with KFC) with the children, we had a meeting with their counselors. And instead of eating with the children, we went back to the hotel for our last dinner as a couple. Tomorrow the children would be joining us.

(This is where I share my sad news...all the pictures from Thursday and Friday morning are lost forever; there were over a thousand. Because...our first week home, I had transferred our 2012 photos off my computer to an external hard-drive so I could upload all of the CSC pictures given to us by the Staff without crashing my computer. I then proceeded to delete those 2012 photos off of my computer. However, I neglected to observe that I had included the Photo Album of the photos taken by us and the four kids at CSC on Thursday and Friday morning. When I realized what I had done, I canceled the delete; however, when I went to the ‘recycle bin’ to ‘restore’ the photos, they were nowhere to be found though I was able to restore two other albums caught in my foolish delete. I was heart sick and cried quite a bit; my husband and computer techie adult children were unable to fix what I had done. My advice to anyone traveling overseas, do not do anything important while still in a jet-lag fog.)

Saturday, February 9

Jon had our camera over night to take pictures of the boys sleepover in honor of his last night at CSC.

They played games...

had devotions, Jon was asked to lead...

sang songs....

eat typical boy junk food....

watched a movie...

played more games outside...

and slept!

When we got there Saturday morning, Jon was still sleeping. Marlys, however, wanted to take us to a favorite spot of hers to take all the CSC children. So we loaded up the three younger children for the short drive 'up'!

The road CSC is on is called Good Shepherd Road and at the end of the road farther up is the 'Celestial City' with the nine stations of the cross.

It was a very nice walk.

We can see why Auntie Marlys would bring the children up here!

A partial family photo with Cebu City behind us.

It was getting time for another meeting with CSC staff, this time the medical team. So we headed back to the Shelter. They were not quite ready for us so we took the time for some photo ops!

The meeting ran longer than expected, but Cherne House held lunch for us.

It was a delicious noodles and vegetable meal.

After lunch we began the process of packing the children's things they wanted to bring to America.

Jovan was full of energy and wanted to play...

Uncle Paul came over to see how things were going and to visit with the children. Jocelyn wanted a picture to remember how both Uncle Paul and Daddy are very tall.

Looking out the window across the yard at the two other houses: Duterte House on the left with a green roof; and Eicher House which looks exactly like the Cherne House. The road on the right at the big tree is where we hugged the children for the first time.

Jovan and Jeralyn 'wearing' Mom and Dad's clip-on sunglasses.

Auntie Marlys brought a very special gift for Jovan. This was the blanket in which she wrapped him the day he was delivered into her care on the street in Cebu City as a tiny baby near death.

Mom and Dad were called to go to their last meeting with the Care-giving staff. We had a wonderful time learning and talking with these three wonderful women; Sandy, Lindsey, and Amy. They had also been in our meeting as counselors the day before with two others. Sandy came with Paul and Marlys over 30 years ago to establish the Children's Shelter of Cebu.

We left the camera with the Jocelyn. She got lots of pictures. Here are just a few....

Jovan slept on the suitcase waiting for his parents to return.

Jearlyn slept in her bed for the last time.

Auntie Marlys came upstairs to spend some special time with the children.

Some sticker fun!

Jocelyn's bed on the bottom.

The 'self-portrait' lady!

We loaded the van with the suitcase and all the paperwork that had been given to us.

We gave CSC the gifts we had brought: books or the staff, videos for the school, tea for Cherne house, and Valentine candy for all of the children at the Shelter. Jocelyn, Jeralyn and Jovan passed it out lollipops to everyone!

And because the children had taken so many pictures both of our batteries were dead. These few pictures that follow were sent to us by Lindsey. (Thank you!)

It was time for the children to leave with us. Tradition is...

...the children all gather to sing to those leaving

"God Be With You Til We Meet Again."

Then Marlys asked if there was anything we wanted to say.

Dad gave a wonderful thank you while I video taped.

Jon was asked to talk next but he passed with great laughter.

Then the children were instructed to hug us all good-bye.

It was wonderful!

Everyone of those children is so precious with beautiful spirits.

We also got some photos of the children with the Staff and friends.

(Thank you, Lindsey, for sending these to us!!)

Uncle Tarex, the children's house father.

Paul and Marlys, the founders of CSC.

The children's teachers.

Auntie Sandy, one of the founders of CSC.

Auntie Lindsey.

It was time. We loaded into the van, waved good-bye, and drove through the big green doors for the last time and headed to our Parkland Hotel.

The children had come with us Thursday when we checked in so they were already familiar with our room and with what we had brought with us...a Kindle and a computer. They wasted no time in asking to play games on them.

Our two beauties!!

Once we were settled in the room and the adjoining room was prepared including a cot. We headed to the hotel restaurant for dinner. That was an experience!

The children had an abundance of choices.

Thankfully, their tastes are simple; they were able to pick their food quickly.

A waiter was kind enough to take a picture for us.

Back upstairs everyone took a shower and got into their PJ's.

Cartoons were being watched by those who had to wait.

In the end, everyone finished the show together.

Four beautiful children, for the first time, doing the 'Sanford' thing...

wearing matching clothing!

As is tradition, the children received their first gift from Mom and Dad...

a backpack full of neat stuff just for them!

After the exploration of their new things, it was time for Family Worship. They children were all very atentive; Jon and Jocelyn tried hard to answer Dad's questions and also asked some good questions themselves. We were very blessed by their knowledge and hearts!

The four children shared an adjoining room: Jon on the cot, Jovan on the pallet....

...Jocelyn and Jeralyn sharing the bed.

Sunday, February 10

The morning came and we had a wonderful breakfast buffet with only one 'mishap'...Jovan eat some food to fast or much and a bit of it came back up in the seat beside him. Thankfully, Jon had chosen to place a seat between himself and Jovan when we sat at the table or this 'food' would have been all in his lap!!

While we waited for Dad to settle our bill, I captured this photo of the children in front of a montage of Cebu City.

Once upstairs we took this photo of our room number. This hotel has 16 floors with at least 27 rooms on each floor; this is the room we were given when we arrived on Thursday! A fingerprint of God...we came as parents to 14 children and leave parents to 18!!

We had a few hours before heading to the airport, so we had planned a head of time to Skype the family back home. While we waited for that time to arrive we allowed the children to watch some more cartoons.

In the meantime, we got a 'call' from Justin and Melinda! We had a nice time chatting with them.

When the 10:00 AM, we had the familiar 'whooping' of the family in Downs calling via Skype. It was wonderful to see everyone and catch up on the news there.

Jocelyn got 'board' just talking and decided to take some photos of her pretty self!!

Just two days before she had informed us she would not wear dresses. Since that is all we brought she was stuck, but once she saw herself, her heart became thrilled with how beautiful she was and she has not looked back. In fact, today, the longer the skirt the happier she is.

Jocelyn also got pictures of Cebu City.

Some other things take precedence to talking to family too.

These two were very busy looking in the closets!

Time had come to head downstairs. Uncle Paul and Auntie Marlys were meeting us to take us to the airport.

Had to get some pictures first!

Off we go to the van.

Jon was a tremendous help and he was always willing to give a hand!

At the airport is was time to say "good-bye".

Paul and Marlys have loved and cared for these four children for almost five years. They were especially instrumental in bringing Jovan back to health and reuniting Jeralyn with her twin brother. This was not an easy farewell.

Our little train of red suitcase...the children were great helpers!

Hurry and wait....hurry and wait...

Very happy children starting their 'first leg' of travel to America!

The Kindle Fire came in handy to keep children busy and 'fairly' still.

A familiar sight while we waited to board.

Our plane...taking us from Cebu to Manila.

We gave the children lollipops to keep them swallowing to help with their ears as we took off. The drop-down from the ceiling monitors kept them entertained throughout the flight.

At Manila...

...waiting for our luggage.

Jon was a great help getting four pieces of our luggage...

Jovan gave a hand with our last piece.

The 'red suitcase' train heading to our taxi.

Waiting in the lobby of our hotel as Dad checks us in. It was the same place were we spent our few hours of sleep before flying to Cebu.

After a dinner at the hotel restuarant, it was time for bed...

...the sight out our window was, well, quite a sight!!!

Another night of sweet rest...

...all in the same room this time!

The daylight view from our window.

Monday, February 11

Our morning started early, after a nice breakfast buffet, we met Jackie from Chosen Children in the lobby. She was to escort us to the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB).

We had to wait for our driver to come so the children busied themselves with things in their backpacks.

The driver arrived. In due time we were at ICAB.

In August 2011, several Filipino children came to Illinois to be hosted by families for future adoption. They were escorted by two ladies whom we hosted for a week. One of them was from ICAB named Rutchel. We were pleasantly surprised to see her and to know she was going to take care of us through the ICAB process.

In 2011, Rutchel listened to our story of wanting to adopt the 4 J's.

And now here we are at ICAB receiving their paperwork from her!!

Jon had to go to a special class for his visa; Dad went with him along with Jackie. The three younger children and I were dropped of at the hotel. And after a quick lunch, we all laid down for a nap. Jeralyn did not take me as seriously as she should about the nap so we did have a bit of a 'battle of the wills'. Suffice it to say...I won!! When Jon and Dad got back, all walked over to Mall of Asia for a look-see and dinner.

On our walk back, Jon got a beautiful shot of the ferris wheel....

...and our hotel.

Our little son is very 'jumpy'.

The hotel restaurant.

Our room was on floor 12.

Dad always had lots of help opening the door.

This night was a very special night. It is our tradition after a 'government' gives us the responsibility of our new children, we give them new names.

We had the children all sit on the bed. Dad gave a little speech on how we give new names.

The energy began to swell in the room.

He then handed them each a box wrapped in gold paper.

Jon had the choice to go first but he decided we would go youngest to oldest; but he has the honor of reading to each one their new name.

so Jovan goes first....

Luke Jovan Sanford

“Bringer of Light” + “God is gracious”

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple:

I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul;

for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Psalm 116:5-7

He also received dog-tags with his new name on them.

This is the tradition for our boys.

Next it is Jeralyn...

Olivia Jeralyn Sanford

“Olive Tree: fruitfulness, beauty, dignity” + “mighty with a spear-pool below the waterfall”

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:

therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalm 28:7

She received a gold heart locket necklace

which is our tradition for our girls.

Jocelyn was full of nervous energy with her name!

Jon read the rest of hers out loud...

Brianna Jocelyn Sanford

“strong, virtuous, honorable” + “joyous”

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to

his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

Colossians 1:10-11

She too received a heart locket necklace, which Daddy put on her.

Finally, it is Jon's turn. He is very excited but also very nervous.

We told him this will be his name but he can go by his 'middle name'

if he does not like his new first name...

He drags it out and then tells the other kids to leave him to read it alone first....

He took to long and they all jumped on him...

Daddy got them all to stay back and give him space.

When he read it out loud the children...

...all jumped on him to see 'his name' for themselves.

He was very happy! And immediately wanted to be called by his first name....

Isaiah Jon Sanford

“God is my salvation” + “God is gracious”

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee,

and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right

in the sight of the Lord thy God.

Deuteronomy 12:28

Olivia's necklace was tangled from the box...Mommy fixed it and

Daddy was able to place it around her neck.

A very happy mother with her precious daughter!!

Tuesday, February 12

This was a free day. We decided to stay near the hotel and just do some shopping at the Mall of Asia a block away. The children were also going to get to ride some rides. But first we had a leisurely breakfast downstairs. That is an orange in Luke's mouth. He was trying to be silly! He is good at that!

Olivia's new shirt with her new necklace.

Beautiful Brianna!!

More photo ops!

The first rides of the day...

We went to the boardwalk to see how much the Ferris-wheel cost for a ride

later that evening after the sun goes down.

Isaiah, Olivia, Brianna, and Luke...

...looking out over Manila Bay.

This was too silly not to capture...

The giant word behind the says 'love'...

which is exactly what we feel about these four!

Waiting for Dad to exchange some money into pesos. This touch-screen of the mall kept the children occupied and centralized!

Second ride of the day...

the Merry-Go-Round!

After some walking around it was time for lunch...

American style at KFC!

Luke is 'relaxing' while we wait for our food to come.

Isaiah is a bit more active...arm wrestleing with Brianna.

Olivia was taking it easy too.

Finally the food...chicken with a rice ball.

The children had not yet watched 'Iron Man' but they knew who he was.

Third ride of the day...balloon Ferris-wheel.

The shopping was done so we headed back to the hotel for naps.

Before we left to go on our next ride, Dad gave each of the children a

luggage tag for their backpack with their new name on it.

We walked the boardwalk to 'see the sights' for a bit while we waited for the sun to go down.

Time for the fourth ride of the day...

on the....

As we are riding up in this incredibly high ride...our son of very few words, Isaiah, suddenly said, "The tallest, the biggest, and the slowest." Dad and I burst out laughing. He was so right on!

Before going to dinner, we went to get some diaper wipes for hand wipes at the grocery store in the Mall.

This was the last photo, at the pizza place. The battery ran out. But Dad can be seen in the white shirt leaning over the counter at the left straight back where he is figuring out what to get for the family.

Tomorrow we leave for America.

Wednesday, February 13

We left our room at 4:15 AM and waited for the elevators to carry us down to the lobby. The 'red suitcase' train begins again!

Joy was there to take us for the last time to the Manila airport.

Four tired children but excited to be going to America!

At the airport...

Eating some breakfast while we wait for our flight.

The time had come, because we had young children we were able to get early boarding.

In Tokyo, heading to security.

That was our plane that flown us to Japan!

After a several hour layover, which was extended due to a late arrival plane - giving us plenty of time to dry Luke's clothes after he had wet his pants while waiting to go through security; thankfully, he already had his shoes off - we finally started boarding our Delta flight which was taking us to St. Paul, Minnesota, USA!!!

Seeing America for the first time!!!

And there was snow too!

Our plane that brought us home to America.

Heading to Immigration.

We have gotten through Immigration and security (Due to a 'crowd' they let all of us go through the little metal detector instead of the big body scanner. Thank you Lord for answering my prayer!) and were now heading to our next flight. Since we missed our original flight to Bloomington because of the delay in Tokyo, Delta re-routed us through Detroit to Bloomington.

The children were exhausted and soon all of them were asleep in their seats.

Time to load again!

In Detroit, where Mom and Dad were just eight days earlier.

Going up to catch the tram...

Watching fo the tram.

A front row stand on the tram!

Since we had plenty of time, Dad exchanged his pesos back into dollars.

Down the steep escalator to the tunnel.

When Dad and I went through this as we were heading to the Philippines, I had commented how fun it would be for the children to see it; Dad reminded me we were not going home this way...come to find out, God had other ideas!