Mabuhay Deseret

We made the most remarkable discovery tonight. 

Mabuhay Deseret. 

The Humanitarian Couple, Elder and Sister Smith, took the Doctor and his wife, Elder and Sister Boehme, and us to participate in a FHE with the residents of Mabuhay Deseret -- sort of a Filipino version of Ronald McDonald House. 

 This is an amazing place.  From 1986-1989, Doctor William Jackson served as a mission president somewhere here in the Philippines.  He was shocked at the number of children who suffered from what their website calls "terrible disfiguring disabilities".   And so, after his release, he set up Mabuhay Deseret, which is an organization that provides for the medical care that these children need.  Their website says they are the largest surgical charity in the Philippines, performing over 3000 free operations a year.   The children come to this home (and now 11 others like it throughout the Philippines and more around the world), along with a care-giver who remains with them during the procedure and the recovery time, no matter how long that may take.  We met one young man who has been through 3 surgeries and is looking at one more.  He and his father have spent many months in this facility.  And they are provided with a place to stay and 3 meals a day. 

It is run by the most delightful woman.  Her name is Terry Redrino and Doctor Jackson brought her to this home when she was a newlywed and asked her to run it for him.  Her 4 children were born and raised here.  Interestingly, we had unknowingly, met her oldest, recently returned missionary son several weeks ago when he became a PEF participant.  We were struck by his strong work ethic, his determination to succeed and his sweet spirit.   Then we encountered him again last week when we attended a baptism and discovered him conducting the service as the Ward Mission Leader.  So -- like mother, like son.  What a pleasure to be able to meet this remarkable family.   In the picture above, Terry is enthusiastically leading us all in a Filipino folksong about a young man courting a young woman.  The children loved it.  So did the parents/caregivers.   Oh yeah, us too.

Elder and Sister Boehme added to the festive atmosphere as well, when he brought out his guitar and they entertained us with cowboy songs.  They are an equally exceptional pair.  They are the parents of 12 children, who also raised 3 of her deceased sister's children.  And now, here they are singing cowboy songs in Metro-Manila!!  (The young man in the white shirt behind Elder Boehme is Lars Nephi Redrino, Terry's son)

The Smiths are probably the hardest working Senior Missionaries in our mission.  You never see them.  They are on the road almost 24/7.  They sometimes sneak back into town in the dead of night and take off again early the next day.  They have so many exciting projects going on around the country.  They partner with other Humanitarian organizations to do wonderful things in this country.  I don't know what all is involved in their relationship with Mabuhay, but I know that he is the children's favorite source of snacks.  They were very happy to see him coming!
Mabuhay Deseret is supported on donations from individuals and corporations, but their LDS roots are acknowledged in a letter they have from President Hinckley, thanking them for all they do.  We plan to stay close to this group.  We want to be involved with them and be part of what they're doing.  Actually, there is a young boy in our Tanay Branch who could benefit from  a visit here.  We hope that can become a reality.