Just last Friday the musical instrument lesson that J took end. They had a simple recital which J played the “We Are The World” of Michael Jackson. She played it using chords. But it was good. I was looking at J’s hand for the timing and mistakes, but really I have never seen one. I am satisfied with her performance.

Now, J went with her mom in [M], to stay for a couple of days before going back to school. For such a long time she didn’t visit her cousins and uncles and aunts and many more. And it will be also a good time to look for some things that she needs in [D] (remember this place).

J was asking us to go swimming. She really like to swim so much. Hopefully we can do that before class begins. Well, I like to swim too because it is so hot now here. I think more hotter than the time you last visited here. Hummmp … have no choice. This is our weather here. HOT!

Good day to you! I do hope your okay though tired, I know. I am here just to give you updates about [J]. School will be over this week. Their final exams are over and now they are just working for their clearances and other matters in school. [J] retains the 4th position in the academic. But, according to the school … the department of education in the [SE Asia] gave new rule. That, events and other involvement of the student like competitions, school meets, activities, etc … will have additional points. So, academic will not be the only basis for grading system but also the students involvement to all activities. 70% will be given for the academics and 30% for the activities. Because of the slight differenceof [J]to 5th position and the 6th position, the student in the sixth position had a big score in the activities, that 6th student became the 4th and [J] became the 5th. Janet was really upset about this because parents were not informed before about the said changes in the grading system. She wanted to make an appeal. But I just told her if that is the new policy, even if we are right, they will still stick to this new rule. So, the end is, [J] have the 5th position and will be recognize this coming Monday, March 29. As for me I am upset as well. But, I just leteverything to God. I also talked to [J] that we have to work double next time to be atleast in the 3rd or higher. Will send you copies of the recognition day. And still we thank you for all your prayers. Hope to hear from you.

Just want to give few updates about [J]. So far she is doing fine in her studies. Next month it’ll be their first quarter examination. That means we have to be ready and prepare [J] for that exam. In her quizzes she’s doing above average. Hopefully it would result well next month. But I know the competition is more heavier now since all the good students are together in their class. Just do hope she will continue to give her best.

Last month was a very awful story happened. But thank God it didn’t get worst. An accident happened and her eyeball was unintentionally hit by her classmate. The teacher did not rush her to the hospital immediately. The time the my in-laws brought her to the hospital the doctor said that if it was infected the one eye might lost sight. It is good nothing happened. She’s okay now. And last week she became sick for four days. It is good that I was there and i was able to take care of her. Now again, she is okay.

I do hope you are all okay there. We heard about some news happening in the states. I pray all is well with you.

Take care always!!!

Her dad also writes:

Now, the church that we are attending here in the province had a music training.   So, we let [J] attend the training. it started yesterday.   [J] chose the voice training.   Hopefully this will also develop her other skills.

Actually, I sent you e-mail to inform you about [J]‘s enrollment.   It will be this month.   I understand the situation, the ongoing crisis.   Whatever available would be of big help.   Incase it is not possible, just let us know and we understand.   The amount I mentioned the last time is big.   As I told you whatever will be available is fine.   Also the school accept partial payments.

Above all this, I am very thankful to God for His protection.   Last week a big tornado came in our place in the province.   Many houses were greatly affected.   The big miracle is our house there is not.   Though one big tree beside our house, one of its big branch fell and hit our roof.   But the hand of God was there and made the wind threw that big branch to the other side of the house. It hit the roof a little a made a big dent but that is all.   Praise God for it!

About her school, she’s doing great. According to her she always got stars from her teacher. And when [her mom] talked to the teacher she said she’s good in many subject. The only concern that we are working right now is her writing speed. She became so slow that twice it happened that she didn’t finish the sitwork. The reason of her being slow is that she put some design to the letters. Actually, in her previous school, she is considered as one of the fastest in writing (if not the fastest). She really is fast in writing. And it is a big suprise for us this thing happens. But the rest of the subjects she is doing great. And as usual mathematics is his favorite.

Vacation is over and all kids in town went to school yesterday for their first day class. To some schools here, if you were able to read some news about school here, due to over population and lack of rooms, thousands of students have their class in the school’s stairs or under the shade of a tree, or any place where somehow they can do classes. Really, this is one sad story we had here.

Concerning [J], their class also started yesterday. Her mother made a one day leave just to bring her to the school, so that just in case some concerns arises it can be address immeciately. But so far nothing happens. Everything went well yesterday.

She’s excited with her new school. She met two newfriends named Alexis and Rose and in her first day she got three stars from her teacher because of good writing skills. We’re happy of course about it. Just one instance that happened yesterday that is not good. One of her classmate is drinking her juice and that juice all transfered to [J]‘s dress. But not really became a concern since [j] has an extra dress.

These are the first happenings in [J]‘s first day in school.

It is already June 5th here. And five days from now will be the start of class. Me and [my wife] are preparing everything that J needed for her school. We already went to ther mall last Saturday to buy her a new bag (big one with wheels as requirements of school), school supplies, new shoes (because the previous is already small for her…I’m amazed!) and other things more.

We have also started to review her so that she will be able to remember some of the lessons she had previously. That means everything are set for June 10, 2008. Now Janelle is with us. We are enjoying our time with her so that by the time the school starts at least she was able to enjoy her summer vacation.