Reyson

August 21, 2013

Today I do not feel very well.  My stomach is upset and my tailbone also bothering me.  But we got up and got into the office.  Today is a holiday commemorating the assassination of Ninoy Aquino.  So the Institute is closed.  There has been a tropical depression and many parts of Manila are flooded, but Bacolod is just a bit overcast and rainy. After we drove into the office we discovered the internet was down so we can't do any work anyway. Although I have time to write a little about one of our PEF students whom I love.  His name is Reyson Jucal, and he has severe Muscular Dystrophy.  He was at one time homeless and disabled and the stake president, President Condari, saw him and was inspired to  help him.  The President took him home to his wife and they offered to clothe him and feed him.  Then they made him a cart that he used to gather recycled metal and other goods he can resell and earn a living for.  Eventually, Reyson found a place to live and joined the church.  Many of the good people here have offered to help him even though they have little themselves.  Reyson wanted to go to college, despite his handicaps he is very intelligent. It is difficult for him to walk and to talk.  He joined our Planning for Success workshop and we worried how we would ever be able to help him. We knew that many would feel that since his life span and abilities are limited, he would not be assisted.  We were so unsure of how he would be able to overcome his speech impediment to not only attend but participate in the educational process.  He worked very hard and had many assist him with the homework which he did very well.  He participated in class and gave very insightful ideas although we had to listen carefully to understand him.  When he gets excited his speech is more impaired. As a result of his going to the schools to interview them, one of the schools (STI) was so impressed  with him they offered him a four year scholarship and a free laptop to assist in his education.  Through word of mouth the news people and others submitted his name to the equivalent of the "Make a Wish Foundation" here  in the Philippines and they have scheduled to interview him on television and assist him in any many other ways to help Reyson succeed.  I was so touched by the many offers to assist him.  I am so thankful for the blessings the Lord has seen fit to offer to Reyson.  His face was just gleaming as he came to share with us that he no longer needed a loan from PEF.  He was so proud of the opportunity he has been given. I know that his success with influence many people here, both in the church and in the community.  I am mindful that the Lord does go before us in all we do many times in ways we never expect.  I am so thankful to have been just a little bit of assistance to Reyson and to have been a part of his life here in the Philippines.