Back by popular demand (yes I have one fan)!

At the beginning of a new year, it seems appropriate to focus on the world’s children.  One image of the Philippines that will stay with me forever is the many lovely children that one meets while traveling in different parts of this beautiful country.  As I traveled, I had a chance to interact with children in a number of settings such as a school in Bohol, a grandparents’ house in Vigan, and urban neighborhoods in Manila.  Filipinos have strong family values and most of the children I met were part of a caring family.  Sadly in Manila, I also met with kids living on the streets, still beautiful children but with lots of challenges to overcome.  As in many overcrowded urban environments all over the world, some kids are left to fend for themselves and often end up dealing with drugs…