Savannah and Ari see Edith, the marriage counselor. It was a stress-free, casual conversation between them. Two hours of building the structure of their marriage. Edith emphasizes the importance of maintaining interests outside of the relationship and paying attention to one's own self-identity. She explains healthy boundaries to maintain the couples' independence. That may help keep their relationship strong in the long run. Edith continues on with her lectures and both Ari and Savannah are listening.... Helping a partner cope with stress in positive ways, forgiveness, sacrifice, generosity, and gratitude are also features of happy, long-term couples.
Talking about your relationship, using humor, and doing fun things together were also noted as important qualities. This session was so informative. I learned a lot about how to deal with my stress and frustration, "Savannah quips.
Me too, Ari said.
I would like to learn and be a good husband.
Now
Will Shiela accepts her parents?
The door to Ari's office opened and three people entered. Where have you three been? Sav asks Oh my God, Mom...I was stopped by an elderly couple and they asked me if I am your daughter. I said Yes, then the next thing happened, I was grabbed and had a photo shoot with the group. Hahaha. Well, that's good! Both John and Don were dragging the suitcases inside Ari's office. Luke, Jovy... These three wackos are my children too. Meet Don, Karen's husband, John, Sheila's husband, and Mel, Syl's wife. Nice to meet all your children, Sav.We are honored to meet all of you! Jovy said. It was a pleasure to meet Mom's friends, Uncle and Aunty. Mel nods. Don and John nod too. The three wackos hug Sav and Ari. Mom, have you seen the food spread outside? Can we eat it?I am so hungry! John said. Ben will direct you guys to the food station, Ari said! Joining us Mom? Syl said. You go ah
Shiela listen, your parents love you. They want the best for you, they cant give that to you at that time because of their current situation. They don't mean to leave you with me. They don't have any choice. It was very difficult decision. Please understand Hija, that they want you to have a normal life. See how you become. Their sacrifices did not go in vain. You're a doctor now. I am proud of you and your siblings. They are very insecure and sensitive that you might look down on them. I didn't raise you to be a spoiled brat. Do you understand what I am saying? Savannah elaborate. Yes Mom, I understand. Sheila assure. Uncle Ari, what do you think I should do? Hear me out okay? Don't be a brat. You upset your siblings and your mom earlier. Ari exhort. I promise to listen now Uncle. Sheila affirm. Talk to Luke and take him to assist you in your department. Let him gather the kids, organize the line and involve him in the vitamins distribution t
The residents of New Hope New Life, led by Luke, and the military staff, led by Gen Cruz, began erecting the makeshift tents as early as 6 a.m. Others were cleaning up the area around the tents. The other teams arrive an hour early to assist with set-up, organizing tables and chairs, and erecting banners in front of each tent so that people can easily navigate where they would go for check-ups and treatment.The first tent from the entrance of the community is the reception staff, security, and food station. At exactly 8 am, the van headed by Gen Ari entered the community. Next were 2 vans with medical volunteers from California. Wow! amazing setup, Karen quips. I am so inspired to serve these people. The volunteers were greeted by the local volunteers and staff. They are directed first to the 1st tent for instructions. Then an announcement from a megaphone by Gen Cruz. All volunteers and staff, please proceed to Tent 1 for instruction. The medical services will start
Everyone was tired at the end of the first day, but fulfilled. The communication was excellent between the patients, staff, volunteers, and military personnel. At 5 pm... Gen Cruz is on the megaphone for his announcement. Everyone... Proceed to Tent 1 to get your dinner pack and closing remarks for the day from Gen Ari. While everyone is being helped to get their dinner packs, Gen Ari is giving short closing remarks. Good afternoon! I have here with me the report for the day. Overall, patients are seen by all medical practitioners, 135 adults, and 85 children. We distributed 385 medical packs. The community shared with us cooked root crops from their backyard garden, fresh fruits, and boiled peanuts. I would like to say thank you all for a job well done. All are happy... they clap their hands. Everyone got their dinner packs and started eating while talking to their patients
The following day, local and international medical professionals were all busy caring for their patients. The volunteers and staff are on their toes. The food was delivered on time. The neighborhood got involved by cooking fresh maize and peanuts for everyone to eat during the day. Jovy provided a fruit basket in each tent, courtesy of the community residents, including guava, mangoes, bananas, and star fruits. We had a total of 135 adults and 105 children seen today, according to Gen Ari. This is really a productive and effective project. I am incredibly proud of everyone who is a part of this program, whether you are a local or international medical practitioner, a staff member, or a member of the military security forces. Not to mention the members of our core group, sponsors, and the media. I would like to mention the never ending support of the elected officials of the New Hope New Life community and the residents as well. We have detractors and we have proved them wron
It was a fulfilling three-day medical volunteer event. Participants felt so good about treating people who needed it most. Gen Cruz and his staff are in charge of the after event rest and relaxation segment. He created an itinerary for the next two days. He chose to bring the team to Beegan, one of the largest islands in Luzon facing the South China Sea, because they wanted to visit beaches and historic sites. It has a beautiful shore. The places to visit are Enzo's beach, Villa Simone, Calle Tylero, Matthew Mansion, and Issabella's rock house. It will be a two-hour road trip from CN province. Gen Cruz and his staff brought with them three sixteen-seater vans. Each van has 4 military personnel to secure the medical team, volunteers and staff. Upon arrival at Beegan Island, Gen Cruz announces... I wou
Ari, Savannah is stable now. She was a little shaky. I gave her a pill to calm her. She will sleep for a while. So, what's the plan now, Ari? I will call an emergency meeting tomorrow. I will bring her to my hometown while I am at HQ for my walking papers. I can not leave her here and will not let her travel to California without me. I have to protect her. That reminds me of calling Gen Cruz. Ari responded. Gen Cruz... something happened here. I can't tell you now. Don't let the medical team know about it, especially Savannah's children. So, after the tour of Beegan Island, what's the plan? Ari asks. We will d
When Gen Ari entered the interrogation room, Matilda was already seated with her lawyer. Gen Ari is focusing on Matilda, looking straight into her eyes. I am aware that you are a member of the 12K Triad. My men apprehended the members hiding on the island. They are all in jail and you got away. What was your purpose for hurting my wife? You know that I am only 10 feet away from her. You know that I have more than a dozen men with me. Why did you attack her? You know that you can't get away from that. Matilda's eyes on her feet, red teary eyes. She did not say anything. May I answer Gen Ari? Atty Lopez asked Yes, as Matilda's lawyer! Ari retorted. My client was desperate. The remaining members of the 12K Triad were haunting her. They will kill her in a savage way. Her attack on your wife was staged. She does not want to hurt her, but it is the only way she can do to be detained. The jail is her protection from the mob. She would like to be a material witness against K