American Cemetery in Manila

We got the chance to visit the American Cemetery in Manila and it was breathtaking and sobering at the same time. The cemetery is situated on a sprawling 61.5-hectare plateau, where the remains of more than 17,000 American soldiers killed in the Philippines and New Guinea during World War II have been laid to rest. With a total of 17,206 graves, it is the largest cemetery in the Pacific for U.S. personnel killed during World War II and also holds those that died during the war from the Philippines and other allied nations. Many of the personnel whose remains are interred or named were killed in New Guinea, or during the Battle of the Philippines (1941-42) or the Allied recapture of the Philippine islands.

There are countless white tombstone markers across the lawn, each one representing a life that was given during the war.

While we were there, some military personnel (we think they were pretty "high up" to be holding their own ceremony) came and paid tribute to those that died. It was very sad watching it take place and knowing why they were doing it - that so many people died to protect the freedom of others.

This inscription was on the first main wall when you enter the cemetery. They have name after name on the walls of the cemetery, remembering those whose bodies were never found. It was staggering to see how many there were.

Above is the start of the "walls" with the soldiers names on them.

This is what is looks like as you walk throughout the cemetery, reading each name and where they were stationed and what their task was...

This is a view of some of the tombstones - in the background is Manila.

Meka and Angel update - two special little girls

Above is Angel, when she first arrived at SP. Her body was very malnourished and her hair was so unhealthy that it wouldn't lay flat on her head. She is about 5 months here.
This is her older sister, Meka, when she first arrived as well. Although Meka was about 19 months when she arrived, her feet were not even a size zero - that is how malnourished she was. Although she looks chunky in this picture, her body is actually very swollen and toxic. Her stomach was incredibly puffy and due to that, she could not lay down on her tummy or crawl or roll because it hurt her too much. She was also very "unresponsive" and quiet, not full of much life...
Here is Meka, just four and a half short months later, in June. She turned two years old and we celebrated by letting her blow her candle out... Look at that smile...
And this is Meka on the day she learned to walk, just three weeks ago. God is so Good!!! Back in February, she was a shell of a little girl, with no life or sparkle and now, she is healthy, happy and walking. As you can see, she was ECSTATIC about her new talent and laughed every time she walked... We were almost crying when we watched her do it...amazing to be a part of this change and see how the Lord can take anything that is "broken" and restore it completely...
Again, her first moments of walking on her own with one of the SP staff "backing her up" in case she wobbles... And, just so you know, her feet are now up to a SIZE 5!! And, she has some of the coolest shoes around - including bright pink sneakers! I mean, this girl is STYLIN'!
This is a recent picture of Meka and Angel, chilling in the crib in the play area...Meka is saying, "Uh, can you let me out of here please?" They are very happy here and incredibly loved, but now, we need to find them a home with two incredible parents so that they can experience the absolute blessing of a family and the love that is found in one...