I have a confession. I have been having a hard time keeping up with some of my posts here for the blog. I felt like I hit a little bit of a rut and I lost my mojo. It started when I had this conversation with another blogger friend. We were talking about how easy it is to get lost and uninspired if you fall into a pattern of accepting sponsored posts. She was sharing the experience of another blogger who was trying to take a break all together from writing so that she could find the joy in blogging again.
And the conversation caused me to pause.
You see I started blogging to share parts of myself here with all of you. Things that work for me. Things that make me happy. Things that make the world a better place. I started writing to share the joys of parenting, healthy living, and cooking straight from my own kitchen.
I started blogging to further inclusion and to share that parenting a child with Down Syndrome can be a beautiful journey.
I wanted to share the real life challenges of balancing my motherhood in a positive way so that if there was ever a chance that I could help just one parent with SHARING “my story,” then my job would be done.
Through our leadership training last year, our students from DLSZ connected with other students and learned more about the Best Buddies Mission.
Because Sharing is Caring.
Right?
Well, today, I was invited to visit The New Saturday Market in BF by a friend of mine and while I was shopping, eating, chatting, and learning more about this new market I received some pretty wonderful news.
Best Buddies Andie and Nicholl during our DLSZ Best Buddies Amazing Race. This was an amazing day full of teamwork for all Buddies involved.
Back Story: One of my students, who is a member of our DLSZ Best Buddies Chapter, was given a scholarship to attend the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana. Not only is Andie pretty amazing in school and as a young lady, she is an active member of our chapter and a leader in most everything she does.
And here she is with her mom, on stage, along with Grant Javier from Unilab Foundation, accepting the FIRST EVER AWARD to be given to an INTERNATIONAL Promoter’s Chapter with NONE OTHER than Anthony Kennedy Shriver, himself.
Anthony Kennedy Shriver, his son Joey, and Kara Keena from Alex and Ani, awarding Andie, Bubbles, and Grant the award for Outstanding Promoter Chapter. This is the first time that an International chapter was awarded this prestigious honor. Photo Credit: Best Buddies Manila Facebook Page
Can you say TEARS OF JOY and GRATITUDE?
During our Local Leadership Training, DLSZ came in full force to represent our school.
For those of you who may not know and understand what we have accomplished for the 2014/2015 school year as a chapter, you can take a look at two of our activities that were organized with the help of parents, the administration, and the advisors of our club.
DLSZ Best Buddies Bingo was an amazing way to kick off our year as a promoters chapter.
Read more about DLSZ Best Buddies Bingo.
Ultimate team work for our buddies during our Amazing Race. Photo Credit: Anj Onrubia
Read more about DLSZ Best Buddies Amazing Race.
You can also read about the other events that Best Buddies Manila has put together like Best Buddies Namaste Yoga Event, and our launch in BGC.
But the reason why I write? Today? I write today TO SAY THANK YOU.
Thank you Anj Onrubia for bringing Best Buddies to Manila. Thank you for inviting me into the organization and thank you for allowing me to explore the different ways I can help promote inclusion in our community.
(From L-R) David, Dan, Neva, Dianna, Anj, and myself. Dianna came from the US to train the staff for the Best Buddies Manila chapter.
Thank you to Brother Bernie for welcoming me and Anj Onrubia to your office that fateful day when we pitched our idea of starting a Best Buddies Club in DLSZ.
Thank you to Sir Jess, and Ms. Vangie for introducing us to the team of guidance counselors and inviting us to launch your SAFE program with the ENTIRE high school student body taking the “End the R Word” pledge.
Thank you for all your support. DLSZ Best Buddies is a successful chapter because of all of you!
Thank you to Ms. Mau and Ms. Juay and our team made up of Ms. Sheryll, Ms. Raquel, Ms. Marianne, Ms. Stephanie, Ms. Nikki, and Ms. Mira for pulling off our planned activities without a hitch. Your dedication and service to furthering inclusion makes the world a better place for my Gellibean.
And for this, I will be forever grateful.
THANK YOU to all of our sponsors in all of our activities! We can not provide the experiences for our kids and adults with IDD without your help. It’s because of you that we are able to put our plans into action. From venues, to services, and food, all of these things are appreciated and vital to the success of bringing our buddies together.
Brother Bernie was so receptive to bringing Best Buddies to DLSZ. He had quite a few ideas that we would all like to see realized.
THANK YOU:
For our Namaste Yoga Event: Yoga + and Juju EATS
For our SAFE LAUNCH and End the R Word pledge: K-Snaps for event coverage
Thank you to our very supportive parents who made establishing a chapter in Zobel even easier with your help. Thank you Lolet for connecting us with International Movement Academy!
For our DLSZ BEST BUDDIES Bingo Event: Pink Wasabi and Pastry Armoire, Acacia Hotel, The Mind Museum, and MRL Lightworkz Photography
Thank you Mike and Millie from Lightworkz Photography for covering our event and always being so generous with your time and expertise.
For our DLSZ BEST BUDDIES Amazing Race: Gatorade, Jack & Jill, Planet Sports, and MRL Lightworkz Photography
Ms. Chie Lugtu from ZAIDE is very special to us in DLSZ. She has generously sponsored food and drinks for ALL of our activities we have had on our campus and we are extremely grateful for her love and support.
We kicked off our new school year just this past Thursday with new member recruitment.
Thank you to each and every person who has helped us achieve this wonderful honor for our chapter. It’s with all your help that we are making the world a better place through one friendship at a time.
Isn’t this such a wonderful way to kick off the start to a new school year?
I just know that this year is going to be amazing!!!
*tears of joy* I am so proud of you and your team, Mish! I can’t wait to be with them again! See you soon, Best Buddies!
Thank you Mills. It means so much to us that you are there helping us every step of the way! Hugs for you, Mike, and the kiddos!