ENTRUSTMENT MASS

The Entrustment Ceremony took place at the church on the grounds of the Hospicio. All the elders, Katrina's toddler dormitory and sisters and caretakers attended. It was beautiful. They started with a history of Katrina's life at the Hospicio, including pictures of her baptism, 1st birthday, 1st outing, her playmates and all her caretakers. The administrator, Sr. Ma. Socorro G. Evidente spoke of why Dustin and Alicia were selected to be Katrina's adoptive parents. When the father entrusted Katrina into the hands of Dustin and Alicia they also had to respond to the congregation as to what they would do for their daughter. Closing they signed the papers of "A Promise of Unselfish Love" - through most of this Lola was crying. Before leaving the church there was pictures, with the priest, with the nuns, with the nurses, with her godparents. The best photo - when they lined up all 17 of the toddler dormitory for a photo - imagine that. We then retired to the Social Services party room for rice cake and pancit. Yes, all those care givers each had a baby and they all took part in the party. Then it was a kissing frenzy as they all said goodbye to their little angel, Katrina.
I sat there realizing that this was indeed a big thing for the orphanage and for all of them. They were entrusting the child that they had had in their care for almost a year to another family and I am sure they are trusting that they have chosen well.
I had a chance to speak with Sr. Socorro. She sits on the ICAB Board and will be visiting ICAB in Illinois in May. Those of you that know me, now know that I have adopted another program and friend. If she truly makes it to Illinois she has taken our phone number and we will welcome her to the USA and be as gratious of a host as she was today to all of us.
Katrina returned to a long nap and awoke happy and chattering. It is good to see both of the new parents adjust little by little - what a surprise they are in for - this little one is life changing.