A Lifetime of Love
The sun was rising over the mountains as they approached Subic Bay. From the van window, the oldest of the Tingcang children saw the sea for the first time. They left Manila at midnight in total darkness, and embarked on an adventure that irrevocably changed their lives.
This story began twenty years ago. A family of seven children, ages 1-10, were abandoned and found living alone in an apartment. A government agency in Manila had planned to separate them into different institutions in the Philippines when Nathan and Ruth Mejia intervened. Nathan is the minister and director of Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Foundation (SOTH), a Christian orphanage located in the beautiful rural area of San Antonio, Zambales: “I heard about their depressing plight and had no second thought about rescuing them.”
Nathan traveled to Manila with his youngest daughter Selina Richlyd (Rich) to pick up the Tingcang family. When they arrived, they were directed to a room barely large enough for the mattress on the floor. According to Nathan, “It was filthy with only one flickering light bulb above the bed where the children slept.” They gathered up the children, with only the clothes they were wearing, and set out for the 5-hour journey to Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Foundation. It was a glorious morning when they arrived at their new home.
The success story of the Tingcang family did not happen overnight. It took years of dedication to achieve this goal. Nathan explains:
“Along with so many other kids, we managed to keep the family intact. Having been through neglect and abandonment, the experience left the Tingcang siblings with the devastating effects of mental and emotional instability. Hatred, fear, confusion, and low self-esteem manifested itself during the early years at SOTH. Poor social skills, not wanting to talk or socialize, were just some of the negative traits. The children were not doing well academically in public school, so SOTH started homeschooling them, which helped the kids to develop at their own pace without outside influences. They were given lots of positive reinforcement from Nanay Ruth, Leah, Anne, Ken, Faye, Rich, Connex, and other staff. They were taught to forgive their parents, and others who caused them harm, assuring them that JESUS loved them so much. He had wonderful plans for them. Nanay Ruth took a very pivotal role acting as their mother. And her love every day, year after year, guided them to become compassionate and caring adults.”
Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) is a volunteer group made up of airline employees and friends who have joined founder Nancy Rivard in her quest to help children all over the world. AAI does many amazing things to help people in need, and one of them is humanitarian mission trips to the Philippines. Cheryl Robinson, a Delta Airline’s flight attendant, first went to the Philippines twenty years ago, and had a life-changing experience. She explained that it was the the first time she met the Tingcang family, “I’ve watched them grow into wonderful young adults with a determination and drive that set them apart. I see them becoming successful in whatever they decide to do. They are a remarkable family that has faith, love, and compassion!” Cheryl has led many mission trips to SOTH over the years and has become the greatest “Auntie” that the Tingcang’s, and other children, have ever known!
My first time at the orphanage was with Cheryl in 2014. I was deeply inspired by the love, respect and dedication of Nathan, Ruth, the Mejica children, and all the teachers. I knew that I needed to do something. Always having my camera around my neck, I lined each kid up, with a nametag in hand, and the AAI Sponsorship Program was born. From the beginning
Connex, the social worker at SOTH, and I have worked together to make the program work. Connex has been my partner through the years, and without her, none of this would have been possible! Also, many thanks to the sponsors who have made this program a success! According to Nathan, “The AAI Sponsorship Program came as a bridge to fulfill the dreams of the Tingcang siblings. The response of AAI members and their willingness to sponsor a child is an answered prayer and the completion of a grand scheme in making a child’s life meaningful and fruitful.”
I visited the children, now young adults, on a recent AAI Humanitarian Mission trip to the Philippines. I had the opportunity to interview members of the Tingcang family and ask questions about their earliest memories. We talked about the loss of Nanay Ruth five years ago, and how their faith guided them forward, even in the saddest of times. Finally, I asked each to provide one word to describe them and their relationship with SOTH and AAI.
Meet the Tingcang’s:
Richard Tingcang: Born: July 13, 1994: “Blessed”
Richard, the oldest at 10, remembers how kind neighbors brought food for him and his six siblings. They lived alone in an apartment for one month. His youngest sister, Maricel, was only one year old. Richard’s first memory of SOTH was seeing all the playgrounds. Nanay Ruth welcomed him and treated him like family. He also remembers having his own bed for the first time! Richard enjoyed playing basketball and volleyball with his extended family. His favorite subjects in school were math and science, and he eventually graduated from college with a degree in Business Administration. He is grateful for the guidance of Leah and Connex. He is also thankful for the love and energy that AAI and Auntie Cheryl brought to SOTH. Inspired by Tay Nathan, Richard is now a minister at Shepherd. He explained, “God planned this for a very long time. He kept the family together by SOTH’s influence.” His advice going forward: “Put GOD first and everything else will go well!”
Emiliano (Emil) Tingcang: November 10, 1996: Strategy
Emiliano’s early memory of SOTH was playing with the other kids. He was very happy to to be with Nanay Ruth, “Even though she was strict, I learned a lot from her, especially how to have respect for others and do chores.” When Emil chose God as his savior, there were many challenges, but it gave him a peace of mind. He learned to pray and be thankful for every day. Emil earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management. He expressed gratitude, “I am thankful to Tatay Nathan for saving me and my family. Without him, getting a diploma would have never been possible. The teachers at SOTH always encouraged me through understanding and guidance.” He is also thankful to his AAI sponsor, Auntie Mary Lou, for supporting him in his studies and making college possible. He is grateful to Auntie Cheryl for bringing joy to SOTH on every visit. Emil said, “I chose the word, STRATEGY, because being intelligent, hardworking, and industrious in life is only part of it. Even if you have a degrees, medals, and good grades, if you do not know how to strategize, ALL your hard work will be useless. My simple advice. Focus on the goals and do it!”
Vincente Tingcang: Born September 29,1997: Devotion.
Vicente remembers some of the miseries of living in Manila. He learned love from Tatay Nathan and Nanay Ruth through prayer and devotion. He said, “I am so thankful for the SOTH FAMILY, who are so passionate and so willing to help those who are in need. I am thankful for Nanay Ruth for her abounding love and support. I will never forget her even though she passed away five years ago. Her work and love are in my heart and will remain in my heart until the last of my breath”. Vicente graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He is very thankful to Auntie Jenny for being his AAI sponsor. Without her family’s assistance, none of this would have been possible. Vicente is currently a teacher at Shepherd of the Hills for Music, Arts and Sports (SOTHMAS) which is fulfilling Nathan’s dream of expanding education and fellowship throughout the community.
Jesus (Jess) Tingcang: Born April 29, 1998: Hopeful
Jess remembers arriving at Shepherd on a very peaceful and beautiful morning. Nanay Ruth fed and bathed him, and for the first time he felt like he was truly home. When asked about Airline Ambassadors International he said, “AAI supports me without asking for anything in return. Auntie Cheryl is beautiful inside and out! Jess graduated with a BS in Hospitality Management. He is especially thankful to his AAI sponsor, Auntie Mary Beth. He could not have done it without the help her, Tatay Nathan and the teachers at SOTH. His advice to others is: “Always put God first. Always pray and ask God to be the center of your ambitions and goals because nothing is impossible with the Lord.”
Maridel Tingcang: September 20, 2001: Grateful
Maridel was only three years old when she arrived at Shepherd. She remembers the love of the Mejica family and misses Nanay Ruth very much. She learned the importance of spirituality from Ruth. She also learned how to be responsible. Maridel recalled one of Ruth’s favorite sayings, “On time, NO Filipino time!” One of the best students at school, Maridel liked math. She also enjoyed playing games, singing and dancing. One of her happiest memories was when Auntie Cheryl attended her 6th grade graduation. Maridel’s favorite teacher was Leah. She told me that she was so honored to have Uncle Dave as her AAI sponsor. He continues to sponsor her in college. Maridel is currently thriving as a sophomore in Hospitality Management in Quezon City. Her hope is to work outside of the Philippines one day. Her message to everyone: “Stay still and always be grateful!” Don’t give up!
Manuel: Aug 18, 2002: Love
“One big family love!” That is how Manel described everyone at Shepherd and AAI. From the early years at SOTH, he remembers church gatherings, especially songs from Nanay Ruth. Both of our eyes swelled with tears when he explained, “God sent Ruth to mold us. Nanay is a big part of my heart for 100 years!” He wishes that she could still be here to witness his achievements and make her proud. I’ve watched Manuel grow up over the years, and remember him playing just about every sport, especially basketball. He loved the visits from Auntie Cheryl and AAI. One of his fondest memories is when the AAI president and his sponsor, Auntie Nancy, brought him and Boaz on a little adventure outside of SOTH. Manuel is a very motivated student and is currently in college studying Civil Engineering. He said, “I want to have a big business one day, and work for Uncle Dave!” His advice for everyone: “Be strong. Education is power. Change a life!”
Maricel Tingcang: October 31,2003: Supportive
Maricel is the youngest member of the Tingcang family. She grew up dancing and performing acrobatics. She enjoyed school and her favorite teacher growing up was Leah. Her earliest and happiest memories are of Nanay Ruth, “Nanay always put God first. She lived her attitude with a lot of goodness. She was a strict person. Nanay showed tough love!” Maricel also remembers the fun times with AAI and how Auntie Cheryl brought gifts, clothes, food, and especially, chocolates! (My husband Philip and I sponsor Maricel. ) She is currently a student of Financial Management at the National College of Business and Arts. Her advice for everyone: “Whatever happens in your life, don’t give up. Fulfill your dreams with the help of God.”
The success story of the Tingcang family is truly something to celebrate! Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Foundation made it possible for seven siblings to remain together, and Airline Ambassadors International helped them thrive. When I asked Nathan what his plans were for the future, he replied:
“As we continue to craft new plans for the Tingcang’s and Shepherd of the Hills, my wife Crisa, son Kenneth and his wife Jorayne, and the rest of my family and staff, are working together to see how we can continue to expand our work in the community. Needs will always be around. Responding to those needs is what SOTH is preparing for the near future, but this time with more involvement from grown-up young adults who can effectively minister to the needs of children.”
This story would not be complete without recognition of Shepherd’s greatest friend and AAI contributor, Uncle Brian. Brian has been to SOTH too many times to count. He was an early financial contributor with the AAI Sponsorship Program and continues to help several children in college. Over the last decade, Brian has assisted Nathan with many projects at SOTH and he has helped every child in some way.
Thanks to everyone with Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Foundation and Airline Ambassador’s International who have been a part of the Tingcang success story! Thank you to everyone in our AAI Sponsorship Program, and all the AAI volunteers who have gone on mission trips. Also, thanks to those who have worked endless hours making bracelets for donations, and the many who have hauled bags of donations through airports. Finally, a special thank you to the AAI volunteers who have endured jetlag, time after time, to make it back to OUR home in the Philippines! It took a whole community of people to make the Tingcang success story a reality. As Tatay Nathan remarked, “This is a humbling experience and a miracle.”
Christine D. Page
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