A baby on Alvarez Street

Ever since we arrived here in Sagay, our neighbors have shown us the greatest friendship and hospitality and helped us to feel at home. We love being able to bless them in return for their kindness.

Last month our friends Patty and Jun Jun were expecting their first baby but were nervous about potential birth complications. We invited them to join us in a nightly novena to St. Gerard, and on day 4 of the novena the baby arrived!

Patty and Jun Jun are such a loving couple and wonderful first-time parents. It's very common here for a couple to live together and even raise a family without ever getting married. Please pray that we can encourage Patty and Jun to get married sacramentally in the Church.

Patty delivered the baby by c-section on October 12. Everyone wanted to know, "What will you name the baby?" One neighbor insisted on "Alexa" as a tribute to my teammate Alex. Jun suggested "Maria Teresa." I was curious to find out the saint of the day and - to my great surprise - discovered that October 12 is the feast of Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce! Now if that's not the Holy Spirit...

Welcome to the world, Maria Teresa Alexa!

My team was able to sponsor the entire hospital stay, as well as provide trips back and forth to the hospital on the opposite side of the island. Last week, we helped both mom and baby return to the hospital for check-ups. They are doing well, although the baby is now taking medicine for bronchitis. Prayers please!

An awkward neighborhood family photo was of course required to commemorate the occasion.

It's wonderful how a new baby brings everyone together! We can't wait for Maria Teresa Alexa to be baptized when we return to Camiguin after Christmas.