Soon after I joined the Church in the Philippines, I left the country to go to school at then Church College of Hawaii (Now, BYU-H). There, I met a group of amazing friends. We went to school together, worked together, and in the summer, lived together. None of us had family in the U.S., so we had to depend on each other for support. For some reason, I ended up acting as the "head of the family", and everybody referred to me as "Dad" (nothing to do with age, I am sure--just wisdom, lol). From there, I went on to serve a full-time mission, then on to BYU in Provo.
Since Hawaii, we have all scattered all over the country--and into Canada, and some, back in the Philippines. Still, over the years, we have stayed close and continued to look after each other. We got together for reunions every 5-10 years. Truly, these are friends that will be around thru the eternities.
So when they head of our call to serve, it did not take much to convince the group that another reunion was appropriate, mixed with a farewell party for the old man. So we discussed various ideas, options, and venues. We all wanted a family oriented place where we can attend church and yes, even the temple. So we ended up in Las Vegas!
Victor Dees was the mastermind. He was ably assisted by Victor Esquivel, now a Las Vegas resident. We spent a weekend full of laughther, food, and fond reminiscings of the past 40 years.
To these beloved friends, my sincere appreciation for all the kind thoughts, sentiments, and for taking the time to spend the weekend with me.
President Rudy Carlos
It was a great reunion, much better than the 1994 one in Utah, probably this group that came for this reunion were mostly the same ones you shared dorms with romped around waikiki in 1971. Pleasure was ours, we didn't even realize how much we missed each other until the reunion, now everyone is connecting via FB & GP to update everyone about their activities, thoughts, etc. Thx fo joining GP, Vic E appreciates it as well. Thx for the memories, sure you'll be making more, new chapter is just beginning - just hoping that our friendship remains the same. Kidd :)
ReplyDeleteMe and my sisters even though we were just "saling pusa" did enjoy being with the company of great people. Thanks to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has brought us all together. Pres. Rudy, thanks for your humbleness and inspiration. We wish you and Sis. Brenda good health and safety on your Phil. Mission.
ReplyDeleteLydia Mabunga Pardilla