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As a supporter of the Unbound charity, I have been a sponsor of a young woman in the Philippines for 5 years. The time has finally arrived to meet Joanna and her parents. I have to admit to being very nervous. What if she doesn’t like me? What if I don’t know what to say? What if her parents think the charity is demeaning? I just don’t know what to expect. We are meeting at a large shopping mall in the heart of Manila and as I ride the escalator, at the top is a small Filipina lady waiting for me in a yellow Unbound shirt and she introduces herself as my contact Danica. Then says, "this is your sponsored child Joanna", and points behind me. I simply am speechless with joy at this point and cannot resist giving her a bear hug. Her bright and gorgeous smile is so welcoming. Me, a relative stranger and she’s absolutely welcoming and joyful. I am introduced to the rest of the family; Mom, in tears, Dad, pretty stoic, little sister, grinning and older brother, a bit like a sullen teenager but is a sweet kid. They all greet me with a handshake and bowing and touching my hand to their forehead. I did not know the meaning of this at the time but it was obvious a sign of great respect. I learn later the following: "Mano or pagmamano is an 'honoring-gesture' used in Filipino culture performed as a sign of respect to elders and as a way of requesting a blessing from the elder." - wikipedia I know Joanna knows english well as she writes me very eloquent letters for a 13 year old writing a foreign language. But she is still shy and uses Danica to interpret for us, which is just fine by me, and rather adorable. I’m definitely overwhelmed at this moment and suggestion is made to move downstairs for lunch. My focus is totally on taking in every aspect of this experience. We enter as a group of 9 as there is also the social worker that works with the family, the secretary of Unbound for the region and the groups driver. Before we sit down, I cannot resist offering my gift to Joanna. However, before I get a chance she says she has a gift for me. It's a little paper box tied with a little green ribbon. It looked wrapped so beautifully I felt ashamed that I only brought my gift in a bag. Since I was traveling so far, I didn’t think the wrapping would survive. I untie the bow, and the box unfolds into 4 beautiful leaves with handwritten messages on each fold out including pictures of me and my family that I had sent her over the years. It is so perfect and will hang on my Christmas tree in a place of prominence in years to come. Then I have her open my gift, a yellow University of Michigan T-shirt and she gives me a huge smile… so huge that what I do next I didn’t even expect but I popped my hat on her head and gave it to her as well. Yes THE yellow M-hat. The hat that has accompanied me to over 30 countries and all seven continents! It has been passed to a beautiful young woman whom I hope will take it on many an adventure in her time. Finally, we sit down, say grace and share a delectable meal of fried chicken, Joanna’s favorite, noodles and beef, mixed vegetables and rice. Over lunch I have the chance to talk with the family and Mom gets emotional more than once, she is truly a beautiful woman .. full of life and humor! Dad, is proud and strong and the staff from Unbound amazingly helpful and friendly. There are many more details to share but I have to say the experience changed my heart soul and mind. Love knows no bounds and family can be anyone you love. I absolutely cannot wait to return again when she graduates. In the meantime we still communicate and I will keep track of her amazing growth in maturity and love and charity.