Today was a special day in the history of the little children's home. Lucy Simbulan celebrated her 20th anniversary working with us and for our children. She has been a lavendera, washing diapers all this time. Probably the hardest job we have, and always with a smile.

She's had health, family and financial problems--but she has never (never!) let us down in the laundry. We've had water shortages and poor, broken equipment (most of our laundry she has done by hand), but she has been absolutely faithful. Her missing-tooth- but-constant- smile is one of the first things that greets everyone who walks into the home.

With high drama we told her that she needed to be available for an interview with the Department of Social Welfare and Development on her day off. Then, today we went to her house and said that they wanted to interview her at the baby home. She came, a little perplexed and a little worried--but without a clue.

When we arrived, everything was set up and everyone cried, 'SURPRISE.' Lucy stammered and cried in amazement; it never would have occurred to her that we would celebrate her special day in this way. Her family was in on the surprise too, and she was incredulous with them for keeping it from her.

Thank you to all the tlc families who sent notes and pictures to make her day extra special.