Janrey is going to stay right here in the Philippines.

Lawrence and Heidi live, actually, very near to us here. They're a beautiful family, and it's encour-aging to see the way local adoption is beginning to pick up steam.

Adoption has not long enjoyed a high level of regard in the Philippines, but this family is a promising exception to the rule. Janrey is their first child--and it was thrilling to watch them both jump, with both feet, into parenting duties like bathing and feeding.

A smile aside: Heidi and I are alumni from the same school here (where I now teach): Ateneo de Manila University.