On a day like any other, in a world often divided by barriers of all sorts, there are moments that remind us of the power of connection and the beauty of human kindness. One such moment unfolded when Royce, the Bishop for Bocaue Ward Valenzuela Philippines Stake, stumbled upon a compelling story in the January 2019 issue of The Friend magazine. Titled "The Ice-Candy Mission Fund" and authored by Mckenna Clarke, the story resonated deeply with Royce on January 20, 2019.
As Royce delved into the narrative, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone close to him would find immense value in its message. That someone was Karen, known for her unwavering dedication to advocating for inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities (PWD). Karen herself is a PWD and holds a Filipino Sign Language Certificate from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. Recognizing the potential impact of the story, Royce, although not directly involved in the PWD community, decided to facilitate a connection between Karen and the author, Mckenna Clarke, by checking if she was on Facebook.
Upon returning home, Royce shared his discovery with Karen, sparking a chain of events that would lead to a heartwarming encounter. Karen promptly reached out to Mckenna, who graciously connected her with the Molano Family, the subjects of the featured story. Lyn Molano, touched by Karen's outreach, welcomed her into their lives with open arms.
Fast forward to March 23, 2024, a day marked by a long-awaited meeting between the Molanos and Karen. Amidst the serene surroundings of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, there was an Open House hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During this special event, the sacred building was opened for public tours, allowing anyone to attend and experience the beauty within. Karen took the opportunity to conduct a tour entirely in Filipino Sign Language, showcasing her dedication to accessibility and inclusion.
Jared Angelo Molano and Erika Fiona Salcedo were among the attendees who experienced the tour firsthand. Karen served as their interpreter during an interview conducted by the History Committee following the tour, further enhancing the accessibility of the event and fostering understanding between individuals of different backgrounds and abilities.
The photos capturing these heartwarming moments are graciously provided by the Molano Family, who generously shared their experiences with us.
The significance of this encounter cannot be overstated. It represents the convergence of individuals from different backgrounds, brought together by a shared commitment to fostering understanding and unity. As we eagerly await the release of the videos documenting this momentous occasion, let us reflect on the power of connection and the profound impact it can have on our lives.
In a world often marked by division, may we draw inspiration from the example set forth by Karen and the Molano Family. Let us strive to build bridges, cultivate empathy, and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience that unites us all.
Stay tuned for updates on this heartwarming journey as we continue to celebrate the beauty of connection and community.
Follow the Urdaneta Philippines Temple Open House and Dedication for the video of the interview of Jared and Erika. Note: As of this writing, the video is not uploaded yet. This heartwarming encounter exemplifies the power of connection and inclusivity within the Church and the broader community. Through Royce's initiative and Karen's dedication, individuals like Jared and Erika had the opportunity to experience the temple tour in their preferred language, fostering understanding and unity among diverse backgrounds. Stay tuned for updates on this remarkable journey as we continue to celebrate the beauty of connection and community.
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