United In Love

by Beth Filipiak

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you: abide in my love." John 15:9

These words found their expression this past weekend at the wedding of Patrick Curran and Heather MacPhee. Normally we celebrate the marriage of any people who dedicate their lives and their love to each other, but these two have gone beyond themselves, even on the day of their marriage. Heather and Patrick have embraced not only each other, but also the Gawad Kalinga motto of "Less for Self. More for Others. Enough for all" as they asked that their guests take a portion of what they would have given the two of them to help build a school (and more if people were so inclined) for the GK Pona Village in Libmanan, Bicol.



Heather and Patrick created a web page that guided their guests into a mini version of their own love story. It included pictures, music and bios of the wedding party and their families. Also within these pages describing their journey was a section entitled "Big Idea". Upon opening the section, the readers were hit with the concept of "Let's Build a School." The page went on to explain the GK Sibol School program, and the details of what it would cost to help the idea become a reality.

You may ask how did these two come to know of GK, and even more so, what would make them ask others to help build a school half a world away. The answer lies in the GKBC – or the Gawad Kalinga Builders Corps - a long term volunteer program of which Heather and Patrick were part of the first batch. Already engaged, they made the decision to spend six months of their lives serving others as part their own journey together in the Philippines.

During their six months, they both forged a bond with this particular village. Within GK Libmanan, they found a love beyond each other, and a new larger family. For those who know Heather and Patrick and have had them bless their own lives, it seems only natural that even after they returned to the States, they continued to keep their experiences and their connections in their hearts and their minds. Bringing this request before their guests is only an extension of the love these two have found living in the true service of God, with GK as an expression of that love.

When anyone is blessed to find the person God intended them to be with for the rest of their lives, celebration is a must. When that union brings together people from all over the world to serve a cause like GK, God and that love is served and brings all of us a little closer to perfection and the feeling that we can help create the Kingdom of God here on earth. To Patrick and Heather and their newest journey together – may their love always grow toward the Will of God and foster their love for each other in the deep and endless fashion that only service can bring. For the rest of us, let this serve as a reminder how selfless we are called to be, and how every moment of our lives is another opportunity to serve.