When I arrived in Manila July 1991 I was relieved that the longest flight I had ever been on was over. It was also a relief to hear that Mt. Pinatubo was still relatively quiet after the huge eruption just a couple weeks earlier.

The long trip from LA was made bearable in part by some people I met later on in the flight. We were about 3 hours out from a scheduled 4 hour layover in Tokyo, when I decided to get up and walk to the back of the plane for some exercise. I ordered a Beck's at the galley then stood at the back of the plane for awhile. I soon found myself in a conversation with a man from Jakarta, Indonesia returning from business in the States. He was also talking to a couple of US Army GI's. They were headed to what was left of Clark air base and the vicinity to help in relocation efforts. Judging from the stories they told, I was glad that my destination was in the opposite direction. I enjoyed the company and ordered up a couple beers for all. I could tell the GI's were a little apprehensive, not knowing what might happen. They said the volcano was still active and very unpredictable.

"Another Beck's please!" I said to the attendant anxiously. Later we all met again in the Tokyo airport. That 4 hour layover was actually an enjoyable time. I felt encouraged now, armed with a new confidence of knowing that I could still find new friends so far from home.

I had encouragement from my lady friend and her letters as well. She said she had been corresponding with a few other "suitors" from the United States for quite a while, but after only a few months exchanging letters with me, she was ready for us to meet.

I had no concept of what to expect after my long flight to meet a lady I had grown so fond of yet knew so little, the past few months. Everyone on my side of the Pacific seemed to have their own point of view on the idea. Family and friends were supportive, especially since they knew what awful luck I had with relationships in the past. Some said: "It's a good idea, meeting a person with a different outlook on life. Someone that still believes in family and has more traditional values." Others warned me: "...but don't get married until you first learn more about each other. You never know what intentions she may have until it's too late."

That's what the Philippine introduction service said too. Know your lady, be honest with each other, communicate your desires and be sure of hers. Those thoughts suddenly came to mind when I finally finished making my way through all the checkpoints and then customs at the airport. I was in the lobby where the car rentals were when it hit me like a shot in the chest. What if this girl wasn't anything like the one writing me? What if she didn't look like her photos? Would she see me first, decide I'm not what she expected and leave? What would I do then? I didn't even have a hotel reservation. I looked outside at the huge throng waiting for the arrivals. I didn't see her, only people crowded and pressed up to the fence. One young man offered to carry my bags and asked who it was I was looking for. "Are you looking for your Filipina sweetheart?" He smiled as we walked along the sidewalk. I still didn't see anyone. We walked back to the gate. I told the man, "OK, thanks, I'll take it now." I offered him 2 dollars. "No sir, it's OK, I'll help you find your sweetheart!" He insisted. We walked some more. He seemed enthusiastic, while I remained a little anxious.

Just then behind me I heard my name. "Steve!" I turned and there walking toward me was my future wife. All doubts melted away as I hugged her. The young man smiled shyly as he accepted my 2 dollars. I've called her sweetheart ever since.

Lucy and her girlfriend helped me find a room in Manila, then later in Emus nearer her home in Bacoor. After meeting her family and neighbors and our required day at the US embassy, we managed some time alone on several sightseeing trips. I'll never forget the music playing on that first bus trip we took from Cavite to Manila. I was captured and she knew it.

I asked her to marry me while we had dinner at Max's downtown restaurant, and it would be there that we would have our reception. I know she dreaded the day I was to fly back home. So did I. Two weeks seemed such a short time to become acquainted.

I came down with a cold during the last few days of my stay, and the day before my scheduled return flight, I opted to stay in the room and rest. My new wife was so dutiful right from the start, though I implored her not to fuss over me. She went into Manila for some more paperwork I needed to take with me and some cold medicines. Daytime stretched into night. It was 9 PM and no word. Finally at 9:30 a knock on the door. I opened it to find her standing there covered in dust. "I was afraid you were going to be upset at how late I was." She explained. I just pulled her close and hugged her.

She looked up at me and said, "Wait, there's bad news."

Oh no, I thought, what happened?

"The Airport is closed because of ash fall." She said. "All flights are canceled because Mt. Pinatubo belched!"

At that we both laughed and hugged again. We shared 5 more beautiful days together, thanks to God... and Mt. Pinatubo.

Happy Valentine's Day!