Life is what you make of it. In this autobiography, Lydia chronicles the simple lives of a community of faithful Seventh-Day Adventists who pioneered a great institution in the Philippines. As a child of the enclave, she exemplifies how transitions happen in life. Our mother's life was an interesting mosaic of careers, travel, experiences and adventures, all held together by her steadfast Christian faith. She faced every challenge with courage and a positive outlook. Having lived for almost a century (she was born in 1919) with humble beginnings in the Philippines to a comfortable retirement in California, her stories needed to be shared with her many descendants and friends. We hope our children and grandchildren take inspiration from our mother in these changing times.