Day 5 Feeding and Destruction.
Today we split into two groups for the feeding program and continued the deconstruction of the supports and scaffolding at the Kids home.
At the feeding we saw that the children were excited to just receive something, especially when we started making balloon animals and pipe-cleaner objects. It was particularly interesting that they were more excited about the colourful balloons and shapes than getting something to eat! When we left, it was sad to see some children who did not get any balloons or shapes.
We also continued the deconstruction at the childrens' home and we are getting closer to finishing this project. Despite the tiredness and aching muscles we felt it was awesome to be serving others and glorifying God!
After dinner we went to the JAZ (Josie's Angel's Zone) Home which is a home for teenage girls. It was awesome to sing, pray and talk with them! One highlight was listening to Eva's testimony, to which alot of JAZ girls could relate. We were all encouraged and strengthened from her sharing!
Finally we ended the night with the surprise activity of KARAOKE! From songs like "Kiss the girls" from the Little Mermaid, to "Bohemien Rhapsody". We all had fun and a great time together!
Hello my dear family, missing everyone of you already. Feels amazing to be writing to you from here in the Philippines. I'm already having an awesome time here doing stuff like hanging out with everyone, spending time with the Filipino kids, building and constructing, feeding programs, devotions and especially doing God's work. From what I have seen here so far, it's all definitely something that has hit me in the heart but most of the people there still seem happy the way they live and I know that no matter what sort of life we live, God loves us no matter what. Mine and God's blessings and love be upon you all. The handsomest in the family, Matthew.
G'day my lovely String-etts, having a flipping amazing time over here! Hope you guys are having an awesome time as well! Missing dad's swag and stupid jokes, mum and I's fistycuffs, and dylan's chicken wing practice. Try not to miss me too much ;) Much love from Josh Stringer/Stringaling/Hamstring Stringer/McStrizzle/10 flaps
Blog brought to you today by Jesse's version of The little Mermaid's "...you gotta, kiss the .... crowbar..."
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Monday, 2 December 2013
Day Four: Corrigedor
Howdy
We had a pretty, (very pretty) early morning wake up and after four days the girls finally got their act together, waking up at 3:30 am and got down before the boys. Once again, one of the kitchen mums (Marlou) prepared a "mas mas mas masarup" brekkie of scrambled eggs & toast and apples.
The very comfy bus, was waiting for us a 5:15 am. While most of us quickly fell asleep, some of us got a chance to gaze out the window at the wonderments (Luke's word) of Manila.
After an hour we arrived at Manila Bay Port, waiting for around 30 mins till we could board. The boat sailed on the beautiful brownish-blue water of Manila bay waiting to enter the doors of the island of Corrigedor.
As our feet became one with the land, we were amazed once again by God's wonderful creations. Our hilarious tour guide, Bryan, showed us the legendary history of the island, which included the invasions and histories shared by the Spanish, American, Japanese and Filipino people. We were astonished to see how forgiving the Filipino people were as they recognised the Japanese men who invaded their land with a memorial. This enforced our thinking of how forgiveness is the first step to healing when Jesus said the words, "...Father forgive them for they know not what they do.". As Bryan stated " we have forgiven but we will not forgot."
Lunch was a supper with killer view of the south east Indian Ocean, especially tofu and tongue dish was very interesting. We loved the ethnic feel.
After lunch, we limped (many sore bodies after yesterdays soccer tournament) towards the tram for the second half of the tour. At the tail end of Corrigedor we crowded into the Malinta Tunnel and got to experience an Audio Visual presentation called Light and Sound. Hundreds of people had sheltered and died in the tunnel, on both sides of the fight.
Once we got back to Manila, we were driven to the biggest Mall in the Southern Hemisphere, Mall of Asia, where we were dumbfounded by the size of the mall and how juxtaposing it was to the poverty stricken communities. It is so sad how true it is, poverty and affluence are silent neighbours. At the mall we were introduced to various traditional Filipino foods, which was enjoyed by all. We were "tricked" into eating Pork Ceecee, which is a dish made from pig ears; however ironically we probably would have tried it anyway. After the meal, the leaders let the team loose in groups of 5&6 to explore the mall. The mall was filled with amazing shops, a cinema, timezone and even a ice rink.
All in all and epic day was had, which ended with caffeine filled teenagers (sponsored by Starbucks). The bus was filled with lack of sleep induced giggling people who laughed at anything and everything, including who could do the best farts with their hands.
Needless to say it's more fun in the Philippines! I do miss you all, hope you're all missing me and pulling your hair out :0 Reina bby, love you, having withdrawal sympts :( you are my girl xx -Eva
Hi mum, dad and everyone else miss you all hope your doing great. im having great time. You heard from Ben, hows he going? - Nate
We had a pretty, (very pretty) early morning wake up and after four days the girls finally got their act together, waking up at 3:30 am and got down before the boys. Once again, one of the kitchen mums (Marlou) prepared a "mas mas mas masarup" brekkie of scrambled eggs & toast and apples.
The very comfy bus, was waiting for us a 5:15 am. While most of us quickly fell asleep, some of us got a chance to gaze out the window at the wonderments (Luke's word) of Manila.
After an hour we arrived at Manila Bay Port, waiting for around 30 mins till we could board. The boat sailed on the beautiful brownish-blue water of Manila bay waiting to enter the doors of the island of Corrigedor.
As our feet became one with the land, we were amazed once again by God's wonderful creations. Our hilarious tour guide, Bryan, showed us the legendary history of the island, which included the invasions and histories shared by the Spanish, American, Japanese and Filipino people. We were astonished to see how forgiving the Filipino people were as they recognised the Japanese men who invaded their land with a memorial. This enforced our thinking of how forgiveness is the first step to healing when Jesus said the words, "...Father forgive them for they know not what they do.". As Bryan stated " we have forgiven but we will not forgot."
Lunch was a supper with killer view of the south east Indian Ocean, especially tofu and tongue dish was very interesting. We loved the ethnic feel.
After lunch, we limped (many sore bodies after yesterdays soccer tournament) towards the tram for the second half of the tour. At the tail end of Corrigedor we crowded into the Malinta Tunnel and got to experience an Audio Visual presentation called Light and Sound. Hundreds of people had sheltered and died in the tunnel, on both sides of the fight.
Once we got back to Manila, we were driven to the biggest Mall in the Southern Hemisphere, Mall of Asia, where we were dumbfounded by the size of the mall and how juxtaposing it was to the poverty stricken communities. It is so sad how true it is, poverty and affluence are silent neighbours. At the mall we were introduced to various traditional Filipino foods, which was enjoyed by all. We were "tricked" into eating Pork Ceecee, which is a dish made from pig ears; however ironically we probably would have tried it anyway. After the meal, the leaders let the team loose in groups of 5&6 to explore the mall. The mall was filled with amazing shops, a cinema, timezone and even a ice rink.
All in all and epic day was had, which ended with caffeine filled teenagers (sponsored by Starbucks). The bus was filled with lack of sleep induced giggling people who laughed at anything and everything, including who could do the best farts with their hands.
Needless to say it's more fun in the Philippines! I do miss you all, hope you're all missing me and pulling your hair out :0 Reina bby, love you, having withdrawal sympts :( you are my girl xx -Eva
Hi mum, dad and everyone else miss you all hope your doing great. im having great time. You heard from Ben, hows he going? - Nate
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Day 3 Soccer Tournament Day
Today the team had the opportunity to participate in Rehoboth's very first International Soccer Tournament hosted by Mr Ryall. The competition consisted of 20 different soccer teams ranging from 11-18 years old, overall there was over 200 children. We had an incredibly early start at 4:30 am to be precise. Despite the fact that we were all tired and sore from yesterday's construction work, however we did not let this stop us from giving our best effort in the countless games that we played. The boys did particularly well, winning and drawing most of their games. The girls however did not do as well, as they lost all their games to other kids half their size and age. Well.....I guess that's what happens when you ask basketball players to play soccer (at a penalty kick they even lined up as you would for a free throw). Even though it started pouring with rain half way through the day, despite the weather not being on our side, it was a fantastic to see great sportsmanship and participation. Towards the end of our long day, getting drenched and filthy dirty we still had the energy to have a massive mud fight, started by the notorious Abby and Ruth-less.... which really help us bond as a team and also it was a good way to break the ice and let loose on each other.
After completely ruining our brand new white soccer jersey's we weren't satisfied, so there was only one thing left to do, and that was to attack Miss Smoker and Mr Price. But at the end of it all we had more mud on us than the entire soccer pitch. It was all great fun until we had to walk back to the Ministry Centre because we were too muddy to get in the cars.
After our tiring day, we then spent some time doing a devotion at the kids home about The Prodigal Son. We were then all treated to Starbucks coffee(Re-energized).
So far as a team we have all settled in really well and the people here have been so friendly and welcoming towards us, sometimes we even feel like we are celebrities, with the kids asking to have photos taken with us.
Thank you for all your prayers and support. :D
Hey everyone, The Philippines is great, WOW!!, what an experience this is already. Having a ripper time! Hope you guys are all OK. Can't wait to tell you all about it! Love you and miss you all!
Mitch
Hey guys, Ben here just want to say I'm doing great! don't miss me too much! just want a quick I love you to my family and the new pups. :)
Ben Stafford
Hey, Mum, Dad, Bren, Rach and Amy! I'm having an awesome time here! hope you guys are enjoying a break from me haha. miss you
Love from Ryan Flemming
Hello! Abby here, the Philippines has been really awesome so far, I have met some really amazing people and the kids are fantastic! :) been so busy though. hope every one over there is good. :)
cant wait to tell everyone about it.
Lots of love from Abby xx
PS The photo's are coming, just a few glitches with timing and the internet. Watch out for these soon!!!
Proudly bought to you by Mr Price's Catholic Rabbis!!
Today the team had the opportunity to participate in Rehoboth's very first International Soccer Tournament hosted by Mr Ryall. The competition consisted of 20 different soccer teams ranging from 11-18 years old, overall there was over 200 children. We had an incredibly early start at 4:30 am to be precise. Despite the fact that we were all tired and sore from yesterday's construction work, however we did not let this stop us from giving our best effort in the countless games that we played. The boys did particularly well, winning and drawing most of their games. The girls however did not do as well, as they lost all their games to other kids half their size and age. Well.....I guess that's what happens when you ask basketball players to play soccer (at a penalty kick they even lined up as you would for a free throw). Even though it started pouring with rain half way through the day, despite the weather not being on our side, it was a fantastic to see great sportsmanship and participation. Towards the end of our long day, getting drenched and filthy dirty we still had the energy to have a massive mud fight, started by the notorious Abby and Ruth-less.... which really help us bond as a team and also it was a good way to break the ice and let loose on each other.
After completely ruining our brand new white soccer jersey's we weren't satisfied, so there was only one thing left to do, and that was to attack Miss Smoker and Mr Price. But at the end of it all we had more mud on us than the entire soccer pitch. It was all great fun until we had to walk back to the Ministry Centre because we were too muddy to get in the cars.
After our tiring day, we then spent some time doing a devotion at the kids home about The Prodigal Son. We were then all treated to Starbucks coffee(Re-energized).
So far as a team we have all settled in really well and the people here have been so friendly and welcoming towards us, sometimes we even feel like we are celebrities, with the kids asking to have photos taken with us.
Thank you for all your prayers and support. :D
Hey everyone, The Philippines is great, WOW!!, what an experience this is already. Having a ripper time! Hope you guys are all OK. Can't wait to tell you all about it! Love you and miss you all!
Mitch
Hey guys, Ben here just want to say I'm doing great! don't miss me too much! just want a quick I love you to my family and the new pups. :)
Ben Stafford
Hey, Mum, Dad, Bren, Rach and Amy! I'm having an awesome time here! hope you guys are enjoying a break from me haha. miss you
Love from Ryan Flemming
Hello! Abby here, the Philippines has been really awesome so far, I have met some really amazing people and the kids are fantastic! :) been so busy though. hope every one over there is good. :)
cant wait to tell everyone about it.
Lots of love from Abby xx
PS The photo's are coming, just a few glitches with timing and the internet. Watch out for these soon!!!
Proudly bought to you by Mr Price's Catholic Rabbis!!
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Beginning: Day One and Two
Hi all,
We are alive! We made it here safely. The flights were fine, but tiring. After chatting to a flight attendants about our trip, he gave us some toys for the children which was really encouraging. The trip from Manila airport to the Ministry centre was two hours longer than expected, with most of the team catching up on the sleep they missed out on from the previous night. We unpacked and then went to see a intense basketball game at Faith Academy, a school for missionary and international children. At half time there was an acrobatics show (including a 3m unicycle and walking on his hands in stills) and a testimony from a local American pastor. Dinner was really good and afterwards we enjoyed a swim in the amazing pool. Most of us slept really well that night. The living arrangements are really nice. End of Day One.
Day Two
Rise and shine was at seven, then enjoyed a good breakfast including a slice very similar to Anzac biscuits. At eight we walked to the New Faith Family Children's Home. We deconstructed a building site, taking down scaffolding and removing nails. We were blessed avoided any major injuries, just a few scraps, however a nail did got through Mitchell's shoe, narrowly missing his foot. After a tour of the local community called 'Cuatro', with Colleen Long (the wife of Jeff Long, founder of KIM), some of us played basketball with the kids, while others played with them on the playground. We then headed back for lunch and then back again to continue our work. After a shower and some time to freshen up, we then went to the JAZ (Josie's Angels Zone) Home which is a home for teenage girls. We then had dinner back at the Ministry Centre and than went to have worship with the children at the orphanage and had a devotion. After this we tucked them into bed and read them stories. The children were very excited to have Older Australian visitors. The Filipino boys taught us some new words. We were surprised with by our evening adventure to the Jollibee fast-food outlet which we got to by Trikes (which fit 6 people for 8 Pesos each=20 cents). After our ride home we had our debrief and got ready bed. All in all it has been a good start to our adventure in the Philippines.
Lots of Love from all of us!
Written by the Blue Team (Amanda, Elise, Chris, Matt and Isaak)
P.S. Amanda is safe Mrs. Jacobs :)
The trip has been amazing, wishing you were all here to experience it too. I am alive and well. Love from Elise xxoo
Hi to Mum, Dad and other family & friends, we are well, don't worry, thanks for the prayers. We met the awesomest people! Miss you! AJ
Hey Mum and Dad, I'm having a great time and experiencing new challenges every day, these past couple of days has been amazing! Thank you for letting me go on the trip. From Chris :)
Hey Parentals, Having an awesome time and I am super tired! The food is the best I have in comparison to the usual Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner :) All is well! Love Isaak :)
Bought to you by Ben's hand socks, "Get them when you fly."
We are alive! We made it here safely. The flights were fine, but tiring. After chatting to a flight attendants about our trip, he gave us some toys for the children which was really encouraging. The trip from Manila airport to the Ministry centre was two hours longer than expected, with most of the team catching up on the sleep they missed out on from the previous night. We unpacked and then went to see a intense basketball game at Faith Academy, a school for missionary and international children. At half time there was an acrobatics show (including a 3m unicycle and walking on his hands in stills) and a testimony from a local American pastor. Dinner was really good and afterwards we enjoyed a swim in the amazing pool. Most of us slept really well that night. The living arrangements are really nice. End of Day One.
Day Two
Rise and shine was at seven, then enjoyed a good breakfast including a slice very similar to Anzac biscuits. At eight we walked to the New Faith Family Children's Home. We deconstructed a building site, taking down scaffolding and removing nails. We were blessed avoided any major injuries, just a few scraps, however a nail did got through Mitchell's shoe, narrowly missing his foot. After a tour of the local community called 'Cuatro', with Colleen Long (the wife of Jeff Long, founder of KIM), some of us played basketball with the kids, while others played with them on the playground. We then headed back for lunch and then back again to continue our work. After a shower and some time to freshen up, we then went to the JAZ (Josie's Angels Zone) Home which is a home for teenage girls. We then had dinner back at the Ministry Centre and than went to have worship with the children at the orphanage and had a devotion. After this we tucked them into bed and read them stories. The children were very excited to have Older Australian visitors. The Filipino boys taught us some new words. We were surprised with by our evening adventure to the Jollibee fast-food outlet which we got to by Trikes (which fit 6 people for 8 Pesos each=20 cents). After our ride home we had our debrief and got ready bed. All in all it has been a good start to our adventure in the Philippines.
Lots of Love from all of us!
Written by the Blue Team (Amanda, Elise, Chris, Matt and Isaak)
P.S. Amanda is safe Mrs. Jacobs :)
The trip has been amazing, wishing you were all here to experience it too. I am alive and well. Love from Elise xxoo
Hi to Mum, Dad and other family & friends, we are well, don't worry, thanks for the prayers. We met the awesomest people! Miss you! AJ
Hey Mum and Dad, I'm having a great time and experiencing new challenges every day, these past couple of days has been amazing! Thank you for letting me go on the trip. From Chris :)
Hey Parentals, Having an awesome time and I am super tired! The food is the best I have in comparison to the usual Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner :) All is well! Love Isaak :)
Bought to you by Ben's hand socks, "Get them when you fly."
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