This morning 6 boys and I made an early morning (5am) run to markets, to by fish for this evening’s dinner. We got jeepnees in, as they are more comfortable than trike bikes and they cost 7 compared to 30 piso. The boys were surprised to see that the markets were just food. We made our way to the produce section; I spared them the meat section, as I know a couple of would struggle with the sites and smells that would confront them. The fish section is cleaner, as there is a lot of water flushing the tables. There was still some sites to be seen, the question was raised ‘how fresh are these fish?’ And without words it was answered as we passed a stall that had live fish flipping around on the table, this stall went one step further, as the lady while talking to her friend, fillets the live fish with a meat clever in front of you. It was about this time that a couple of the boys decided to go outside for some air. All in all we had fun however the 5 am start made it a very long day.
Craig
Today was an incredibly busy day. We met the TMMR children for Mass where we were welcomed by the Parish Priest and thanked for our work at the centre. We then went to the Paradise Resort, an assortment of pools with slides and a large wave pool, where we joined about 2000 Filipinos for the day of rest!! When they announced the wave pool was about to commence, the excitement and volume of the crowd began to build. Imagine a thousand people in an Olympic pool with more inflatable PVC than you’ve ever seen in your life! Then add 12 water savvy Aussies. For the next 25 minutes it’s like corks bobbing in the ocean every time a ‘wave’ came the roar of excitement goes up from the anticipating crowd. Our boys were fantastic as they looked after the young TMMR kids who hung onto their necks while they braved the waves. As the last wave is released, the crowd leaves the pool like punters exiting a footy match, each with their own stories of survival.
We then headed to TMMR for the blessing of the new building followed by a program (concert) and dinner.
There was a plethora of nuns, who came to inspect the new building. The boys displayed it proudly as the nuns thanked us profusely. During the blessing, Sr Niceta announced the name of the building; “Friendship Cottage” to recognise the bond between St Augustine’s College, the Sisters of Consolation, and all at TMMR. Fr Jimmy, the local PP came over for the blessing where he officially opened the building. This was followed by a great dinner of fish (from this morning’s market adventure) and then many tears as the boys said farewell to their new friends. The bond of friendship was mutual and therefore farewells were hard, for in reality these new found friends may never meet again.
The site took on a new look at night, with the white light coming out of the windows and the yellow through the bathroom skylight.
Margie et al.
Craig
Today was an incredibly busy day. We met the TMMR children for Mass where we were welcomed by the Parish Priest and thanked for our work at the centre. We then went to the Paradise Resort, an assortment of pools with slides and a large wave pool, where we joined about 2000 Filipinos for the day of rest!! When they announced the wave pool was about to commence, the excitement and volume of the crowd began to build. Imagine a thousand people in an Olympic pool with more inflatable PVC than you’ve ever seen in your life! Then add 12 water savvy Aussies. For the next 25 minutes it’s like corks bobbing in the ocean every time a ‘wave’ came the roar of excitement goes up from the anticipating crowd. Our boys were fantastic as they looked after the young TMMR kids who hung onto their necks while they braved the waves. As the last wave is released, the crowd leaves the pool like punters exiting a footy match, each with their own stories of survival.
We then headed to TMMR for the blessing of the new building followed by a program (concert) and dinner.
There was a plethora of nuns, who came to inspect the new building. The boys displayed it proudly as the nuns thanked us profusely. During the blessing, Sr Niceta announced the name of the building; “Friendship Cottage” to recognise the bond between St Augustine’s College, the Sisters of Consolation, and all at TMMR. Fr Jimmy, the local PP came over for the blessing where he officially opened the building. This was followed by a great dinner of fish (from this morning’s market adventure) and then many tears as the boys said farewell to their new friends. The bond of friendship was mutual and therefore farewells were hard, for in reality these new found friends may never meet again.
The site took on a new look at night, with the white light coming out of the windows and the yellow through the bathroom skylight.
Margie et al.
Two more sleeps. that's if the boys sleep on the plane?
4 comments:
Wow! You guys are nothing short of fantastic! We got goose bumps just looking at the photos.
Would like to be at the airport to welcome you home. Does anyone know when you'll land?
David & Marg G
Thats it, can you beleive that it is all over. The building looks fantastic and the inside looks great with beds made and curtains up. Hope you all had a lovely time at the farwell, must be hard to say goodbye to an experience that you have put so much effort into and the beautiful people that you have spent so much time with. See you all soon.
David and Marg, I think that they arrive at 6.40am Tuesday morning. Its a busy time at the airport then so I dont know how long it will take them to get through customs, it took Craig a while when he came home last year, I suppose it depends what they are bring home with them.
Nioka
Thanks Nioka,
I'll try to make it - had hoped it was at a later time.
DG
congratulations!!!! I have used more tissues as I look at the ifnal blog. You have achieved the most incredible feat against some tough odds at times - well done. It will take you about 1 hour to clear customs and immigration. Declare pearls and wood and put in hand luggage to show. Have a safe trip see you Thursday.
love Pip
David Shrewood
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