We start each day with a good breakfast at 7pm. By 8am we are on the bus to TMMR (The orphanage). We are usually at work by 8.30am.
Today was mainly spent on external cladding, a precise job which takes much man power, lots of measuring and nailing. The boys have been fabulous the way some of them can stick to a real building job for hours in extreme conditions. Today these boys learnt to respect and fear the hammer. Even after many had named theirs, (Excalibur, MC, Princess, Bolty, Nugget and lightening (who started this off).
Normally the staff at TMMR have ‘snacks’ for the boys at around 9.30, however as sometimes it’s difficult to get the boys back to work, today we decided to work through, as the boys are very good at stopping when they feel tired or need some water.
At 11.30 am the Lunch bell rings. All the children rush to wash up and be ready standing behind their places at the table. As we all arrive into the big kitchen, the children lead us in prayer, and with a beautiful good morning, we all sit down to eat together. The nuns, the staff, the Aussies, the children and usually half a dozen other visitors. It’s a real Augustinian community affair.
After lunch the Philippinos all have a siesta and they think we are mad to continue working in the midday sun – they’re right! The nuns always try to convince us to rest, that it’s too hot. So we encourage the boys to take a break, but when some are trying to rest and others choose to play cricket around them, it’s a good indication that they’re not tired. So we steer them in the direction of some light work.
Today was our fourth full day in a row and the boys are starting to feel it. We are looking at strategies of keeping the boys on task and meeting our targets.
By about 3pm we are all showing signs of fatigue. The sun has swung around the building and whilst working on the exterior, there is no escaping it. The outside of the building is nearly done, we have a little more cladding and the painting has begun. To an outsider they might think the whole project is almost completed, however we are only half way. There is so much more yet to do. The interior walls, ceilings and the interior fit out is yet be started, and the linking of the new building to the old.
The project has been an extremely worthwhile one. In the midst of hard work and heat exhaustion the boys say how fantastic this experience is and some have expressed a desire to return in the future to check up on the project.
The boys openly acknowledge how fortunate their lives are. They have homes, food, beds, education and loving families who have supported them in this adventure.
P.S. they’re all well behaved, no one has taken ill, everyone is still talking to everyone else and there is still the sound of laughter coming down the third floor corridor in the BarCIE hotel.
Margie Mac
Today was mainly spent on external cladding, a precise job which takes much man power, lots of measuring and nailing. The boys have been fabulous the way some of them can stick to a real building job for hours in extreme conditions. Today these boys learnt to respect and fear the hammer. Even after many had named theirs, (Excalibur, MC, Princess, Bolty, Nugget and lightening (who started this off).
Normally the staff at TMMR have ‘snacks’ for the boys at around 9.30, however as sometimes it’s difficult to get the boys back to work, today we decided to work through, as the boys are very good at stopping when they feel tired or need some water.
At 11.30 am the Lunch bell rings. All the children rush to wash up and be ready standing behind their places at the table. As we all arrive into the big kitchen, the children lead us in prayer, and with a beautiful good morning, we all sit down to eat together. The nuns, the staff, the Aussies, the children and usually half a dozen other visitors. It’s a real Augustinian community affair.
After lunch the Philippinos all have a siesta and they think we are mad to continue working in the midday sun – they’re right! The nuns always try to convince us to rest, that it’s too hot. So we encourage the boys to take a break, but when some are trying to rest and others choose to play cricket around them, it’s a good indication that they’re not tired. So we steer them in the direction of some light work.
Today was our fourth full day in a row and the boys are starting to feel it. We are looking at strategies of keeping the boys on task and meeting our targets.
By about 3pm we are all showing signs of fatigue. The sun has swung around the building and whilst working on the exterior, there is no escaping it. The outside of the building is nearly done, we have a little more cladding and the painting has begun. To an outsider they might think the whole project is almost completed, however we are only half way. There is so much more yet to do. The interior walls, ceilings and the interior fit out is yet be started, and the linking of the new building to the old.
The project has been an extremely worthwhile one. In the midst of hard work and heat exhaustion the boys say how fantastic this experience is and some have expressed a desire to return in the future to check up on the project.
The boys openly acknowledge how fortunate their lives are. They have homes, food, beds, education and loving families who have supported them in this adventure.
P.S. they’re all well behaved, no one has taken ill, everyone is still talking to everyone else and there is still the sound of laughter coming down the third floor corridor in the BarCIE hotel.
Margie Mac
8 comments:
Dear all,
Glad to see that the great progress continues and that you are having such wonderful experiences. It sounds like Chris had a birthday he'll never forget. Thanks to everyone for making it so special for him.
Best wishes from Mark, Jeanne, Laura
Great Tom a photo without the blue hat on, probably time to give it a wash buddy!!
Hi Craig,
The building is looking great. I printed off ther blog for mum & dad and gave it to them to read last night...they found it very interesting.
Easter was good, the kids must have had sore tummies on Sunday night.
I'll keep us all updated through the blog and see you soon.
Chris
Hello everyone,
Well done on all your hard work in such extreme heat. The infirmary looks so different now with the cladding on it. I bet the children at the Orphanage are getting excited.
Have you tried the corn icecream yet? Its supposed to taste amazing!
Best wishes, Lianne W
Hi all...
Managed to sneak some computer time at King's Canyon and are thrilled to read of your amazing progress - and to see the pics.
We are enjoying The Red Heart and will try to log on at Uluhru.
Continue to carve out your memories.
Love David and Margie.
hi everyone, especially bula
looks like a bit of perspiration on your shirt. Glad there's room for fun and smiles amongst the heat and work. Project looks great, proud to be associated with you all.
Hi fellow Augustinians... So glad to see that you're making a difference in other people's lives. Being a Filipino, I am even more than happy to see the hand you have extended and help you have offered to this orphanage. This means so much to them and even as much as you can imagine. This could be a source of good experiences for you but for these children, this is life. These children will grow but the memories you have brought to them will always be in thier hearts and will never be forgotten. You have given not only a house but a home. You have given love beyond the four corners of this structure. This Infirmary will not last for a life time but the goodness you've shared will last forever for these people. St. Augustine must be very proud of you... God bless to all!
What a fantastic job - the building looks fantastic! How are you all coping with the heat??
Love to all, and a hi to the girls! Have you had a chance to do much shopping yet?
lol Sue xx
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