When we first arrived, Dave McLean told us that the weather has turned unseasonably cool. (It was 35 degrees plus, but there was a slight breeze.) We thought he was joking. This week we have had the true Filipino summer. Craig has taken to measuring the heat by how far the sweat soaks down his clothes; today was a new record – 2 cm from the bottom of his three quarter shorts!! The heat takes its toll on the work output, especially after lunch. We are trying to work a fine balance with work commitments and spending time with the children. This afternoon, many of the boys spent some quality time teaching the TMMR kids to ride their bikes around the local streets, which is fantastic on one hand, yet tomorrow we will have to pick up the pace to ensure we meet our deadline.
While the kids played with bikes, Sister Rose and Sister Nicete put on the College backpacks and burst into song with “I love to go a wandering.”
Tonight Sisters Nicete, Pinky and Florien, and our new friend Mercy joined us for a special farewell banquet. We feasted on amazing coconut prawns, fresh crabs, ginger beef and Singapore noodles, followed by fresh mangoes, rock melon and water melon.
Today was the last day with Pip and Julie at Malalos. Saying goodbye to all at TMMR was a teary experience. Tomorrow morning, as the boys board the bus for the worksite, no doubt there will be more tears. Thanks girls for your work and friendship over the past few weeks. We’ll miss you.
Margie
While the kids played with bikes, Sister Rose and Sister Nicete put on the College backpacks and burst into song with “I love to go a wandering.”
Tonight Sisters Nicete, Pinky and Florien, and our new friend Mercy joined us for a special farewell banquet. We feasted on amazing coconut prawns, fresh crabs, ginger beef and Singapore noodles, followed by fresh mangoes, rock melon and water melon.
Today was the last day with Pip and Julie at Malalos. Saying goodbye to all at TMMR was a teary experience. Tomorrow morning, as the boys board the bus for the worksite, no doubt there will be more tears. Thanks girls for your work and friendship over the past few weeks. We’ll miss you.
Margie
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As we leave Bulacan today and head into Manila for a night at the mother house we leave with mixed emotions. We are looking forward to returning home to our families, but we are leaving many new friends whom we have come to love. The children at TMMR have left a mark on our hearts, the Sisters are kind, compassionate and have welcomed us into their world. We are sad to leave before the project is complete but we have been promised many photos. The experience has been overwhelming but the memories will last for ever. Thankyou to our touring buddies, we have shared the best and the worst of overseas travel and still laugh about everything. Thankyou to everyone remaining it has been fantastic.
Luv Julie and Philippa
The reason why we Filipinos have our siesta every after lunch is the noon heat. We never work under the sun from 12noon until 3pm unless you cover your body in long pants and long sleeve shirt with the hat (which I guess you'll find even hotter). Just remember the Passion of Christ when he carried his cross on the way to Calvary. His body was bleeding with wounds, carrying his cross, beaten, and walking under the same heat of the sun. This was done by Christ because of his love and I know you will survive with that heat because of the love you have for these children. When you come back here in Australia, I bet you can brag to your friends how you manage the situation out there. Supportive teachers and young men like you desrve to be praised. These children cannot pay you anything in return but He who sees all these will be the one to. As Jesus said, "Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing". Let us recall our celebration of Easter and reflect from it in relation to your work. Just like Christ, after the experience of "passion" will be the resurrection. I bet, the hugs, kisses, smiles and tears that these children will give you when you leave will be more than enough satisfaction that you will get. Again, St. Augustine must be very proud of you... God bless to all!
This is Julie and Philippa, the progress of yesterday is amazing, well done,and by the way we have not had any more shopping YET!!!!You year 11 boys have been an inspiration to all the students at St Augustine's College and we were priviledged to travel and build with you. Go Saints!!!!!!!! See you at home.
Julie and Philippa
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