Some have asked about the bikes and the backpacks. We’ll try and explain the make up of TMMR. This centre was set up initially by Sr Nicete and Sr Rose to look after street kids (this was the original mission of the founding sisters Mothers Consuelo and Rita).
The children come from all walks of life; some have been abandoned by their parents (one in a shopping mall, another thrown from the family home into a canal). They have been witnesses to drugs, poverty, neglect and abuse. Living at TMMR is the best thing that has happened to these children. They are safe, clean, cared for and loved. Sr Rose (aged 78) is in charge; she has a wonderful team around her, Sisters Cecile and Elfin (who renewed their vows yesterday), Rosemary and Maria, who keep food on the table for all of us each day and Roger, our main man! He drives us around, helps us continually, does all the ‘man’ jobs around the centre and is a wonderful male role model for the children, in fact his own wife and child live in the southern provinces and he only sees them at Christmas.
The Centre receives no money from the government and all its day-to-day costs come from donations (remembering that while we are here they are providing lunch for at least an extra 20 people every day.) The surrounding neighbours are generous and supply them with some veggies and rice etc. Our Lenten Efforts from St Augustine’s each year provide them with cash to buy food for most of the year. There is no money for extras including doctors, dentists or what we would consider day-to-day luxuries. The children receive a small cake of soap and use it to its last bit and then write a letter to Sr. Rose asking for a new cake of soap, this also applies to pencils, therefore there is no wastage, and even garbage is recycled, including all our building off cuts. What we take for granted, is a luxury for these children and Sr Rose is very conscious of not wanting to spoil the children with a lifestyle they can’t sustain.
We arrived to build a much needed infirmary and whilst unpacking it was overwhelming for them to watch all the goods coming out of the container. The Sisters were away on retreat and we were unaware of the potential impact this would have on the children, we did not know how things are done at the centre. There were bikes, toys, stuffed animals and kids everywhere. There were more ‘things’ for the kids coming out of the container than most had seen in their lifetimes!
This is an experience for us, but this is a life for them and we have to be sympathetic to how life will be for them once we leave. This may seem extreme to us but these children are happy, polite, sociable and humble. So apart from day 1, a few bikes have been used but not all at once and safety is the main issue so the children are not injured in any way as there is no money for medical needs. We have given Sister many boxes of toys, educational resources and bikes etc and she will use them as she sees fit. And we as the visitors respect that.
To hear about this place from others and then to be a small part of its daily routine are very different things. The children are Sr Rose’s highest priority and she is their Lola (grandmother) and they love and respect her. She is giving these children a future.
Pip and Margie
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2 comments:
Hi again... It's nice to see through the pictures and by reading in your everyday articles how you became so close to the children. You have given them the love and attention they have never have in their lives. This may be just for a couple of weeks but this may be sufficient enough to make these children feel that they are loved. They may not remember you names someday but the hugs and kisses you have given will always be treasured by them. Just as what I have experienced back in the Philippines when I was working with the street children of Cebu, I have realized in the end that we were not the one's teaching them but they taught us about the reality of life - that love is the greatest thing above all means. I know that as you look at these children and talk to them about your life back here in Australia, you realized how fortunate you are for having a loving family of your own, for having the things that you need and "want," and how you rebel against your parents if they cannot give you what you "want". The hug you have given is the same hug you have given to our Lord Jesus Christ. "What you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do unto me." This is such a wonderful opportunity for all of you to experience the Christ who is present in each of these children. May you continue to be the light shining upon the lives of these children... Again I say to you, St. Augustine must be very proud of you! God bless to all...
Hvae just returned from Melbourne and have really enjoys catching up on all the news.
The building looks fantastic! Your hard work is really paying off and it makes us very proud of your efforts.
I'm glad Sr Joey's big day went off well and please pass on my love and congratulations to her. I'm sure that the boy's attendance made it that much more specila for her.
I have read that the plans for the "free days" has changed and your reasons make sense. Craig or Margie please email me the "new plans". When I have received them I will give you a phone call.
Keep up the good work!!
Any photos of Jule's new dental work??
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