Day 9

mangadang gabi (good evening)


This morning we arose to the alarming sound of Mr. Paul "The Fog Horn" Beacham, which sounded something like this " Time to get up! breakfast is ready in 5 minutes" which from our past experiences on this trip means roughly about 30 minutes!. As we were walking down the stairs we were aware of the fragrance of freshly sliced pineapple and mangos, toast and some magnificent scrambled eggs! So I suppose it was really worth listening to the Foghorn's voice. We all made sure we ate as much as possible so we would be fully energized for the big day ahead, which wasn't hard to do at all because the food is amazing!.

After breakfast was fully engulfed, we were then briefed on the activities the day would hold. Turns out that us fellas were going to smash out on the home that we have been constructing, while the girls got to play with the kids at the childrens home in an airconditioned room! Pretty unlucky for us you could say! But hey, we came on this trip to do some honest hard work!
All of us boys slip slop slapped, threw on some shoes and proceeded to the battle ground! We then armed ourselves with shovels and picks, ready to face the unrelentless piles of gravel! 5 minutes into the mixing of the concrete the sun was blistering down on our shoulders and necks but still we soldiered on! Meanwhile, the girls weren't even breaking a sweat reading childrens stories or what ever they got up to, haha.

Working with Kuya Randy we managed to get the concrete floors laid in 2 of the 3 rooms before lunch. This really made me think how great our group has really worked together and have really done our reputation as hard working Aussies proud.

The day really seemed to fly by. We looked at our watches and it was already time for lunch, another mouth watering meal, prepared by the awesome cooks that have been a real blessing to all of us!
The moment finally came, we all sat around the table and Paul "The Foghorn" Beacham said grace. It was like a slaughter house, we all had the same mission, which was to tuck into the chicken curry on a bed of rice, which was truly amazing!
Following the beautiful lunch we shared together we all met with the male workers from the Ministry Centre and shared our last bible study together. We were privileged in hearing Josh Watermann share his testimony to the troops, we were also privileged to hand each and every male worker a pair of Hard Yakka socks and some freshly shined work boots which Mrs Dardy (Mrs Tidy) spent weeks organizing. They were so happy to receive them, because in Manila to have work boots means that more people will want you to work for them, because it shows that you know your trade and you are experienced.

We also handed out all the clothes that people have been sorting out and leaving for the locals which was awesome to see. Kuya Randy looked fly because he had a brand spanking new pair of Addidas sports shoes and a brand new button up shirt -  you should of seen the look on his wife's face!

Off the boys wandered into the blistering heat again, while - get this.  Yes, the girls walked next door where there were a few local girls waiting to pamper them with things such as nails being painted and foot and leg massages left right and centre. But we weren't complaining, because we smashed out another room in the house. We still can't get over how much we have done on this house -  to think that the outside walls were knee high when we got here, to being completed with a roof and floors! It's amazing.

4 o' clock and it was time to head back to the Ministry Centre. We got back and noticed there were no girls in sight! You guessed it, they were still being pampered! 4 hours this lasted, unbelieveable. It was time for the boys to head out and distribute some food, clothes and toys for the youngsters. We all prepared ourselves for another long car ride! Turns out it was only 100 metres down the road which was awesome! When we arrived I thought to myself, there aren't as many people as I thought there would be. However, once the locals heard that there was food and clothes being given out they flocked in the hundreds, the smiles on peoples' faces was really the highlight of the day for most people.

Once we arrived back from the food distribution Mr. Beacham was awaiting us with airsoft guns. We spent a hour shooting each other with these things, bruises were handed out like hot cakes. There were commando rolls, epic slides and the odd "gangsta" pose just for the Americans on the trip.

Dinner was another masterpiece, pasta bake, salad, watermelon and some heavenly jelly and fruit.
After dinner it was time for Pastor "Pistol Pete" to share a short devotion with us, it was only short because it was now the turn for some of the teachers to jam into the back of a van and head out to get massages. It's 9:35 and I'm still waiting for my opportunity to get pampered. Some how I don't think its going to happen.
We decided to take the rest of this night to pack and prepare for the big day ahead!
Just a quick note, I've noticed a few comments asking about the "slang" that we have discovered over this trip, the main one being Mrs Dardy. I will clarify this with you now.  It all started on Wednesday when Mrs Tidy just completely pushed everyone aside, drew her pick and started to attack the solid clay at the building site like it was nothing. What a machine most thought, except for JONO.  He decided to call her Mrs Dardy, because Dardy is an Aboriginal word for good, so it kinda fits well,  Mrs Tidy/Mrs Dardy, it has an awesome ring to it. Now, imagine all of us guys cheering Mrs Dardy on with a slight indigenous accent whilst she is slashing through this clay like nothing.  What a champ.
We are currently hold a vote and we need all of you to help. Do you think Mrs Dardy should stick for an awesome nick name for Mrs. Tidy?
We also have a huge day of travel tomorrow and spending up big in the markets.  There have been quite a lot of people sick over the past couple of days, so we really need everyone's prayers as we head out to Brunei and would love if everyone who reads this blog sends a short message of encouragment.

God Bless and see you in a few days!

Jamie Mellor and Michael Noppers.

P.S We don't want Mr Puzey and Mr Pleysier to win the competion of who gets the most votes! So please get behind the students on this trip!
Thanks.

Information for parents please read

Dear Parents of the ACC Philippines team.


The following 4 pages are provided to resource you in receiving your students back home. We suggest that you print out these pages and re-read them several times to help you feel better equipped to help your student process the experience they have just had. We would also like to suggest the printed material be handed to significant others so that many of your family are all working together to make the students growth and transition as smooth and possible.

Our hope in running this Philippines trip is to further equip these young people to became ‘extra-ordinary’ adults, and to grow a healthy ‘others’ mindedness. We also would like to assist families to pull together to share one another’s lives as we see this as vital in teaching all the children that move through ACC.

If at any time you feel like you need some assistance with your students re-entry please make contact with the college to arrange a chat or meeting with Pastor Pete.

Much of the material is taken from a student mission web site which has some good information on debriefing, only a small portion is being used here for you, so you may want to read some more by going to www.thetask.org/students/Info

Re-Entry Stress

A. Definition

Re-entry stress is like culture shock in many ways - only in reverse. While culture shock is associated with a sense of disorientation brought on by a new and unfamiliar environment, re-entry stress is precipitated by returning to a setting you presume to be familiar, but which in reality is no longer the same.

It is the unexpected nature and subtlety of such change that will cause stress for your student. Your once familiar and comfortable environment no longer appears the same. Something definitely has changed. But you don't easily recognise just what has been altered.

Suddenly you find yourself out of phase with your own culture. Your reaction may come in the form of bewilderment, dismay, disillusionment and perhaps even irritation or anger. Somehow, "things are just not the way they used to be.", "nobody seems to care.", "nobody really understands.".

There are several contributing factors to re-entry stress. One is that you are being caught by surprise - you do not anticipate change and consequently are unprepared to cope. Another factor is value conflict. Your values, once taken for granted and even highly cherished, now seem of lesser significance or of little importance at all. Your way of thinking, your manner and your responses to many situations have been changing. Often these changes are not apparent until you are back in your own culture.

B. Common symptoms and effects of re-entry stress

1. Disorientation - feeling out of place, not fitting in

2. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, or being lost in the crowd

3. Restlessness - a desire to "get away" from those who don't seem to understand or care

4. Feeling that nobody understands your experience or that nobody cares

5. Feeling tired, listless

6. Critical attitude toward home country - its waste, extravagance, wrong way of doing things, etc.

7. Loss of identity - just "another cog in a big wheel"

8. Inability to communicate new ideas, concepts freely

9. Feeling of superiority - standing aloof from others because of your overseas experience

10. Feeling of dissatisfaction

11. Defensive in responses

12. Retreat, withdrawal, lack of concern

13. Unnatural, uncomfortable responses to "ordinary" situations

14. Confusion over conflicting attitudes and responses

15. Rejection of overseas experiences or a desire to forget and not talk about them



Basic Debriefing Tips for Family and Friends

1. Listen, listen, and listen some more.



Student missionaries will have many emotionally laden stories to tell. The most loving response family and friends can have is to sit regularly, without time constraints, and listen until all the stories have been told (and re-told).

2. Expect the student to be a different person.



Global experiences change a person.



Encounters with poverty, a new culture, inability to communicate in an unknown language, and being an ethnic minority possibly for the first time will alter the way your student views and interacts with the world, including you and your family. Seek to discover the changes in your student and help him/her to make adjustments to living in Australia. Also allow the changes in your student to bring changes in your family, if your student has grown, then your family will have to grow to make it meaningful.



Your student may be experiencing grief at saying goodbye to people with whom they have connected. To help your student understand the grieving process better, review an article from a councilor at

www.thetask.org/students/Approved/grief.htm





3. Help the student find places to share his/her story.



Encourage returning students to speak at gatherings and help them to make contact with churches, youth groups and any other groups that would be interested in hearing about their experience.

If a student does not like to speak in public, encourage him/her to invite family and friends over for small gatherings where stories and pictures from the trip can be shared.

4. Help students in their church and youth groups for service by encouraging them to:

a. Learn more about the nation they have just visited as well as any other nation they have on their heart

b. Commit to giving financially a regular portion of what they earn (a regular and defined portion assist people to fit their personal changes into regular life without it being forgotten or producing a fanatic)

c. Consider planning the next year so that a similar trip can be taken soon

d. Study the Bible for, and lead Bible studies about, God’s heart for the nations

e. Mobilise fellow students and friends to consider giving time and money to international mission service.



Between Two Worlds: Returning Home

Dr. Miriam Adeney, a Christian anthropologist, tells her students that they "will never be able to go ‘home’ again. They will probably always leave part of themselves behind, and thereafter will be split. And home may be in more than one place. But that is the price they pay for the richness of having experienced more than one culture deeply."

SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS:

1. Help your student to find other returnees (short-term volunteers, missionaries) with whom you can share and have fellowship.

2. Give your student time to readjust. Be patient.

3. Recognise and accept which transition stage your student is going through, and remember that "reverse culture shock" or "re-entry shock" is a normal part of the process of returning home.

4. Encourage your student to have a good sense of humor. Be aware, though, that your student could feel that you are laughing at him/her and the mission experience if you make too light of their experience or feelings.

5. Use this time of re-entry as a growing process for your family to learn about your student, the people group/culture in which your student served, and how you can continue to minister to the people group from home. Re-entry provides an opportunity for you and your family to become bi-cultural or multi-cultural people.

6. Express to your student what God has done in your life and your family's life during your student's time in another country. Possibly the changes God prompted were the result of your student serving internationally.

7. Help your student find opportunities to share the story of his/her international mission service. Examples of this can be a church service, Sunday School classes, or other groups.

8. Help your student learn to tell his or her story well. See the pages titled, "Telling Your Story" for suggestions.

9. Review the most significant changes that have occurred while your student was gone on mission. Talk through the events and changes, show pictures and videos of events, if possible, and discuss the implications of those events and changes on your student's future.

10. Talk with your student about his/her great expectations in returning home. How relevant and realistic are they? What are steps your student can take and your family can take to meet the realistic expectations?

11. Keep a clear perspective and remember that God is with you!













Conflicting Values

A. Preoccupation with materialism

Back in Australia, the desire for material comforts and possessions is a dominant theme. Are you prepared to face this fact if you are returning from a culture where people are content with little or have only the basic necessities of life? Has your sensitivity to basic human needs been heightened by your experiences abroad? What response might you have to affluence, waste or overindulgence?

Suggestions:

1. Do not be quick to condemn; realize that others have not had the same exposure to another way of life. Their preoccupation with "their world" as they know it is only natural.

2. Be prepared for a sensory bombardment if you are accustomed to simplicity in choice and lifestyle. An overabundance of goods, choices, etc. can overwhelm you at first.

3. Expect others to not fully understand how you feel when their "materialistic

ways" strike you as sinful.

B. Doing things the "best" way

This is often referred to as ethnocentrism. It's only natural that every culture values its ways.

Is bigger, better, faster and more accurate really best? Do other cultures have something to offer us? Expect to receive blank stares or an air of disapproval from your compatriots if you question traditional ways.

Suggestions:

1. Be on the alert for a "holier-than-thou" attitude. Do not be too quick to judge others for their ethnocentric stance or to think that your way is the best way.

2. Share your perspectives, but at the same time avoid becoming involved in

arguments . Do not allow yourself to withdraw or refuse to discuss matters

because of opposition.

C. Personal worth and recognition

Possibly one of the most difficult areas to address is personal fulfillment. Your questions may include: Was my service valuable? Will anyone recognize my contribution or my sacrifice? Will I be just another fish in a big pond? What will the situation be like upon my return?

Quite likely you are returning from a position where you were the focus of attention, where you felt needed, accepted and loved.

Suggestions:

1. Do not expect to be in the limelight for long after your return. Some may ask

to see your slides, have you speak, etc., but soon you will be back to your "ordinary citizen" status.

2. Realize that your worth and recognition comes first from God. View your service as service to Him, not something with which to gain recognition and praise from others.

3. Do not allow yourself to feel hurt or sorry for yourself when people do not notice you or your service. God does.

Look for ways to meet others' needs; this will help you take the focus off yourself (Phil. 2:3-4).

Day 8

Good evening all.


David Pleysier and Scott Puzey reporting to you from exciting day eight of the inaugural ACC Manila Tour. It is a great honor to be able to update the many supporters back home who have been following our progress and faithfully praying for us this week.

Before we get underway with the actual events of the day I wanted to take this opportunity to make a couple of points.

1. To all parents of youngsters on this trip, YOUR CHILDREN ARE AWSOME!! (I am sure you believe this already but everyone we have met has been blown away by these young adults.) I have worked with over two thousand Western Australian children in my career. The ACC tour group is a stand out team for me. I have never experienced such a hard working dedicated mob.

2. All of the ACC staff and people associated with Kids International here in Manila have been thrilled with the energy and commitment everyone has displayed all week. These youngsters have been called on to do some of the worst tasks imaginable and without complaint they have nailed it!

3. You should be so proud of what your youngsters are doing. They are making the most of every opportunity and actively looking to contribute everywhere, anytime.

4. Australians have a reputation for working hard in Manila and the ACC team has only added to this reputation. The building site has progressed very quickly, making a challenge for the management here to keep materials up to the project.

5. With this trip our youngsters are creating a legacy. The impact they have made here in Manila and their witness to each other and all they have met has been phenomenal. I look forward to the impact they will have on their return to Australia.

6. Be prepared to welcome home a travel wise, mature and responsible adult who has a new perspective on life.

Now Day eight.

None of us though it would ever happen but the Beech Man let us sleep in today. Perhaps a moment of weakness or a brief glimpse of compassion. The "Task Master" actually left us to rest in to the dizzy hour of 8.00am. Dressed in our finery we carefully negotiated breakfast keeping the ties and cuffs clean and tidy. With dresses flowing in the muggy tropical air we hiked the 18 meters next door to church.

Pastor Pete kicked off the service with a message about putting off the World (restraining his desire to demonstrate with his shirt) and then putting on Love. We then heard from Pastor Ray with a message of getting out of the comfort zone with examples from the New Testament and the book of Paul. I want to introduce Pastor Ray. He is a church leader in a region to the North of Luzon and I believe we will see more of him in the coming years. He is currently working here in Cuatro on 15 day shifts, establishing support to develop income for the churches back home. He has two children still at school and his community has suffered losses with the recent flooding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were thrilled to see twenty people from the Cuatro community visiting the church for the first time today. These twenty were personally invited by our youngsters and are casual staff here in the community, people we have worked with all week.

 

 

A quick change after church and it was into the van and Jeepney to lunch and the markets. When we passed through the same check point for the third time we realized the Filipino shortcut was not all we expected it to be. Several quick stops for directions at the road check points on the way and we arrived in "Eastwood." A region named after the Hollywood star. The place looked like the Hay street mall, complete with high rise apartments, underground parking and boutique shops. Italian for lunch.... a unanimous yum!

Back to the vehicles for another short trip to the markets. We stopped briefly for a photo with one of the many armed guards on the way. At this time we lost teddy to the back pack for the rest of the day. Apparently he is afraid of guns. For those not quite sure what this is about.... Mrs Tidy has been preparing the youngsters at school for her trip, telling them all about the tour she and the teddy will be taking. The children have been eagerly searching the blog each day to see if they can find the bear in the photographs. He has faithfully joined us in all parts of the tour, sneaking without ticket into the theatre, onto the boat and visiting the worksites.

At the Green Hill Markets we spent several hours in the pressing crowd searching for the ultimate bargain. With gold Rolex watches available for $25 Au we were all sure to secure the buy of a lifetime. (Bobs watch stopped even before he left the markets.) At the markets we witnessed firsthand the miracle of retail therapy. Enter one rather flat zonked out Jasmine to the flurry of money changers and bargains. Exit one hyper, chatty whirlwind of energy ......welcome back girl. Unfortunately the opposite was true for two others with Luke and Jean surrendering to the D&V bug before the day was out.

Bus home and straight to say goodnight to the children at the New Faith Family Children’s Home where we sang together before sharing a bedtime story. It will be hard to leave as the children have really adopted the ACC students into their large family. With the work program on hold for two days the students are a little more energetic tonight. Not quite ready to collapse into bed...........yet.

God Bless.

PS: True to the Aussie character, the number of blog responses to each day’s chapter has developed into a competition. The current blog champions (riding the wave of beautiful birthday emotions for Jamie) have achieved 39 responses!

Here you were thinking that the blog was all about sharing with you. But no...... You have been manipulated. Take a look over the past couple of days and discover for yourself the cunning ploys of entrapment designed to entice you to comment on the blog!

Now that this is all out in the open........how about a response comment for the hard working staff to sink this thing once and for all!

Day 7

Howdy All,
Today we stumbled out of bed at an ungodly hour of 4:30am. Thankfully this was done to the delicious smell of freshly cooked cinnamon scrolls :)
We were then hurried onto the bus determined not to miss our upcoming boat ride...sadly might we just add that Jasmine and Brittany were unable to join us today for they are both getting over a bug. Prayers and comments will be much appreciated for them. 

We arrived at the dock, still half asleep may we add, we settled ourselves in comfy positions on the waiting chairs. Well most of us were on the waiting chairs, Mr Beacham fell asleep on the floor with Peter in his arms!
At 8:00 we boarded the boat and found our seats. Most of us fell asleep for the whole 1 hour boat ride!

We arrived at Corrigador where there was a tour bus waiting to take us around the island. We were shown the major historical events of the Philippines' involvement during the wars. We were taken into the Malinta Tunnel where we were given a virtual tour with war mannequins, amazing sound effects and photos and video clips from 1941-45.

After this show we dined at the hotel on the island and we were served an amazing buffet! We sat on the balcony which overlooked the beautiful bay.

After lunch it really got exciting!

We were taken around the island looking at the ruins of the old American buildings that were used during the war. Words can not describe the scenes we had around us. These buildings were awesome and really fascinating. We were able to walk along the ruins and explore the old tunnels with debris around our feet. We managed to fit Josh and Jono down the barrel of one of the many massive guns scattered throughout the barracks. We had Jamie running around the ruins pretending to hold a gun, imaging himself on the Xbox game 'Call of Duty'.

We also saw the old cinema which was in ruins. Our tour guide told us that the last movie which was shown there was 'Gone With The Wind', so Pistol Pete and Kait jumped up onto the stage and dramatically re-enacted the last scene of the movie. Pete chewed the corner of his moustache and said, "Quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!" and Kait held her hand to her forehead and proclaimed, "Oh Rhett!"
These fallen buildings were incredible and at around 3:00 we were back on our boat heading back to Manila.  
From the dock we headed straight into the city to the Mall of Asia, yes that's right the second largest mall in the southern hemisphere! Here we ate dinner at Gerry's  which was very maserap :)
Oh and at this particular restaurant we tried a mystery meat called 'Sig Sig' which we later discovered was pig face and brain.
After dinner we went to the movies which are massive and hold hundreds of people in the one cinema.

We tiredly arrived home after our adventurous day...yet the evening had not ended. Four volunteers Peter, Bob, Verity and Chris were game enough to try the Philippino delicacy balut. This is actually an egg with an embryo of ten days old inside. These chicks had beaks, claws and a few feathers! The delicacy touched Verity's lips and that was enough for her and Bob put the whole thing in his mouth and then vomited it back up. It was Peter and Chris who were the ones who finally were able to swallow it with help from the cheering crowd.
Well that's all from us for now :)
love always Liv & Kait
x x x
Thankyou for reading, just hit the comment button below and leave a rating out of ten. We'd love to hear from you all.
Just a small update, Jaz and Brittany are doing well :)
xx

Day 6

First of all i'd like to say that today was Jamie's birthday!!!!!! which he spent behind bars.

Last night we got our awesome basketball uniforms!! We were all so excited that Alex and Matt (Jackie Moon) slept in them. The uniforms were really big and pumped everyone up after being so exhausted, for the next day. After a FEW!! hours of sleep, which Noppers got none, (due to being sick after forgetting to sanitize his hands before eating), we woke to a new jam packed day, Putting on our new uniforms.We headed over to to the church next door to try out our new uniforms by visiting the children next door. We joined them in praise and worship and watched Mr.Puzey teach the kids Australian instruments and animals. Afer showing them the didgeridoo, which an American mission worker pronounced dig-a-re-do, we headed back to home to practice some hoops.

We jumped on a jeepnee and headed to the Rizal Provincial Jail where we separated into the girls and guys groups. The guys were to play basektball while the girls met with the ladies. We guys played against the prison team and were down at the first half by 7 points (42-49). We introduced ourselves at half time and Danny a local worker shared his testimony with everyone. He is an ex-convict, which made this particularly personal to him. After that we sang a few songs and then got on with the game, which we won (88-86).After that we talked to the inmates for a while and handed out little tracts.

Meanwhile the girls were meeting with the ladies in the chapel. They started out with a few choruses then Bek gave her testimony. She was nervous, but shared from her heart and did very well. After more singing, they settled down to a craft activity - making bead bracelets with beads we had brought from Australia. Some of the beads had letters on and the ladies could make words which meant something to them eg. Love, Joy or their name etc. This gave the girls a good chance to speak with the particular lady/ladies they were working with. Some people had a chance to pray with those ladies who wanted to. They ended with another song, then came out to watch the end of the game. When the prisoners found out it was Jamie's birthday they joined with us and sang 'Happy Birthday".

As we were leaving I noticed a concrete container which was semi filled with water. It was full of dirt, grum and cigarette butts. A few of them were washing their faces with this water, and it made me think, if this is what they are used to, I wonder what their living quarters inside the jail are like.

Overall the inmates were really nice and happy and at all times I felt safe and just as happy as the great people around me. It is something that I will always remember, and gives me hope for times which are dark.

We headed back home for lunch and a bit of a break. Which was well needed from all the basketball. We headed to the school around the corner to play some more basketball and hand out some tracts. We started by singing and introducing out selves to the students.

Our group then divided into goups of five. With this came our seperate introductions and own personal move. There were some whacky moves.
We took five minute routine games against five other students, lets just say they were very fast and very skilled. Which made us very intimidated. Some groups won, some lost, but we focused on the reason why we were there, which was to educate the kids about our God and his purpose he has for them.They really appreciated our work and asked a lot of questions. Which made us feel as if we were really reaching them. When we gave them the tracts, they got excited and wanted them. Filipinos really love white, blonde and pointy nosed people. aka, Jackie moon (Matt). He had girls surrounding him 90% of the time. I, (Luke) got called handsome once, which made me feel special. Walking around with the kids, they all wanted photos and email adresses.

We then went to T.G.I Fridays for dinner, which means Thank God It's Friday. here we celebrated Jamie's birthday. We ate some really nice chicken and the best chips ever!!! When Jamie's birtday cake came out we sang happy birthday and the employees danced for him. Jono, Jamie and I (Peter), joined them. The night was really fun, and gave everyone a chance to wind down and relax. When we went outside their were some people dancing in a parking lot near the main road. I think they were cheerleaders, but they were really good. A few of us stood behind them and tried to mimic their moves. Saw a cat that was pregnant, and you could see the babies moving, (well I hope it was the litter not worms).

We all got into the jeepee and screamed songs the whole way home. Was a lot of fun. When we got back we had devotions and we both ate some more food.

 Keep us in your prayers, and it means a lot to us knowing you are at home praying and wishing us the best. Also keep Nopper's in your prayers, just so his parents know he has been fine all day and has not been sick since 6am. :) Thanks again to all our supporters.

Peter and Luke.

Day 5

We shovelled human faeces!!!!!!
Hi everyone! missing you all truckloads, please write back to us, we'd love to hear from you all :) Today was a psyched day, started off with a delicious array of tropical fruits and french toast topped with maple syrup, delicacies and other assortments. Group four, which consists of, Olivia Kate Burne, Kaitlin Elizabeth Scarlett O'Hara, Joshua James Brennan, Carrie Grace Barham, Stephen Andrew Moore and Verity Hannah Scott, started the day with some hard yakka in the form of breaking rock -solid, impossible to break concrete.

We persisted strongly and solidly, enduring this hard tedious hour of labour. After a quick refill of water, ice tea and brownies we donned the yoke of hard yakka once more as did groups 1, 2 and 3. Our mission for the next two hours was to move a truckload of rubbish and faeces combined. Many girls were left with this job as the guys ran with terror to the safety of the simple and less messy job of trench digging. Luckily the girls stamina prevailed and all unwanted human faeces were removed. We then adventured onwards to watch a special Thanksgiving Day at the school. It made us contemplate what we are thankful for. After being here we are thankful for everything. What are you thankful for? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

We experienced a heart warming dance performed fabulously by the children. Our team next scored two delicious lunches. One at the school consising of rice noodles, rice and chicken and the other back at the ministry centre also containing rice, fish, hotdogs and watermelon. A quick cat nap was needed  in the next half hour, so we dressed ourselves in our drop dead gorgeous sleep masks and then slept for a moment. Then it was straight back to the moving of human faeces.This was obviously enjoyed by many, as it splattered at time on our legs, arms and faces... Delicious! After the delightful shovelling of human faeces there followed a fun filled afternoon of playing with some lovely children in the childrens home. The ending of that heavenly hour brought on the next theological question. How do we get 13 girls in a shower in a hour!!!?? We'd love an answer and to hear your thoughts on the matter. Dinner was the next task on our itinerary. Rice, chicken parmagiana,watermelon, delicious salad and mouth watering peanut butter slice. After dinner we started this masterpiece of a blog. We were rudely interupted by a suprise Mr Beacham had planned.

We ventured outside to some exotic warm rain and discovered a convoy of trikes. They were like mini motorbike buses! We took a ride down town to the mini convenience store open 24 hours and squandered 200 pesos, which is under five dollars each! We all stocked up on the things we love most, mostly chocolate associated delicacies. Every thing was so cheap! It was like we had ten bucks each!. We rode the trikes home, but this time it took a lot longer. Maybe because we had two rather large hairy men on board....they looked rather like Mr Beacham and Mr Pleysier! :)

We are now munching happily on energy drinks and junk we do not need. The finale of the night was a challenging story and devotion about rice cakes in World War 2 and God giving us power to love others above ourselves. In case we don't see ya, goodafternoon goodevening and goodnight! Love you all truckloads, from Carrie and Verity xxxx  (and everyone else)
P.S. Jamie's birthday tomorrow and he would be delighted for any birthday messages to be sent.

Day 4

Singing our praises the night before

Gave us rest, and our energy grew more and more

We woke up at sunrise, to the sound of a rooster

Had a muserup brekkie which was definately a booster

We heard a greate voice, call out from above

Beachams voice had the power of a mighty shove

The day lay ahead, we had much to give

We were called to build a house, for locals to live

We moved a lot of dirt, perspired buckets of sweat

Twas hard work, but well worth it, despite being soaking wet

4 hard hours of heat and muscle pain,

Rewarded by God with an ending of cool rain

Lunch time brought us the best chicken rice created by human hand

After working so hard, and eating so much, we could barely stand

The Oh so mighty voice soon called us in quick time

More physical work was in need, digging a straight line

The line was to carry pipes in the orphanage

The kids were eager to help, so we strained ourselves watching...

Okay, so its getting quite late (its 11.01pm) and our creative juices are all but out. But do not worry our friends, there is more to tell.

So anyways, after the kids finished digging our trench, we had a small break of icy water (which has become our new best friend) before heading back to the orphanage with our group (which includes Miss Taylor, Luke, Matt, Noppers, and us).  This time we relaxed by playing with some of the greatest kids in the world.  It so amazing to see these kids being so joyful and content, despite having barely (or no) family contact.  For us, its hard to imagine having no family, like they do. 

Our next mission (the most arduous so far) was to get 13 girls through one shared shower, to clean up for the night ahead.  BY the way! If no one has told you so far, the boys all have 4 showers between them....(work that one out?!) Although the bathroom situation is quite a challenge, we very much enjoy sharing a joint dorm with all the girls here :)

Before heading out for our night of fun, we feasted on a muserup dinner (if you dont understand, muserup in Tagalog means delicious) of Shepards pie, moist carrot cake and a mean fruit salad.  The typical cuisine at the ministery centre is Amercian style!!!! We havent actually tackled any traditional Philippino food (which is a good thing...from what we've heard).  After stuffing ourselves silly, so silly that we can barely move, we did a quick singing practice before heading off to the orphanage (which is only 200m away).  Here Mr Puzey gave a terrific demo on the Digereedoo (with which the kids were facinated), and we sung some songs for the kids before bedtime.  We raced off to the wating Jipney, which is a crazy looking bus thing, which seems to be the common mean of transport around Manila.  It is quite small, and has bench seats, but we managed (by sitting on top of each other) to fit all the students on it!!!!! We took this opportunity to enhance our group dynamics and cohesiveness, by singing (at the top of our lungs) songs, ranging from Happy Birthday, to John Farnham, to the National Anthem....with a bit of Taylor Swift chuicked in.  We sung for ages, and most of us lost our voices (as it was our entertainment for the way back also), but this did not drain our energy levels.....for we were entering the untamed world of Philippino amusement rides and games inside, at the top, of a massive mall.  We embarked on the rollercoaster (again screaming so loud our throats felt like they were bleeding...even though the ride was made for 3 year olds....), were freaked out by the scary train ride, had rides on moving toy cows, and kicked the teachers bottoms in crazy bumper cars.

So by now, our means of communication was through cleverly crafted sign language (just joking...but seriously), so went to Manilas biggest fast food chain......JOLLIBEE!!!!!!!!!!!  We were so excited, we had massive group hugs and silent screams of celebration.  We tasted desserts and had a drink, which gave our voice boxes new life for the musical journey back home. 

We are now pretty pooped (as you can tell by the writing), but this is definatley our best day so far.  The combination of working extremely hard (we have the biggest muscles), and letting loose with the team, made our day extraordinary in more ways than one.  We are thoroughly enjoying ourselves, and are very thankful to be a part of this trip and this fantastic team. 

Lots of love,

from Emily and Jasmine :) :)

Day 3

I did not know how to start this off, so this is how I decided to begin. After an early start with breakfast at 5:30am we hit the road at six on our way to Subic Bay and the J.E.S.T camp :(Jungle Enviroment Suvival Training) approx 4 hours drive from Manila, through very heavy traffic. After arriving, one of the instructors showed us how to make a cup, plate and spoon from a stick of bamboo using a very sharp bolo (knife). After the display each one of us was given a knife of our own and taken on a tour of the camp itself. This included an aviary/butterfly house. Then it was on for real! Our instructor Kuya James led the way on what should have been a 2 hour trek but it lasted a bit longer because of  slow Mrs T! :)

The first part was gentle down hill stroll then things changed. The down hill stroll became an arduous, exhausting trek. Fortunately we had our Bolos to hack away at the bamboo which was blocking the path very regularly. The track was getting very steep so we had to help one another clamber over giant fallen trees and rocky outcrops. The humidity was extremely high and at one point it started to rain, thankfully.
At the top of a very steep climb was an amazing view out across the valleys and mountains of Subic Bay. After some truly spectacular photo opportunities and several wacky poses by certain members of the team we started our descent, back down the steep hill side.

After taking a new track for about 10 Kilometers we arrived at the spot where we were to have lunch, some of the events along that stage of the track included more hacking at bamboo, Mr Beacham falling into a wee hole up to his knees and another river crossing. At the lunch area there was a water fall, camp fire, more bamboo and some more members for the J.E.S.T camp. We were required to make the spoon, cup and plate the instructor showed us back at camp. While our lunch of rice, chicken and vegetables where cooking in more bamboo contraptions the group decided to take a dip in the river below the waterfall under the watchful eye of Mr Beacham.

Lunch was delicious. However a lack of water was starting to take its toll on the group, so we made one last attempt for the rendevous with the bus. With our clothes quite literally ringing wet with sweat from the tropical heat we arrived at the bus 30 minutes later.
On our way back to drop the leaders off at camp, we noticed a troop of monkeys at an intersection, Some people wanted to adopt them.

After another lengthy trip home we had an authentic, traditional Filipino dinner which mainly consisted of Big Macs, Quarter pounders, Cheese burgers and MC chickens.
Then we headed back to the Ministry Centre for devotions and what I am doing. I would like to take this opportunity to point out just how difficult it is to type and think when you have a minature choir singing just metres aways, however I must stress they are very good :)

By Chris Curtis

Day 2

Well it's day two and it feels as though we've been here for a week already! We started off doing different things this morning, myself, Matt, Alex, Bob and Mrs Barham all went to do food distribution in a local church a little ways away from where we are staying. It was amazing to see how many people lined up with bowls for the food we had. After the food was all gone the children were still lining up with their bowls, that was a devastating sight to see. I also got to do a bit of first aid on the kids. After that the pastor of the church took the group to see the village and the people living in it. He took us through the houses and small streets that were recently under water due to the floods. It's hard to explain what we saw and witnessed. The people are so friendly and are so loving it's amazing.

 After that we went to a local school and helped the teachers out a bit by answering the students' questions and explaining how to work the computer.
The last activity I was a part of was building a house. It was so hot and humid you wouldn't believe it! The sun was almost unbearable. While we were building, little by little, kids kept coming around and laughing and smiling at us. This one boy eventually came over and started to help us out. He was so cute and just seemed like he knew exactly what he was doing. The people here are extremely friendly and just want to talk to you and know who you are. I just can't get over the fact that we're actually here and doing this. Its an amazing feeling to help these people and be here to see how different their culture is from ours.
So I better close for now. We're heading off to the childrens' home to put the kids to bed. Until tomorrow-

Bek

Day 1

Hi everyone,

After 2 flights and a long wait at the Brunei airport we have finally made it safe and sound.

The first day went very smoothly, I think that half of us did'nt know if we were coming or going, but trusted that someone had a clue. The humidity hit us instantly when we got off the plane in Manila, felt like oil all over your hands. In the Manila streets, there is an immense change down every street, every turn held new things to ponder about, the different people and the different construction of houses. Streeet poles with hundreds of powerlines coming of them, and a contrast between houses that we would find liveable, with other houses that look hardy constructed, (both next to each other). Things like these stood out and showed how people do what they can, with what they have.  Everyone was happy when we spotted a Maccas sign, and even happier when we spotted another. People were out and about when we arrived at about eleven, which was shocking.  The place where we are staying is really nice, has a very homely feel to it.  The kind of place you wouln't imagine in the slum area. Everyone is doing really great, and some people are getting over cautious about using anti-bacterial gel. :) No-one is sick or feeling down, so overall the group is headed off to an awesome start. Just keep us in your prayers and wish us the best towards any personal, emotional or spiritual walls we may face.

By Luke Maxwell