Day 1

sorry we have had a few technical difficulties but we are finally able to post information

Day 1


hello :) This is the Manila crew signing in for the first time after zero hours of sleep. Irene, Tat, Jessie and Amy (us cool second timers) and here to reflect on our arrival in the Philippines.

We arrived at around 2:30pm, confronted by one of Manila's regular heatwaves while waiting for the bus. The drive was about an hour and we were faced with Manila's devastating poverty and pollution. there was an obvious change in culture in comparison to Australia. The traffic, the people and the environment were completely different to Australia's chilled lifestyle.

For us second timers, it almost felt like "deja vu" seeing the walls of the good ol' Ministry. It was the same but different: definitely a weird feeling being back!


When looking back on last year's trip, it was a really good feeling seeing the enormous progress that carried on after our two weeks of work last year. The pool that our group started digging last year is now completed and another one is now under construction. The foundations that were started and dug last year have now turned into an amazing 3 story building with 9 new classrooms, 2 accommodation areas and a playground area for the kids.

It was really encouraging to see the kids at the children's home, who we got to know last year, recognise us and want to play with us again. It was also nice seeing the kids get to know the other group members.

After saying good night to the kids we went to our night activity. We packed into a bus and a small van and squeezed our way through the Manila traffic to a place called World of Fun at Santa Lucia Mall, 5 stories of shops and eateries, quite a contrast from the community around the ministry centre.

When we arrived back at the ministry centre we all had our small group debriefs and then a whole group session. We washed and then we quite deservedly went to bed! We looked forward to the best sleep we have had in the past 50 hours!

Day 1 finally up and day 2 will follow very soon! Thanks for your prayers and blessings from home.