Philippines Day 7 (2/28)

No work today. Just some last minute gift shopping and some down time on the beach.

We board the boat to Caticlan to catch our flight out. Small plane again. I get a little nervous as they weigh the passengers and carry on luggage as well as checked baggage.

The spot we waited for the rest of our party a week ago. Boy did that time go by fast.

Marching band at a mall?

Tory and Dan pick us up in Manila baggage and all and take us to the Mall of Asia(said to be the largest). We have a layover so why not shop. The students are happy. Meredith, Janey and I just find a quiet place to grab a bite.

Things you see Asia, fake dogs no less!

Philippines Day 6 (2/27)

Up early this morning had time to walk the entire length of the beach.

Jonah's from the beach. Remember the fruitshakes?

Island shrine near end of beach.

This is Yapak School where we visited for a cultural exchange and some friendly games. Korean candy(a universal language) helped break the ice.

Our group entering the school compound.





This was their auditorium\cafeteria, I believe. Comment heard from one Korean student; "I am going to kiss my desk when I get back to school".

Once the ice gets broken, fun begins.






Home we passed by on our way into our last feeding site visit. The entire group went to this site unlike previous visits. On previous visits we spilt into two or three groups to hit multiple sites.

Amar dressed in mellow yellow.

Jerry also came with us. Demonstrating his origami skills to the children.

I think Virginia would have taken this child back to Korea.

Jimer, our singer and guitar player. Dan gave him his guitar as a birthday gift. He turned 30 today.

Jerry, my bodyguard on day 1

Philippines Day 5(2/26)

Actually heard from Jan this morning, good to hear her voice. Hadn't spoken to her since last Friday evening. I had left her a message so she called my cell and to both of our surprise it went through. Gotta love technology when it works.We poured a lot of concrete this week! No wonder my arms are so tired.

Different view of the work site. We will actually complete the pouring of concrete this afternoon. Tomorrow we will tidy up the site and prepare some support steel for future work.

Went to work site this morning with Phil to do some forms work in preparation for the afternoon's pouring. Took a break with the guys in Jerry's Pad, shown here with his cat. Carpenter Romey standing in background.

Pastor Rolondo, church leader.

His wife Terry.

Met Ingrit(sp) and some of her family at the feeding site today. She was retired and lived on the island, a native of Holland. She sponsors this feeding site and provides all the food. Other family members were just visiting and accompanied her to the site.

New born pup.

My child today is Angelita(sp).

Philippines Day 4 (2/25)

It is Wednesday morning and no work session this morning. Thank God, my arms and back welcome the break. Tory(our hostess) front left has arranged for the group to go snorkeling and island hopping. We enjoyed lunch at Gilligan's Cove and returned refreshed ready for work at the construction site.

Typical midday traffic on the road as we make our way to the building site.

After a hot afternoon at the site we are greeted at yet another feeding site. These visits are very rewarding and welcomed after the hard construction work.

Contemplating the meaning of life?

The children love to have their picture taken and seeing it immediately on my camera.

Just a few of the many shots, could have stayed there all evening!

Sharon, who relieved me from my reading assignment today. She was an excellent reader and the other children listened attentively.

I am how far from the home?

Must return through Korea to pick up my other bag. That's a lot of miles!

Met Dan this evening, Tory's husband. He just returned from Japan where his team brought home the girl's basketball championship!

Philippines Day 3 (2/24)

This is the main road that serves the island. Very few cars. Mostly bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles. Trikes are most common form of transportation.

Tommy prepares us for another day of work.

Halo-Halo, a strange mixture of ingredients, mixed with shaved ice, evaporated mik, and sugar(yes, that is corn). Makes a refreshing snack after a hot concrete session. Staging needed to be moved so the morning session was cut short. I stay at the site with Phil to prepare for the afternoon's work. Our afternoon session is very hot, but productive had to make up for shortened morning session.

Previous day's work after the forms have been removed.

This young man was always around the work site, shown here wearing Phil's hat. I failed to get his name, but think he is Jimer's son. Jimer plays the guitar and sings during our meals at Faith Village.

Boarding tricycles that will take us to the feeding sites this evening. Had 8 people aboard except on hills, 2 of us had to walk.

We get children involved in the bible story that is being acted out.

I would like you to meet Angelo, he is a member of the Ati tribe, the original inhabitants of Boracay.

After the feeding site visit we all pile into a tricycle and head for Jonah's for dinner. Home of the best fruit shakes on the island(I had melon & mango). The students are given more shopping time as we walk back to Faith Village.

Philippines Day 2 (2/23)

Construction site. We are getting in at the ground floor so to speak. We are in the early stages of what will be a four story building. It will become the home of the church and also serve as a community center.

Jerry and his brother Ray live here, just above the construction site.

This is the area we will be pouring today. Tommy has us all stretch before we begin pouring cement. Has this site been inspected by OSHA?

The boss lady. Never turn your back on the help.

Rachel and Hyunbin, catching their breath. The rest of our bucket brigade can be seen in the background.

I personally am very tired from 2 sessions of pouring concrete, but some of the Korean students have enough energy to play with the local children. Ah to be young again! I think I will just watch.

We receive a warm welcome.

The children sing and perform for us.

This is Abigail(sp) from my second feeding site visit. I am trying to come away from each site with a picture, and name of a child to make a more lasting memory of these events.

Meredith treating some minor wounds. Many of the children at these sites are barefoot.

What a way to enjoy the sunset!

Our Captain is seated in the rear of the boat.

After the hard and hot work at the construction site and the rewarding feeding site visit, we are treated to a sailboat ride to dinner at Summer's Place. An all you can eat Mongolian BBQ. Great fun! You mix whatever meats, veggies, and sauces you desire and they stir fry it for you.