Highlight Video!!!

https://youtu.be/DkhAVMelRyk

Day 9: The Last Hurrah!

We woke up to the realisation that today was our last full day in the Philippines. It was going to be a tough day...

The teams finished off with final rotations of Construction, Children’s Home and Journey for Hope. Instead of the usual rotations in our three teams, today we had the opportunity of choosing our preferred placement according to our skills. At the Children’s Home and Journey for Hope the teams finished off the T-shirts we had started yesterday before saying our final goodbyes to the children. Many found this difficult as it’s hard to leave those behind that you have grown to love so much. These kids, their faces and this place has been imprinted on our hearts. The team doing construction had the task of painting the boundary fence around the new feeding centre that we have been working on. Sui added painting to the list of things she learnt how to do on this trip, along with learning to shovel and use a hammer properly.

From our rotations, we went to lunch at Bocolod Inasal Chicken, which was great as eating with cutlery was not strictly required. The team had another opportunity to try some local delicacies, the amazing chicken on a stick and the much loved and appreciated Garlic Rice. Everyone bonded over seeing a piece of paper on which Miss Smoker had written approximate exchange prices as a guide and dollar conversion for their soon to come shopping (can you say math nerd?).

From lunch we headed straight into Greenhills markets, which can otherwise be called a claustrophobe’s worst nightmare. First, we went to exchange our Australian money into pesos, receiving about 37 pesos for each dollar. Splitting into smaller groups, we then spread out around the market in the search of cheap rip-off items. Many of us learnt how to bargain with prices we were given initially, searching for the best sale of the day. Variations of shoes, slides, hats and clothes were all bought, all sporting high end brand names that will hopefully last more than two weeks. Short on time the more skilled barters came away from the markets with full hands compared to those who were unable to negotiate a comfortable price. The initial 1.5 hours given to negotiate the busy market came to an end quicker than many expected. We all reconvened at the much-loved Starbucks. We had to fight through a sea of fluoro yellow shirts to get in the doors as our friends from the SCEA trip had the same idea as us.

After packing our loot into the vans we made our way to Journey for Hope. This is where we were to have our last meal together as a team in the Philippines. The rules set up from Ate Myles were simple, we couldn’t eat the main meal until we had tried something from the ‘delicacies’ table. This is where we faced some interesting dietary choices. Did we go for the Balut – a 14 day old duck egg? or the pig intestine skewers? Maybe even the pigs blood or deep fried 1 day old chicks would be our appetizer. Either way we faced our fears, downed some new foods and then were served an incredible traditional Filipino dinner served on banana leaves.

The rest pf the evening was spent doing a combination of talking and dancing with the Journey for Hope crew.  Group of kids we have really come to love. The goodbyes were incredibly difficult as they have all left such an impression on us.

Soon we fly back home to be with our families and friends once more. But, a small part of us will remain here in the Philippines.

Day Eight: 5th Invitational Rehoboth Cup

A 5am is never ideal, but it is what was needed for us to get everything ready for the 5^th Invitational Rehoboth Cup. The soccer tournament is held on a vacant lot in a local cemetery. Teams from the surrounding area are invited to play in the competition that also features a team made up of us students here on the trip.

We got to the cemetery bright and early (around 5.40am) and began the task of setting up everything. There were table and chairs needed to be put out, grounds to be cleared and nets for the goals needed to be attached. The land its self was in construction mode with workers already on sight building a large set of catacombs just meters away from where our games were to take place.  Around 6.15am teams started to arrive. This was a sight to see as many came in trikes, jeepeneys and on the back of scooters. One particular u12s team managed to pack all 10 players plus the coach onto 1 small trike, it was like watching the ants come out of their nests all over again.

There was only one field for all the five u12s and six u18s teams to play on, so we knew we were in for a long day. Those who weren’t playing for the Reho team were helping out with scoring, recording, first aid and of course cheering. It’s a big task putting on the soccer comp and it becomes a big day for all involved. It’s made even more so by the fact there is no water or toilets on site.

The games themselves were fierce. With only limited time and space the games were reduced to be only 12 minutes long with 6 players per team. This made the games incredibly quick and played with a lot of heart and energy. The Reho team started their round-robin campaign of strongly with a 3-1 victory. However, they were not the dominant team of the competition as they tied there next 2 games, lost the one after that, before finishing out the round with a 1-0 win. That win was enough to put them into the 3^rd place final. The boys came away 1-0 victory thanks to Cam slotting a free kick through the wall of the defence and into the back of the net. The actual finals for both the u12s and u18s competition were both nail biters that had to be decided by penalty shootouts. It was fantastic to be part of a community event which allowed players, coaches and kids from all around the local area to gather and have a fun filled day of football.

After more than 10 hours at the soccer field we were all a little tired and in need of some relaxation. The leaders weren’t letting on at all about what we were getting up to tonight. We were just told to meet down stairs at 5, so that’s what we did. Glad we did too, as after being shuttled into vans and driven out to Eastwood we were treated to humongous pizzas from yellow cab and the most incredible massages. Exactly what was needed at the end of today.

Shout outs:

Mr Butson: My wonderful classes I hope you’ve been looking after the relief teachers because next week is DODGEBALL WEEK! Thankyou for all the prayer while I’ve away. Mum cheers for the comments they were super encouraging to the team, please send my love to Grandma. My beautiful wife, I will see you soon. X

Miss Smoker: Hi Charlotte, Rhys, Olivia, Hannah and Sienna – Aunty Marilyn misses you all so much and can’t wait to give you all a big hug. Mum and Dad – I promise I am taking care of myself, please say hi to Nan for me.

To all of the incredible staff and students at Rehoboth, thank you so much for your prayers and support. Will see you all soon.