What an aweesome day, truly heart rending to see what 'rescue' means in the Philippines. Children are taken here after they have rounded them up. They wash tham and feed them and lock them up only allowing them outside for a short time in case they run away. They have done no crime - they are poor and are trying to live in a city which is overwhelmed by poverty. They can be kept there for weeks their parents can only pick them up if they have their papers which many of them don't have. If they come from the provinces they are sent home only to reappear in Manilla because there is no work in the provinces thats why they came to manilla in the first place! Its so bizarrly tragic. One girl asked us to help find her mother which of course we can't do it's dreadful but this is what the mission out here is workng to try and prevent the need for this happening.
We also saw a youth detention centre where chldren waiting for their cases to be heard in court are kept. 204 boys in 5 rooms, locked up all day wth no hope and no rehabiliation programme. hard to take in even though I have seen it. Sometimes when they are bought to court they are given 1 month sentence but they have already served 2- 3 years in detention. With no hope of learning a trade or skill they are returned to the streets only to reoffend again. What a crazy corrupt system. Thank God for Sol and her team who are bringing the light of Jesus into this dark situation. It is only in His power that they can do what they do. Pray for openings and resources so that they can go into the detention centre and work there.
Off to the farm tomorrow at 8.00 in the morning so preparing for an early start! Can't wait!
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Hi Liz,
you're seeing some pretty horrible things! God is always around us though. I don't know what the situation is out there or what you are and aren't allowed to do but can you take things in for the boys to do (sorry I have my occupational therapy hat on so I'm always thinking of tasks!). This might not be possible because you probably aren't allowed to take things in for them but it might be an idea just to give them something they can sit and do... not sure what? Sorry this is probably so unhelpful! Well you're in my prayers! Also wish I had your enthusiasm for early mornings!!!
Rachel x
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