Streetlight Trust

Goodbye Manila, Hello Bletchley!

2011-04-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

So after 15 hours of flying and a stop off in Doha, we find ourselves back in Bletchley. I speak for everyone when I say that our visit to Kanlungan has been quite an experience and is certainly one that we'll never forget.

I'll take you through our final day in Manila (Friday). The day began in the Kanlungan cafe. The boys specially opened up the coffee shop for us where we had breakfast and some more fabulous fresh coffee. We also had some trainee baristas among us, as you can see in this fine photo:

We also used our time wisely and rehearsed our song/rap/dance for our goodbye performance to the Malate children, which caused much laughter from some of the coffee boys. I don't think they were taking Chris and Bosco's street dancing very seriously.

After our delicious breakfast in the coffee shop, Sol took us to a market as many members of the team hadn't bought anything other than an Allan puppet. (See previous blog posts for explanation!) This gave us a chance to try out our bartering skills and buy many many pairs of flip flops.

Lunch was spent back at the Malate centre, where we had yet another delicious meal cooked by the house mother. Various activities took place in the afternoon, some of the kids were making bracelets, some playing drums and some were playing a very competitive game of football. In fact I think Dad and Chris S got a bit too competitive!

Later on everyone gathered together, and the children sung some more songs. We also performed our "hip" dance and rap as well as a special song involving the much loved Allan puppets.

As a goodbye, the kids sung one last song to us, which caused a few teary eyes. We also watched a slide show of our visit that the staff had made. It was a lovely way to end the trip and say a final goodbye to all of the wonderful people we have met over the last 10 days.

I think that's about it really. Visiting Kanlungan has been a real eye opening experience and I will certainly miss everyone there.

Peace out, Anna x

Jungle fever

2011-04-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Photos from our farm adventure yesterday:

Andrew, Chris and Bosco watching a brave man climbing up a coconut tree.

Swimming bonanza

2011-04-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

The day started with 5 more quacky additions to the group who strangely all had the name Allan (yesterday Simon bought a tatty duck puppet for 150 pesos from a street vendor who then came back today as that was probably his first sale for the last couple years. This morning his sales boosted up as 5 more ducks were bought, all who were baptised into the Streetlight Trust group and given the tremendous name Allan.) However it seemed the ducks only had a limited life expectancy!
We were picked up at 10:00 by Sol and we had another long journey which involved much singing, games and laughter. We arrived at the swimming complex after a couple of near death experiences in the van as Lito was driving. We were dragged into the pool by a crowd of excited children where we spent the next few hours playing games of tag (which was very difficult as you had the extra weight of about 5 children hanging onto you for dear life!), swimming races, slide racing and numerous legendary games of NINJA!!!
Afterwards we had an exquisite lunch which involved various Philippino foods which was made by the wonderful house mothers who woke up at 2am just to prepare it. Once our energy was restored I joined in a game of basketball, but unfortunately for them I wasn’t such a helpful addition to the group as they started losing once I actually managed to catch the ball. A little while later we all got together and had a time of worship, singing memorable children’s songs.
We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant with all the Kanlungan staff which was very nice as we got to see the whole team together having a laugh.
The day was a great success and we had a memorable time!
God bless
Ashleigh & Tamackawackatannihennikuyurotamataraturabecockytickimongahorabukawenawackatanitirimatakuracenatoaconinickitura (formerly known as Simone…well actually its just Simon)
x

Medical Clinic: "Dr Love"’s Perspective

2011-04-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Great team work made this clinic go much more smoothly. Slight problemo on arrival as the registration forms were still at the Tunasan Centre so we had to make do with paper.

With the help of Myrna, who was my translator, in six hours we saw 50 patients who between them had 71 different diagnoses! Most common problems included chest infections, worms, scabies, ear infections, colds, gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis. Many of these children were also malnourished. We made sure every child was given multivitamins to help with this. The staff of Tunasan will be monitoring the weight of these children in the coming weeks. One child was jaundiced, most probably due to viral hepatitis A. I referred her to hospital for further tests.

Although busy and exhausting, I was well sustained by energy drinks and this clinic was definitely worthwhile. I will never see sights like this in my Bletchley surgery!

Before the clinic we had visited the Cataquiz Community where all these children were living. The conditions were very basic with no fresh water on site. Nearby was a pig farm which was a better quality construction than most of the houses! It is no wonder the children had so many diseases compared to the children in the first medical mission.

You’ll be pleased to know that medical problems amongst the team are limited to a few insect bites and headaches. I will however be keeping a close ‘scabies watch’ on them all!

Lots of love

Doctor Chris/Doctor Love

Medical Mission at the Refuge Church (the Apprentice Part 2)

2011-04-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Following Lord Sugar’s Boardroom summons after the mission last week, we really had our act together today. We went to survey the premises well before we were due to start. That turned out to be a good idea as we moved everything around from the way that it had been set up. Dr Chris was set up to operate out of the area that normally houses the church’s band gear – not sure they’ll be able to find their stuff next Sunday! We knew that waiting times would be long so we had set up some additional activities. Our resident artist (Anna) got the kids doing some drawing, whilst out resident techy man (Bosco) had rigged up a showing of the Miracle Maker from his laptop.

Knowing how long this mission might take, we had Dr Chris amply supplied with Gatorade (a Philippino energy drink), and we even had a cool box outside to keep all the drinks nice and cold – thanks Lito (our driver).

Later on, we even had our resident comedian (Simon) doing various tricks and generally acting the goat, much to the amusement of the mums and children alike. He also used his glove puppet, that we affectionately named Alan, to entertain the children outside. Alan had been bought from a street vendor outside the hotel this morning. I think he came with a 2 minute guarantee –it’s rare that I’ve seen such a piece of complete tat (sorry Alan!) but he proved to be total value for money in terms of laughs and entertainment even if his “quacker” has now completely expired.

Anyway, we digress! Back to the medical mission. Deb didn’t need to be anywhere near as ferocious in guarding the entrance to the doctor’s surgery, and even let Andrew and Chris in on various errands! The prayer time went well with many of the mums sharing things to pray for. Pastor Paolo acted as translator for Chris and Andrew – quite how Chris’ one-liners translate in Tagalog is anyone’s guess!

The children were a lot more in need of medication at this mission. Many of the patients had come from the dumpsite that we’d visited in the morning. Dr Chris did a fantastic job seeing all the patients – Pastor Paolo noted how much more thorough she had been than the Korean team that came last year.

We were all struck by the wonderful patience of our “customers” and the respect for each other that they had. A group of them waited for at least an hour for their Jeepney to leave to take them home without a cross word among them. The mums waited their turn to see Dr Chris without any fuss. And some of the kids were just fantastically bright and talented with a wonderful sense of humour. All they need is an opportunity to get on and fulfil their talents.

All in all a huge success. I am so proud of the team…and Lord Sugar’s just phoned to say that we’re hired!

Andrew

Day 5

2011-04-19T18:18:00.001-07:00

Today consisted of staff devotion with all the Malate and ODC workers and visiting Laguna, the girls home (with two boys). Our day started at 9:45 which meant we could have a lie in, we went to the Malate center where I joined the children (who were covering themselves and me in paint) painting a picturesque scene of grass. After a sticky 15 minutes the staff devotion finally began. We had a moving worship and sharing time, afterwards we had yet another delicious lunch which never fails to fill up our big bellies.

We then had our first experience of the Philippino skyway (motorway for the common Englishman) our crazy yet “safe” driver Lito was in his element scaring us all in the back. We passed the journey playing games and singing silly songs as we always do, and Simon was winding us all up as usual. When we arrived at Laguna we were greeted by the social worker Jane who gave us a short orientation of the Laguna house. Laguna is a long term home for girls who usually join from the Malate center. We were all very happy when a plate of banana fritters and ice cold water came in which put us all in a good mood. We then went to the top floor where all the girls were waiting for us to show us their dances and songs. Yet again we were amazed by the talent of these children who put a lot of effort into entertaining us. We then had to follow them with our tin can song which didn’t quite match their excellence even though this was our best performance to date, watch out Britain’s Got Talent!

We played and danced with all the children and some members of SLT attempted to play basketball with them but got thrashed.

Afterwards we went downstairs to find a delicious meal waiting for us which we ate with the staff from Laguna. After we were full, we prayed for the staff for all the work that they were doing, one of the prayer requests was for us to persuade our best friend Prince Harry to come over to the Philippines next year and marry off one of the beautiful staff members (female obviously)!

It was finally home time after a busy day, we were all tired but as we are ladies we still managed to fit in some much needed shopping time and a drink at the famous TGI’s.

God bless

Asher (formerly known as Ashleigh) & Debster (formerly known as Snook Debbie Deb and Deb for short) x

Photo: Basketball between Lito and the Streetlight Team at Laguna.

2011-04-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Simon in his Sunday best.

Day 3 in Manila

2011-04-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

Just a note from Rachel and Anna…

Today began with a visit to the “Reception Action Center”, a government run programme which provides a temporary shelter for street children in Manila. After having a talk from the staff team about the project, we were asked to play games with some of the kids, which we were completely unprepared for! (Enter Bosco’s improvised action songs). We were also joined by a group of local students from the University of La Salle, one of the well known universities in the Philippines. We weren’t sure what to expect from this experience, but the kids were full of joy and it was a real encouragement to see projects such as this working in Manila to help street children. It was so heart warming to walk into a room full of smiling children, despite all the hardships they’ve faced.

After collapsing back at the Shalom Center and causing a scene involving hats (see photos), we set off for our visit to Smoky Mountain, the rubbish tip where about 5000 families live. Once we got there, the blazing heat and burning charcoal smoke immediately created an uncomfortable environment. It was touching to see kids’ faces when we handed out lollipops, although it was difficult for us to know we couldn’t do much else to help in the short time we were there. We were surprised with how healthy the children looked, considering there was glass everywhere, as well as constant overwhelming smoke from the burning charcoal, which must have been harmful to their lungs.

We then headed back to the Malate centre to attend the “30 minute graduation”, (which turned out to be an hour and a half.) The young leaders from the ODC made awards for the children which included prizes such as “Most active”, “Best dancer” etc. It also involved many, many action songs and an unexpected presentation from us. So yet again Bosco’s singing came in handy.

We were all set to go back to the hotel, little did we know that we had a feast of noodles awaiting and a visit to the Mall of Asia.

Busy day! We’re absolutely loving the trip so far and looking forward to tell you all about it in person.

Lots of love and God bless, Rach and Anna xxx

A note from Snook Debbie Deb Deb.

2011-04-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

The plan for Sunday morning was to attend the service at the Expats church but unfortunately our dress style was sport casual and Church was semi formal. So Sol wisely then decided to take us to the Cathedral of Praise which was an interesting experience and not what we were expecting. More of which we can share when we return. We did get one or two new ideas for St. Mary’s and we were especially impressed with the security team looking welcoming armed with loaded rifles at the gate. Anyway, after seeing the offering being carried out in a Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest type box we understand why there is a slight contrast between the Cathedral of Praise and SMB.

Lunch with Sol and staff was at the Business Area and it was interesting to see a completely different lifestyle of Manila. After lunch, it was on to the Handicraft shop for some souvenirs, complete with Sol’s 60% discount and free gifts.

Lucky for us and you that they do overseas delivery!

Then it was back to Benitez Street to spend some time with the children and the young people, which was fun and very rewarding. Anna, Ashleigh and Deb made bracelets and beady men which the younger children really enjoyed. Simon, Chris and the boys had fun with a drum workshop with an added street dance performance, where Shrimpo gained some cool new moves

Meanwhile, Rachel and Bosco spent time with the young street preachers who are a great bunch of young people and very inspiring. Dr. Chris and Andrew (Dad) sorted out the medical mission for Tuesday and we ask you all for prayer to make the whole organisation of the afternoon to be successful.

Deb

Medical Mission #1

2011-04-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

The medical mission. What can I say? Only that if we’d been on the Apprentice, Lord Sugar would have had us in the boardroom for a severe talking to. Who was the project manager – actually that wasn’t very obvious, as we thought the Kanlungan team were leading! Our supposed leader (Andrew –aka Dad) was dispatched to find additional medicines which meant hopping on various Jeepneys and visiting what seemed like most of the generic pharmacies in the area, mostly to no avail. To be honest our team seemed to have bought up every pack of multi vitamins going.

Back at the Day Centre, things weren’t working out quite as planned. The team thought that we’d got through most of the patients. Except that at least 30 of them were sitting in the room where Dr Chris was trying to hold the surgery. Suffice it to say it’s hard to hear a dodgy chest when there’s loads of children crying and chatting in the background. Eventually, Brown Owl (aka Debbie) took on the role of the fierce receptionist, shooing out most of the patients downstairs so that Dr Chris could get on with her work.

By mid afternoon, there was nothing for most of us to do so we left Dr Chris and Debbie to it, only to discover that they were still hard at it hours later. So what happened? Seems like word had got around about Dr Chris’ excellent clinic. So various other people who hadn’t been scheduled to turn up did so and they just got let in. Eventually, after 7pm, the clinic finished. By which time the rest of the team had returned from visiting various street people in the surrounding area. Some of them we’d seen at the medical mission earlier in the day so it was nice to stop and chat to them, with translation provided by the wonderful Kanlungan staff. We met a lady with several children that Dr Chris had seen earlier on. All of her worldly possessions were in a cart, and the children slept in there at night. A real eye opener for us. Life there seemed unimaginable as we returned to the comfort of the Shalom hotel.

God bless, Andrew.

We have arrived!

2011-04-15T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hello from hot and humid Manila. Apologies there has been no blog sooner – IT issues beyond our control!

A team of us from St Marys Bletchley set off on Tuesday and arrived late on Wednesday at Manila airport. We were delayed by about three hours in Doha due to a rain storm – crazy!

For those that don’t know us we are a team of nine people…..

Andrew – Streetlight Trustee – we have christened him “Dad” as he has all the dosh and if we want anything he pays for it. Awesome.

Bosco – he actually is a dad to Ashleigh and Rachel – again it seems that if you ask him for anything he gives it. Nice bloke and thank you Bosco for loaning your laptop to the team.

Rachel – Bit too good at card games for my liking – obviously too many hours misspent in lower sixth where she is studying hard (allegedly)

Ashleigh – …her claim to fame is being taller than her Dad. I’m sure she has several other claims to fame that will be blogged about later. She is currently training to be Simon’s glamorous assistant while he performs his infamous magic tricks…..

Simon – drummer…magician….bongo basher extraordinaire…. His drumming skills seem popular with the kids who are taking great delight bashing his bongos to bits….

Anna – arty farty and fashion chick – her yellow sun glasses have gone down a storm….

Deb – Brown Owl and our secret weapon – the kids have not been exposed to her Brownie Songs yet…..I wonder how Oki Toki Unga will go down?

Christine (Chris H) – Chris is a GP and will be using her skills during the trip. More importantly she is a hardcore Man United supporter and was delighted that the airplane had football highlights showing during the flight.

Chris S – also known as “Shrimpo”. Will be doing his best to spread the word of harmonica to all he meets.

On to our first few days…………

We arrived safely on Wednesday. Our flight was delayed leaving Doha by three hours because of heavy rain! We were met at the airport by staff from Kanlungan and shared a meal with them before crashing for the night.

Thursday was our first full day. A day of contrasts. I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

Our first visit was to the Malate Centre. This is a temporary home for street children that for whatever reason have found to be in vulnerable situations. They may have been abandoned and left to live on the streets or found to be in an abusive family relationship. The staff at Kanlungan offer temporary shelter and a refuge while the children’s needs are assessed. Ideally they look to repatriate children back in to their families but this is not always possible. Those that are allowed by the authorities to live permanently in the Centre are then offered long term care and a home within Kanlungan. More of that another day.

The second picture is a Drop in Centre where kids literally visit for the day. They are offered food, somewhere to wash, and basic education. These children will not end up in a regular school as we know it. The teaching they receive at the Day Centre is likely to be their only education. At the end of each day they return home. A shocking statistic is that 50% do not have a father/mother or adult figure and therefore home for these children is literally the street with other children as “support”. The other 50% live in a shanty town nearby; we visited their “home” it was challenging to say the least – very dark dense shanty town. There were times when the atmosphere of the place became oppressive. None the less kids were delighted we visited and mothers wanted to show us their “home”.

Next picture is of a coffee shop. No ordinary coffee shop. It is staffed by young adults that have come “through” Kanlungan from often as young as five. The coffee shop gives an opportunity of employment and earning a wage. Remember these “kids” you see came from the Street. Parents often have never been traced. They have no birth certificate and this stops them getting employment. The coffee shop is an amazing opportunity to give them employment, feeling of worth and a chance to give back to Kanlungan. The coffee shop opened in February. It was a dream come true. A significant part of the start up costs were met by Streetlight Trust and Sol and the staff were so keen to say “Thank you” and express their gratitude for the support of Streetlight trust.

I’ll leave you with a final picture of Simon and his growing fan club!

Just a quick blog to give you a flavour of the day. So much to say and so hard to know where to start. We have all been struck by the warm welcome we have received, the faithfulness of staff and children alike and the signs of hope we have seen amidst some difficult situations. God is good and we thank Him for what he is doing through this place.

Only complaint – no toast for breakfast – still there was corned beef and fried egg which Simon bravely tried and survived (we think).

I’ll leave you with a question….who are Kuya Ian and Lolo Malcolm – people keep asking for them….??

Tomorrow Chris H will lead a medical surgery together with another doctor and other health workers. The rest of us will be supporting the day and working with Kanlungan staff as they “welcome” over 100 children….it should be another full-on day.

Night Night

Chris S

Final Blog

2011-03-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Our final blog. Who would have believed it?! Our two months in Manila is over already! I still can't believe it! It has gone so fast.

Sorry it has taken so long to write this final blog. Leaving Manila last Monday kind of 'took it out of us', so it has taken a while to get round to doing the practical things, and finishing off loose ends.

Speaking of loose ends, that is sort of how we spent our last week in Manila -finishing them off I mean. We had lots of different painting 'projects' that we needed to do, starting with painting a wall in the soon-to-be counseling room in ODC. We painted a rainbow and the verse on the back of the Kanlungan T-shirts; Mark 10:14 (I think). We really did enjoy doing that and the kids very much wanted to get involved and give their ideas:) it was a very nice, relaxing activity.

After finishing the wall, a group of Japanese students arrived at ODC, and we found ourselves accompanying them and the children to the community where the children live. It was one of the best experiences of the whole time. Although we knew of this community, it was the first time that we had seen it. The kids were so excited to show us their homes and where they play. It really felt like a 'community'. It was really strange walking round and having children calling our names, both children that we know very well but also others that we didn't! It was quite surreal. This went on till quite late in the evening.

Our next little project was with the kids at Benitez. We did some finger painting on the wall! Now, I do realize that in theory, children + hands in paint (usually) = disaster! But actually it was really good, we laughed a lot with the children and had a lot of fun with Teacher Joan and Ate Michelle too.

The other thing that Ate Sol had asked us to do was to make a plaque for the farm building. It was something that we had been thinking about for quite a while. We had a photograph, taken outside the Mall of Asia, of a sunset over the sea. It was beautiful, so we went and had it printed on canvas (which is easier said than done I might say) and then painted over it in order to edit it; and Sol had a quote to put on it. We were very proud of it, we make a great team!

On saturday, we had to say goodbye to the children at ODC in only half an hour, as we were leaving to go to tunasan for their 9th year anniversary. At the time we weren't happy that the goodbye had to be so quick as it was not how we planned it, but it actually turned out to be a blessing. From the moment we walked in we were holding back the tears and when we actually said goodbye to the kids, they all burst into tears and there was no way we could hold them back any longer. We just about managed to sing 'let the children come' with them, which was the song we taught them a few weeks ago. Eventually we had to leave a whole room of kids crying their eyes out, we really had to make ourselves keep walking and tried not to look back as it was too hard.

The tunasan celebration was fantastic. They don't do celebrations by half! It was at the local church and all the kids from the dumpsite, that tunasan do so much work with, were there. They had performances from kids that go to tunasan, from the girls at pacita and testimonies from a few of the older boys that have grown up in Kanlungan. There was also praise and worship and a sermon. It was really inspiring and heart warming. We are really glad to have been able to be a part of it.

Our goodbyes on Monday were also really hard. The children at Benitez had prepared a presentation for us and then presented us with a card and some gifts. They also gave us individual messages too. We sobbed through the entire thing. We love all the kids so much that it was heartbreaking to leave.

We managed to say our final fair-wells to everyone at the coffee shop and the staff at Benitez and ODC before making our way to the airport. :'-(
We are so sad to have left, but the children and staff will always be in our hearts. We hope so much that one day we will be able to return!!!!

Thank you so much to both Kanlungan and Streetlight for allowing us to have this wonderful experience! It is something that we will never forget, and it has taught us both so much. We can't wait to come home and share more of our experiences with you all, and photos of course!

Thank you so much for all your support and prayers. It has meant the world to know that you have been behind us 100%.

Lots of love
Sarah and Heidi
Xxxxxxxx

Latest News ...

2011-02-22T01:55:00.001-08:00

Hi again:)

Well we had another very eventful week last week. You can never predict what the days will bring here! Ever!

I've had an amazing week though!

Monday we had a valentines party with the children at the open day centre which was so much fun. The kids had a talent competition/beauty pageant to see who would be mr and mrs valentine; and we got to judge. The kids loved it! Heidi preached as well which was really good.

Tuesday we just had a nice day playing games n singing with the kids (that was after getting 'lost-ish' on our way there; just got on the wrong jeepney, but managed to find our way - we're becoming more n more pro by the day haha).

Wednesday, a medically mission team called operation blessing came to odc for the day. They were a team of doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, pastors and lots more. We had bout 120 children come for a complete health check up. It was so busy! I was able to work on the pharmacy desk which was a challenge to say the least!!! Everything was in Tagalog and I was having to try n read the doctors atrocious handwriting and shorthand, and fill in forms, and give out the correct medicine! Don't actually know how I managed to do it to be honest. But it was an amazing day. Can't wait till I can be one of those doctors.
Heidi was on the counseling team and was able to pray with the children and speak to them openly about Jesus.

Thursday and Friday we spent time out on the streets! I was able to take the medical kit and do first aid while we were out! It was amazing! It was so needed because there was one girl who had wounds all over her legs and she had knocked a lot of them while we were there and was in a lot of pain. I was able to clean and dress the wounds but bless her, she was distraught! Thankfully Heidi cradled and calmed her while I did what I could. We felt everything with her! I'm so glad that I was able to do it though.
We also taught the kids a song and Heidi came up with a sermon on the spot. She's amazing at doing that!:)
It was one girls birthday and her sponsor had come from abroad to throw her a birthday party. There were games, songs, food, balloons:) it was lovely. She was so happy. She was 12 and had never had a birthday party before. I just wanted to cry when I heard that. It's amazing what we take for granted.
In the evening we went out on the streets again with Wilma and we were still out at 10pm. I was doing first aid in the dark! Was just an amazing experience!! That day has got to be one of the best days we've had.
I have finally become a victim of the dreaded head lice! Haha:) well maybe not so dreaded. I haven't had nits since I was at primary school! I have to say I'm surprised we haven't had them earlier. Went to get some treatment and a nit comb the other day - my hair has never been so soft in its life!!! Haha

Staying in the shalom has been very nice, but it's lovely to be back at Benitez now. Feels like we've moved back home.
Really don't want to leave this place. Can't believe that 28th february is approaching so fast. Please pray that we can enjoy our last week and not have the 'end date' hanging over us. We've got a lot more painting lined up for this week so please also pray that we will have enough time to finish it all.

Please also pray for the secondhand shop as it has just opened. (Heidi n I went to see it today and it looks very impressive.) Particularly for the boys working there, the next container shipment and for Sol as she continues to make important decisions.

Lots of love as always
Sarah xxxx

Congratulations K SEM's Kafe

2011-02-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

Hi again:)

I can't actually believe how it seems to be getting hotter by the day here! We are definitely entering summer now and thinking back, it makes the first few weeks in January feel really cool (shame we were still getting used to the heat then). But God is good; as for the next week we have air conditioning!!!:D This morning we moved back into the Shalom, which actually feels like we have taken a step back in time and are missing Mary, Mela, Jess and Alec very much, it doesn't quite feel right not having them around in the Shalom! We will be staying here for the next week before moving back to Benitez for our last week (I am trying not to think that far ahead though)! It will be very nice to have hot showers (well, luke warm ones anyway...don't think we'll ever need hot ones here), air con, a tv, cereal for breakfast and a few little home comforts for a week:)

I can't believe that it has been a week since I wrote the last blog! Time is going so quickly and so much seems to happen. Monday was the official opening of the coffee shop. K SEM's Kafe:)
We drove down early with Ate Jane and three of the girls from Pacita, as they were performing a few dances and songs. We stopped off at the Malate Centre for lunch; all the staff were there as they had just finished staff devotion. It was so nice to see them all, and be greeted by all the children. I don't think the children had understood that we would be coming back as they were so surprised to see us, it really felt like we had just popped home for an hour. After only a week we were missing them all so much! It was so special! We also got to meet two Danish volunteers who had flown in the day before. They seem lovely. It was nice to impart some 'wisdom' (if you can call it that haha) to them.
For the opening, K SEM's was packed. There were so many people there, you could hardly move. The place looked beautiful! Everyone had worked so hard on it. Outside they had two huge bouquets of flowers and they officially cut a red ribbon to open it:) we have so many pictures;) The presentation was then started with thanking everyone who has been involved with the coffee shop and at the top of that list was The Streetlight Trust. Heidi and I felt very honoured to be able to represent Streetlight! Everything went so smoothly and we had some fantastic performances from the Girls home and the Boys home (which also included Heidi and I performing Shackles with the girls from Pacita) and some lovely speeches and prayers. I just want to say a massive congratulations to everyone who has been involved in making K SEM's Kafe become a reality and pass on a big thank you to everyone for giving your support in prayer and financially.
It is absolutely amazing to see what God is doing here, seeing Kanlungan grow before our very eyes. I am so happy that I am able to be a part of it.
Next step is the secondhand shop, so please keep praying for that too.

It was hard saying goodbye to the girls at Pacita this morning as we have had a wonderful time with them! On Friday night we accompanied some of the older girls to their youth fellowship evening at church. It was such a good evening!! They were all so welcoming! They had some worship, games and a Bible study. All the girls seem to be in their element; hosting games and leading groups, they all get stuck in! Heidi was able to play a song which they loved:) and the band there were able to jam along, which she loved. The atmosphere was awesome! It was also nice to spend time in small groups for the Bible study and hear how passionate they are about God and see how eager they are to learn more and more. It was a great evening.

As the girls have such long days at school, and then have chores when they get home, we have only actually seen them in the evenings in the week, so when it got to Saturday again we were really excited to spend the whole day with them. We did some more singing with them in the morning. Heidi is in her element and has been putting together different medleys for them. I think she would have liked to start a 'Pacita Choir':) it was just nice to spend time with the girls and (not forgetting) the little boys there.
We did spend the rest of the afternoon washing clothes; but I have to say that the girls couldn't seem to believe that we wash our own clothes, which I wasn't sure how to take haha. In actual fact we both quite enjoy it, it's quite therapeutic and definitely the way to go when we go to uni haha:)
Our last evening there was such fun. We bought sweets for them and watched a film together. We had such a laugh and it really felt like we were part of their family. I really am going to miss them all so much!

I am sorry to say that my Tagalog is not coming on as I would have liked it to haha. The girls are very good teachers (and can be quite harsh I might say) but even the basics I am struggling with:( Heidi on the other hand is picking it up really well:) Thankfully the little that I do know comes in very helpful with using Jeepneys. We have managed to commute to and from Tunasan everyday. By ourselves!!!:) Praise God that it has all worked out fine. We even spent an hour on one the other day after taking some of the children to buy new shoes.
We did have one day that we had to return to Pacita early as both Heidi and I were ill, it turned out to be food poisoning and some of the girls and staff had it too, so must have been something we'd eaten the night before. We did think that it was quite an achievement to get this far into the trip before being ill!:)
Heidi has now come down with a cold so please do pray for her, that she will recover from it quickly.

We are so grateful for your prayers and for your lovely messages! We love to read them.
Thank you
Love
Sarah x

News from Sarah ...

2011-02-05T23:52:00.000-08:00

Hey :)

Just to update you on what's happening here.
So we are settled in laguna and loving it. The girls and staff have really welcomed us.
We have had to get used to not having showers here, instead it's a bucket:) but we are embracing the experiences. We haven't had internet for a few days as the bill wasn't able to be paid on time; but it's up and running again so we are once again in contact with the rest of the world haha.

Before moving to laguna on Tuesday evening we accompanied ODC and tunasan to Trinity University for a talent competition. It was a really good day out on all parts. Tunasan were entering the cultural category. They all wore beautiful outfits and danced a traditional Filipino dance. We have it all recorded!:) I am very pleased to report that they took, a very well deserved, first place!:D congratulations to them!

We went back to the Malate centre to pick up our bags and say a quick 'see you soon' to the children and the staff there. I am so pleased that we didn't have to say our goodbyes to them then because I don't think I could have done it! I'm so please that we still have another three weeks left. We are missing the children in Manila already. It will be nice to go back next Monday and have another two weeks with them:)

In the daytime, we have spent our time at tunasan. The first day we were able to help the children with their homework, and I was able to use my maths skills (which came back to me quite quickly - I was quite impressed) to help an older girl. It was really nice to see when she actually understood something I had taught her; it was difficult stuff!
We did paper folding with the kids on thursday, which can be more difficult than you would expect; but we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot.
Friday we went to the dumpsite where we had been in the week that Mary, Mela, Alec and Jess were with us. We helped prepare food for the feeding program and then took it to them. It started raining so we gave the food out quickly and returned to the Jeepney. However, the brakes on the Jeepney had broken so we were stuck there for over two hours while they tired to fix them. The children came and played with us while we waited. They absolutely love having their pictures taken. It's really funny:)
Thankfully the driver was able to fix everything and we were able to get home in the dark.

Yesterday we had a lovely day with the girls. In the morning we did some singing and hair braiding with them - which they loved!
Heidi and I decided in the afternoon to be brave and walk to the supermarket/mall on our own. God really gave us peace about it, we have found being on our own quite a daunting experience as we get payed far too much attention for our liking. But God is good and we had a very nice relaxing time.
The rest of the day we just relaxed with the girls and got to know them. It was lovely to chat and sing with them:)

We performed 'Shackles' (the song we taught them yesterday) with some of the girls in church this morning. It was a lovely church service - mostly in Tagalog, but some English, so I was able to understand quite a lot of it.
I have also really enjoyed joining in with the devotions in an evening. It's amazing to see the passion that they have for God. They are definitely an inspiring bunch and we are very privileged to be welcomed into this family.

Just a quick prayer request. Heidi and I have got to make our own way to and from tunasan this coming week and at the moment we are quite nervous about it so please pray that the journeys will be smooth and we'll feel confident enough to do it.
Also for Heidi's insect bites as they are driving her mad.
And for the coffee shop opening on monday.

Thank you for your support and prayers as always.

Love Sarah xx

Heidi writes ...

2011-01-31T08:37:00.001-08:00

Well we have just got used to life in Benitez and we moving on again!!!! This week we have completed the healthy eating painting which looks ace if I do say so myself- me and Sarah make an amazing team! Also we have been at the ODC every afternoon working with children, singing and generally having a laugh with them. On Friday we experienced getting lost which was hilarious we didn't panic at all God is so good we had our phone and rung kid and he came to our rescue:) it was an experience lol
On Saturday it was party day!!! Me and Sarah split for the morning... I went to ODC to conduct the song we had taught the children for the January birthday party which was a lot of fun and Sarah stayed at Benitez for the formal birthday presentation of an important sponsor who celebrates with the children every year. We then went to the mall to escape children for the afternoon!!!
Sunday after church we went to a rich part of the city called makarti which is full of designer malls and foreigners so we fit in well- it was nice to have a break from feeling like all eyes are on us, that has been getting me down recently and is why I'm still not 100% comfortable getting around the city but we have lots of lovely concerned people looking after us:)
The coffee shop is great ,amazing food and coffee we are very loyal customers along with a growing number of new people, there's good profit being taken:) also I'm proud to say that mine and sarah's design is hanging outside the store as a massive sign!!! Woop :)

Tomorrow the odc and tunisan kids are involved in a music competition festival type event at the trinity university of Asia which should be lots of fun so please send a cheer for Kanlungan our way- it would be lovely to gain a trophey to add to the collection they have:) then it's off to laguna to work with the girls for two weeks:)
Please pray- that we will settle in again , that our confidence in being independent will grow and that our relationships with staff and young people will continue to develop.
For Ate sol as she has soooooooo much going on at the moment starting new businesses like the cafe and the second hand shop is complex!!! We are having issues with government documents in accepting a shipment of stuff for the shop- It's complicated so please pray that God will have his hand upon it and it will be sorted quickly- also for ksem's grand opening this Saturday- that the business permit will be through in time:)

Many thanks for the constant prayerful love and support. Heidi xxx

Latest News from Sarah

2011-01-24T10:42:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,
Well, where do I start? Can't believe that we've already been in the Malate centre over a week now. After a difficult start, we are definitely settled into life here. I can't get over how much of a family it is here. Just sitting down round the television on friday evening with all the children and staff, whilst braiding the girls hair, was such a special experience. We feel so privileged to have been welcomed into this family; no matter how mad it can be at times haha:) I am really enjoying getting to know all the children, playing with them, doing little bible studies, singing, dancing, reading, crafts; the list is endless.

Heidi mentioned that there was a new little girl that joined on wednesday; I am very pleased to say that she has settled in very quickly. It's so nice to see her playing with the other kids, smiling and giggling.

The coffee shop had it's unofficial opening on Saturday which was very exciting. We spent the morning drinking coffee and eating cake. What an amazing way to spend a day off:) Heidi and I were also involved in the coffee machine training the other day. We drank far too much coffee that day and consequently we were up till 2am haha:) it shows how good the coffee is though!:)

This was our first weekend off and it has been an amazing one. We are so grateful to Kidrick, as he has taken us out to lots of different places. It's been so nice to just wander round shopping malls and just have some time to ourselves. We took him for an 'all you can eat' Filipino food which was an experience:) I'm getting quite brave with what I try! It was lovely to see the sea as well. I forget that we are very close to it. There is still no way that we would be able to get ourselves around the city by ourselves; Kid is a real blessing and a great friend.

Today we had staff devotion, which lasted two hours. It absolutely flew!! It was amazing to worship and have fellowship with all the staff. They are such an inspiration and each one of them shines so brightly here.

We have finally been able to start the wall painting this afternoon. Everyone has been so excited and they all wanted to come and watch. It's really fun but we haven't got that much of it done so far. Hopefully tomorrow we will. They have told us that we have been a real answer to pray as this wall has been prepared to paint on for a long time but they have had nobody to paint it. Heidi and I had only been saying the day before that we wanted to leave something behind:) God is good.

We are taking lots of photographs so can't wait to show you them.

Please pray that we continue to have the strength and energy we need as we are quite tired already. Also that God will use us in whatever he wants. Plus for the coffee shop, that the finishing touches can be completed quickly and that the business permit will come though very soon so it can open officially.

Thank you for your continued support.

Lots of love Sarah xx

Latest News from Heidi & Sarah

2011-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
So we have moved into the Malate centre which to be honest is proving to be even more challenging than expected, mainly because we feel bad just playing with the kids all the time while others stress around us, but i realise that that's what volunteers do so we should enjoy it and embrace the madness!!! We do have things planned to do though, we are doing a healthy eating painting on the dining room wall which will be a constant reminder of our visit which will be nice:) then in the mornings we do a bible study and some singing with the older kids while Joanne teaches the little ones, then after lunch it's off to the open day centre which I love!!! It's amazing there, the kids are wonderful and we are making some lovely relationships with them, yesterday after treating their head lice and singing some hillsong kids classics, kid (one of the social workers who is a huge support and good friend to us) took us to where the kids live near the red light district and behind the mall, it was good to see where they were coming from but hard to see at the same time:s.
Today we headed to immigration to sort out our visas as they run out this weekend, it was a nice break from the routine and we had a lovely time getting to know wilma over starbucks while they worked out whether we were on the blacklist or not- we are not lol so bad news we have to stay,sorry guys!!!
Today it has rained... Alot which we have loved, the sound of it on the windows has been very comforting, but I can't help wondering what pouring rain means for thousands living in the slums tonight sleeping in mud:( but what we found amusing was when we arrived with kid from the odc at Malate soaking wet, the staff insisted that we must get dry or risk a deathly fever- they really don't get that we are British and getting wet from rain is a daily occurrence! So we are dry and well now and are praying for what tomorrow will bring!!!

Please remember us in prayer-
We are majorly struggling to be understood even by staff which is hard.
For the coffee shop as it gets nearer to opening- the dedication on Saturday was beautiful, prayerful and moving.
For a new girl who has moved into the Malate today- she is 6 and very overwhelmed by the whole thing- pray that she settles in and is able to rest:)

Love and thanks. Heidi xxxxxx.

Happy 23rd Anniversary Kanlungan

2011-01-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, it's Sarah.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers, they are very much appreciated.

We've had a lovely day today taking 170 kids swimming. I have to admit I thought it was going to be a bit of a nightmare; but it was amazing! Everyone has had so much fun. The resort was absolutely perfect; and because we went on a friday, we were practically the only ones there. It was just fantastic to see the smiles on the children's faces; it will be the first time that some of them have been swimming.

I have to say that I have got quite sunburnt today, so having loads of kids climbing all over me was rather painful haha:) but I'll live.

Today we have also celebrated the 23rd anniversary of Kanlungan. It has been so nice that the two have coincided as we were able to have a devotion and celebration all together. I just find it so tearjerking every time I see the children worshiping and praising God. Despite all that they have been through, they are so reliant on God, it's so inspiring!

This evening we took all the staff out for a meal to a Japanese restaurant where one of the boys in Kanlungan works as the chef. We have had a lovely time and has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know the staff even more and also to thank them for their continuous hard work and dedication.

I literally can't believe how quickly these past two weeks have gone. Heidi and I will be very sad to see Mary, Mela, Jess and Alec leave tomorrow, but we are very excited (and a little nervous) about moving into the Malate centre and actually getting stuck in now. We would really appreciate your prayers as we move in tomorrow and that we will quickly settle in and find our places and where we fit there.

It means so much to know that you are all supporting us and keeping us in your prayers. I really feel that this is where God wants us right now and I am very excited to see what he has in store for us.

God bless
Sarah xxxx

More from Manila:-)

2011-01-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, just thought I would let you know how its going so far. Today I went with Sol to buy the coffee cups, saucers, plates and cutlery for "K sem" coffee shop!! It was great fun bartering at the wholesale market. Everything is nearly ready and there is great excitement here about the opening. All they need now is lots of customers so please pray for them after all their hard work to get it started.
Each time I come here I am struck by something new, although I have always known the staff work hard, this visit I have been aware of the extent of Sol and her team's dedication and commitment to the children, each child so loved and cared for. I just love hanging around the Malate centre playing with the children. We are really looking forward to taking everyone swimming on Friday. At the beginning of the week Jess was telling some of the more lively children at Malate they had to be good for four more sleeps !! It appears to be working:-).
We were in the malate centre last night joining the children with their evening devotions this normally reduces me to tears and last night was no exception!(Please pray for Micheal who has broken his coller bone and may need an operation to pin it.)
Tomorrow we go to Tunasan and Laguna (where Heidi and Sarah will spend the second month of their placement.) so it will be good for them to see the other centre. They are both doing really well and the children are loving all the extra attention.
Thats all for now God bless
Mary xx
psalm121

Welcome to the Philippines!!!!!!!

2011-01-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone- I finally have chance to sit and actually write a blog:)

So we tearfully left our family at Heathrow on Tuesday morning and started our epic journey to Manila. The flight was somewhat horrific in length, although I must say the airline is amazing and we went on the biggest airplane I've ever seen, somewhat 500 people on board!! after 13 hours of films and general boredem, we arrived in Singapore and took our last flight which was about 31/2 hours. It was lovely to be greeted by familiar faces in the airport and we spent the afternoon dozing before getting straight in with the children singing the holy washing machine at the malate centre.
Since then we have visited smokey mountain, which was incredible, so heart wrenching, It was surreal I felt as though i was walking round in a documentary not actually there. we went round giving sweets to the children and chatting to the families as they made charcoal (my clothes still smell even now:P). I was really glad that we got to spend a few hours there as apposed to a quick stop visit:) we also visited the Mall of Asia which was huuuuge and still very much in the Christmas spirit! then on Friday we split into 2 groups, Mary and Mela went to the ODC for half a day and the rest of us went to the malate, where we helped out in the kids classes, reading to them and helping them to write their names, which was lovely. Then in the afternoon we went to the ODC, which I loved! although they did keep trying to make me sing:P the kids were amazing, so loving and willing to chat to us, I was asked by teacher Bing, to teach one little girl how to read and speak the alphabet, so I was really pleased when about 30 mins later she was singing the alphabet song to me and able to recognize all the letters:)

On saturday morning we got up at 4am to go to Subic, a Holiday resort just outside Manila to visit Mela's family and enjoy the beach. It was a lovely weekend and we were spoiled no end by Mela's sisters, going on Jungle walks and swimming in the sea. And finally today we have been joining in with the staff devotions at the Malate centre which was a really blessing, their sense of worship and fellowship is so faithful, and then with the children this evening, we were very touched by the children as they prayed and sung desperately to God.

Please pray....
For the coffee shop as it gets near to finishing- me and Sarah will be very involved as it opens
For me and Sarah as we move into the Malate centre this weekend, that we will continue to settle in and get used to all the crazy traffic, rice and heat.
For Mary, Mela, Jess and Alec as they travel home on saturday, me and Sarah are really praising God for them as they have been such a blessing to us this week:)

All for now, speak soon. much love, Heidi xxxxxxxxxxxx

2011-01-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, well its great to be back in the Sunshine!! It feels like we have never been away. We picked Heidi and Sarah from the airport today it was great to see them both now our team is complete:-). Yesterday we visited the new ODC (open day centre) it is so much bigger and brighter than the old one and is really busy there were around 50 street children enjoying a craft session. Then we went to the coffee shop which is nearly finished it looks amazing I can't believe what they have done it such a short space of time. Sol and her team are really excited about this new venture for kanlungan. Today we went to look at coffee machines and learnt alot about what makes a good cup of coffee. Mela fell in love with the man who owns the coffee machines he is said to be the 'Einstein of coffee' Mela said she really likes coffee too!! anyway speak to you all soon. The children were asking where ice cream man. So Jess and Alec have taken on the role until you come again Malcolm.
Anyway must go now speak soon
God Bless Mary and Mela XX

for the last time

2010-06-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

today we went to my joint birthday party in the malate centre . i was sharing it with all the other people in the kanlungan projects who have birthdays in june. there were loads of kids there from the malate centre and the ODC and theymade a little program for us.
tomorrow we are going home at 11 and get back late on friday which is going to be wierd. ill se you all when i get back to the UK and the cold weather.

michael

Final Day

2010-06-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today has been our last day in Manila. we leave here for the airport at 7am tomorrow morning and will arrive back in London at about 10pm on Friday evening UK time. That's 24 hours from now but it will take 31 hours. I'm a time traveller!

Today we met at the Malate house for a joint birthday party for all the staff and children from Malate house and the ODC who have birthday's in June (8 in total plus our Michael) It was a fabulous celebration with each group singing and dancing and it was sucha joyous occasion. It is lovely to see the children, particulary the children from the ODC who still live on the streets, really having fun and being part of a loving close community.

The children at Malate had made us a fabulous scrapbook and the children from the ODC had made Michael a birthday card.

We will have plenty of stories to tell when we get back but tonight has been a highlight.

See you all on the other side.

Love Helen

Icecreams and so much more.

2010-06-09T06:23:00.001-07:00

To all of you who so kindly gave money for us to buy treats for the children while we are here I thought you'd like to know just what we have bought so far.

Apart from regular trips to the local icecream shop for bulk orders of icecreams we have also used your gifts to buy two electric fans for the girls bedrooms at Malate. A drum box for the residential house and a washing machine which was the request of the boys at the farm.

We also bought 16 sets of bedsheets for the new children who are about to be taken into the Malate House (Pink for the girls and manly stripes for the boys, chosen by Zac) it is exciting to think that another group of street children will soon be resident at the Malate House and sleeping in beds with their own sets fo bed linen.

Your money has gone a long way and everyone is very thankful for your help. If there is any money left over at the end of our visit we will leave it with Kanlungan to spend as they need.

Talk to you soon.

Helen

the thriller in manila

2010-06-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

today we came back from porto galera and the boat stopped in the middle of the sea. fortunatly they sent another boat we kept going to batangas where ate sol and lito picked us up. then we drove back to the malate centre and then we went shopping for the things we needed to buy them. the shops were crazy because they were all jammed together. we went to this one bit were there were loads of speakers and amps and things so you would of loved it noel!
talk to you again tomorrow

michael

Filipino school day

2010-06-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all

I really love it here but I wouldn't want to go to school here. The children at the Laguna children's home get up at 4.30 every day to have breakfast and tidy and clean their rooms. School starts at 6am until 12pm when they come home for lunch. Other children go to school inthe afternoon. I wouldn't want together up so early.

From Zac

mike found nimo

2010-06-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went snorkeling on a coral reef. Sadly our knowledge of tropical fish only runs to.what we learned from finding nimi but it was amazing and Michael did find nimo and we all saw lots of fabulous fish and corals. The downside was that I got motion sick and made a mess of the corner of their beautiful clear sea! That's a first, swimming has never made me sick before. It was well worth it though it was amazing.

Love to you all

Helen

toothbrushes

2010-06-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

Hello Sutton road. Your toothbrushes have safely arrived in the Philippines. At the day centre where the street children go during the day there is a big jar of toothbrushes and each has a child's name written on the handle. Everyday the children come to the centre and clean their teeth in clean water. I have taken some photos to show you . Soon they will be using your toothbrushes. Thank you very much.

Zac

weekend away

2010-06-05T01:41:00.001-07:00

Blogging on the phone is not easy for me but we have wifi at the moment so I'll do my best. We are having a family weekend in an amazing tropical island about an hours boat ride from the mainland. Palm trees and bananas and the bluest sea ever. But zac is working hard miss Beaumont he can now swim and breath at the same time and has mastered tumble turns. It's very different from the city but fantastic to get away and it is raining here now it's all Paradise. Just damp Paradise!!!

Love to you all

Helen

Numb backside but uplifted heart....

2010-06-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Today has been very long but very uplifting.

We've been out in the minibus (I was allowed to go in the front so I didn't get sick) to visit the Farm, the boys home and Laguna (The residential home in the suburbs). We've spent many hours in the van but it has been worth the discomfort.

At each stop we have been greeted by laughing and singing children and young people who know that they are cared for and loved by committed adults as well as being loved and accepted by their heavenly father. All the children are studying and have aspirations to make a life for themselves despite the start they have had in life. I have many individual stories to bring back with me to go with the 100's of photos.

Zac has been overwhelmed by attention being considered very white and very cute, although Mike was getting his far share of attention from the older girls at Laguna. I don't think I've seen any other white children in Manila at all!

The boys have been fantastic but it has been a lot for them to take in and we are looking forward to some family time for the next few days at the seaside!!..

Ate Sol is taking us to the ferry tomorrow morning (I don't think she trusts us to get therer by ourselves)

I'm sure we will find an internet cafe to blog from but we'll try not to mention the white sand beaches and the snorkeling. This is a mission trip after all.

God bless for now.

Helen

Highs and Lows

2010-06-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Today has, as usual been a day of extremes.

After visiting Smokey Mountain yesterday I had, kind of, assumed that everything else would be better! Then today we were taken to a bump site where Kanlungan have only recently started work. About 50 little shacks have been thrown together in a valley in the middle of a disused bump site (Closed because it didn't meet the city council's standards!) we visited as the rain was washing the mud and rubbish into the valley. Those of you who visited at Easter saw the other extreme of heat and dust. There is no power, water or sanitation and the community has been pretty much hidden from the world for about 8 years. Smokey mountain should not exist but at least there are signs of hope and regeneration there in the community. This place was so bleak. Kanlungan are currently feeding the 150 children twice a week but can not get permission from the landowner to build anything or do anymore. it's a start and something tells me that once Kanlungan gets teeth into the problem they won't rest untill things improve.

On the up side we visited the settlement which has been build for the community who used to live on the railway. It's a town of hundreds of identical little brick block rooms but there is a school and a feel of safety up there. We visited the homes of Tunasan children who have moved away from the railway and are now attending the school.

Spending time at Tunasan playing with the kids and watching the older boys at work producing Christmas cards was so encouraging. We've got a great selection of cards to bring back for sale in the UK. The income the boys get from the cards is going towards buying them shoes and school supplies for the coming term. They are so industrious, only stopping long enough to take part in presentation the whole group put on for us. We did another Adams family rendition of 'Shine'.

So it's bedtime now and tomorrow we do the out of town residential home, the farm and the boys home so it's going to be a long, long day.

love to you all,

Helen

more from the mind of michael

2010-06-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

today we went to the tunasan center outside the main city with Willie. first we went to a sort of town like place where all the people who used to live by the railway have been relocated to. it was a bit odd but it was probably better than the railway they used to live on.then we went to this other dump site which was a bit like smokey mountain but worse. then we went back to tunasan and played basketball for a bit then we came back to the shallom.

michael

from the mind of mike

2010-06-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

today we went to smokey mountain and saw all the people living on the rubbish. we went to the church on the heap which is just being rebuilt. we met the pastor and his wife who showed us around. it is weird seeing people do things on the rubbish. there are people sweeping up and doin there washing whilst surrounded by rubbish. now we are at the open day centre and we have done some songs and eaten a wierd fried banana thing.

michael

A Quick Update

2010-06-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

Mark here with a quick update:

We went to Smokey Mountain this morning, which is always a difficult experience. Great to see the work that is being done there though ... and it is better there than the last time I visited. They have seperated the dumping site from where the families actually live, which is an improvement.

Then back to Malate Centre for lunch (which was delicious as usual) and we've spent the afternoon at the Drop in Centre. Its great to see how much this work has developed over the last couple of years. Oh ... and we taught them all the song 'Shine' as well!

Helen will update more later ...

Thanks for your love and prayers.

Mark

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamen!!!!

2010-05-31T03:59:00.000-07:00

We've only been here two days but we've seen and done a lot. Mike and Zac are doing brilliantly.

Yesterday we went to a swimming gala at which a number of NGO's brought children from across the city to compete for their teams. The Kanlungan children where from the drop in day centre who live with their families on the streets around Malate. Watching Zac swimming, play and have fun with this lovable group of children it was hard to imagine the lives they live and last night as I tucked Zac into bed knowing that he was the only child there who was sleeping in a house last night I didn't sleep very well.

Today we visited the residential centre which is very quiet as most of the children have been moved on to the Laguna centre ready to start the new school year. Running repairs are being made and new children have already been spotted by the street teams who may take their places in a couple of weeks.

This evening we walked the streets with Wilma and some of the older children gathering children together to sing, pray and play. We sang 'our God is Great Big god' and I taught them the 'Stepping Stones Amen' I will be leaving a little part of New Wine on the streets of Manila. The commitment to these families is just mindblowing and the way the team know everyone and are greated by everyone is amazing. It is hard but it is also uplifting to see the commitment and faith of the people who are dedicating their lives to these families.

Talk again soon.

Love Helen

Philippines by Zac

2010-05-31T03:54:00.000-07:00

It's hot but it's 'cool'. Today we went to the Malate Centre then we went onto the streets to give out sweets to the children who don't have homes. We sang song with Kuya Wilma and prayed with groups of children. We sang 'Our God is a great big God.

On the way home we rode on a jeepnee which was so cool.

Tell you more soon

Love Zac

Arrived Safely

2010-05-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

We've arrived! Its been a long flight but a good one. Cathay Pacific looked after us well and Zac and Michael were really good. Helen was grumpy most of the way but she blamed the travel sickness tablets. Ate Sol meet us at the airport with Ate Maricar and Kuya Leto.

Then on our ride into Manila, every time Zac saw a Jeepney he said ' Jeepney' ( they are a kind of extended Jeep that are used like buses - and there are lots of them!)

Then we had a meal at Tgi’s with some of the Kanlungan staff which was great, although Zac feel asleep while we were there! Then a good nights rest ( we woke up at 11:15!) and now in Starbucks for breakfast!

Going to see the children in a swimming competition this afternoon which should be fun!

Thanks for all your prayers and support

Mark, Helen, Michael & Zac

2 Days to Go!

2010-05-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Its nearly time to go ... in just 2 days Mark, Helen, Michael & Zachary Adams will be heading off to visit Kanlungan in Manila.

We leave Heathrow at 8:20pm on Friday night and are due to arrive in Manila at 6:30pm on Saturday (that's 11:30am Saturday morning UK time).

Just getting packed now, but its a bit difficult as Helen's Dad is having another hip replacement operation this afternoon. Please pray that all goes well.

We'll update again when we arrive, so please check back sometime on Saturday evening or Sunday morning!

2010-04-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone:-) ,well here we are on our last night in Manila, we have had such an amazing time and God has been so good, yesterday we took all the children from all the kanlungan projects swimming (175 of us in total) what a joy to see the children enjoying the water and having so much fun. For the last twelve days we have had our senses bombarded and experienced many emotions of which we would love to share with you when we return home.
Thank you so much for all your prayers we have felt them

much love Mary and Averil xx

psalm 121

2010-04-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

hi everyone its Averil and Mary here:-)

Another busy day today and really hot and sticky! We visited an ancient fort today and decided to take the children with us, because we could not leave any one behind we had to take all 18 which proved to be a bit chiotic but also good fun, we finished the afternoon of with ice creams and worship songs in the back of the van, God is good, please pray for Sol and all the staff as they continue to love these precious children

Take care we are missing you all xxx

2010-04-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

Hello :)

Been here now for six days :)
Today (Wednesday 7th), we went to the boys home and the farm. Both places have come a long way since 2007-when I last went. It was really nice to catch up with the boys in both places, and seeing the places where they sleep and how they work. We saw one of the boys climb to the very top of a tree and cut down some coconuts. We then drank the milk. They also showed us around the whole site, where we saw the stream where they get washed, the peppercorns and all the fruit trees. We had a devotion time where we sang and prayed with the boys. We alson had some time where we prayed one-on-one with each of them. After this, we held some puppies that are only one week old!! Awwww!!

All in all it has been such a fantastic time so far and we know God's work will continue to blossom in all the children of Kanlungan.

Love to all :)

Jess and Megan

xxxxx

2010-04-06T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's Averil.
Amidst all the hardship these people face I am amazed at how strong their faith is. Everywhere we have been Sol and her team share God's love, teaching the children about our lord Jesus. This afternoon we were privileged to be invited into a community camp of about fifty homes. These people live on an old dump site. They have no ammenities what so ever, not even water -things that we take for granted. Yet the children and parents smile and greet us warmly with christian songs and prayer. We had chance to play games with the children before Sol and her team distributed hot food to the children, someting they do twice a week to this community and also do teaching. Most of us were in tears at the end when the children had prayed and then sang "Give thanks with a grateful heart".

Please keep praying for the work that is being done and for strength for Sol and her team,

All my love,

Averil

2010-04-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all, another very hot day in Manila. A morning spent with the street ministry team certainly shows the extent of the enormity of the problems faced by many people in this city. Some are fortunate to have what they call their house (we would call it a garden shed at best. Even these people are better off than thoes living in or on cardboard boxes including some as young as five days old! It's all very heart wrenching and you feel so helpless yet they keep a smile and their faith with God. One home had a sign which read "Keep God at the center of everything and he will keep you safe".

Love to all, please keep praying for Sol and her team

Richard

Day 4 in Manila

2010-04-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot today!I mean REALLY hot! But we have had a good day and seen lots. This morning we visited Tunasan and was surprised to hear the railway community which i visited last time has been relocated and completely demolished. The Government have relocated them to the prison grounds which doesn't seem much of an upgrade to me! We visited a community that Kanlungan discovered a year ago. And they are already interacting with familied there and fetching the children to go to the Tunasan Day Centre. This afternoon we visited the Laguna Centre and had an amazing welcome. One little boy (aged 7) got plucked up the courage to sing us a song. And there wasn't a dry eye in the place! The presentation here was brilliant.

Love Mary, Averil and Jess

2010-04-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, its Averil and Mary here:-) sorry its taken so long to get in touch but we don't seem to have stopped yet !! It is SO good to be here again with the team from Milton Keynes and Mansfield. Yesterday we met the children from the Malate centre (there are 18 at the moment, 6 of them young boys). It was great to meet the children and spend time with them. Sol and the staff are still working so hard to give these children much needed love and security. They do such an amazing job in often very difficult circumstances. please pray for them as they are sometimes quite unsettled (particulary the young boys)
Hi its Averil here, When I first arrived at the Malate centre I was a little nervous not knowing what to expect, but I needn't have worried as the children and the staff were so welcoming, it was a bit overwelming really. They did a presentation of singing and dancing which made it hard to believe the situations they have come from. We had to learn a song for the children (the holy washing machine!!) which we performed for them much to their amusment. Went to smoky mountain yesterday to say I was shell shocked was an understatement even though I had seen all the pictures, however I was even more overwelmed by the friendliness of this community and the smiles of the children. From smoky mountain we went straight to the largest shopping mall in Asia! quite a contrast

Been to Church this morning and played with the children this afternoon, lots of love and hugs from them

Happy Easter to you all we will keep you posted!

ps Mary,s not so happy because twice already the children have asked me if she is Mother!!

2010 Visit has begun!!!

2010-04-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well ... the Streetlight Blog is back with a new team travelling to Manila.

Ian & Jess Herbert, Malcolm Gale, Deb, Megan & Olivia Ridout, Kim & Helen Wilkinson and Tim May have travelled from Bletchley. Mary & Jess Lane and Averil Wilkinson have travelled from Mansfield, while Richard Hames is from Enderby just outside Leicester.

I've just spoken to them and they've arrived safely. Hopefully we should hear from them on this site soon ... probably when they have had some sleep!

Please pray for them ... and check back here to see what they are doing.

Thanks

Mark

Leaving behind a piece of your heart in Mailla

2009-02-06T01:42:00.000-08:00

Well its the last day, my bags are packed and the shopping is done after two hours of torture wandering around, up and down the shopping mall..urrhh.

We went for our farewell presentation at the Malate Children's home, the generosity of the people is overwhelming we all were given gifts, I certainly felt an unworthy recipient. The Power of Gods transforming love here is indescribable, as we worshipped together being hugged by Children who have been saved from the most horrendous situations imaginable, your heart is poured out, broken and sliced out in gracious thanks to the Lord for his love and Grace. I,m sure all of have left a piece of our hearts here with these children maybe to pick it up again in the future or a reminder to care, love and pray for them. I want to end my blogging with a poem which is found in all the Kanlugan centres.

My Child I've often heard your question: This is my answer.

Your concerned about the the hungry in the world, millions who are starving and you ask what can I do?

FEED ONE

You grieve for all the unborn children murdered every day... and you ask what can I do?

SAVE ONE

Your haunted by the homeless poor who wander city streets.. and you ask what can I do?

SHELTER ONE

You feel compassion for those who suffer, pain sorrow and despair and you ask what can I do?

COMFORT ONE

Your heart goes out to the lonely, the abused and the imprisoned...and you ask what can I do?

LOVE ONE

Remember this my child...two thousand years ago the world was filled with those in need, just as it is today, and and when the helpless and the hopeless called out to me for mercy, I sent a saviour..

HOPE BEGAN WITH ONLY ONE!

I know this poem has helped many us to understand what is happening here. The Gospel is the hope for our world. I was chatting with Mark A After our visit to the Mall of Asia (A huge shopping centre) on the day we went to Smokey mountain(the w0rst place you can imagine ) and put in way that is so true "whether we are 20 minutes from poverty or across the Globe God calls us to do something, it is our responsibility.

See you all soon

Really looking forward to seeing family and friends

PS Emily Wilar has given you her teddy called Michael, he is my bag ready to sleep on the plane

Love to all

Mark H

home sweet home

2009-02-06T01:40:00.001-08:00

hi everyone,
alas, it's time to go home and though we are looking forward to be back, we leave with a heavy heart knowing we will be missed by everybody here at Kanlungan. It has been a worthwhile visit and though we have worked with the project last year and know what to expect, God had shown us new things and more revelation of Himself as He work among the people here. Despite the poverty, hardships and suffering we witnessed around , His love and compassion radiate from everyone we meet and places we go. God's message is loud and clear "surely I am with you always, to the very end of the ages" Matt. 28:20
see you all soon.
mela and mary
xxx
p.s. we all miss you
kisses to harry and harley

Only in Manilla

2009-02-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Manilla is filled with some of the most wonderful and strangest sights you'll see anywhere, from the endless stream of Jeepneys( our stagecoach equivalent) to the street sellers selling everything from single ciggies to dvd's.

Today has been of those days where I have said "Only in Manilla". I joined Wilmar again for the day, which saw a consultation at the day centre which the children and young people were asked to particiapte in deciding the activities and how the centre will run. After we had finished i just sat down with 2 older lads who started to sing worship songs, Matt redman the heart of worship, we all just started to sing it was so easy to forget that these guys were street boys as my thoughts collected......ummmm Only in Manilla. We then set of to a new district to meet with street children and familes, I think Wilmar is related to the pied piper as he walks down the street the kids just get up from the cupboard seats, and follow him down to the plaza, about 25 children gathered for songs, bible stories and prayer. As the children stood and all closed their eyes to pray with the street bustling around them i thought ummmm "only in Manilla." The Lord has really shown me just a glimpse of his love for these families over the last few days. I pray that I will never forget.

It really is quiet humbling to pray and just be with these children.

For the funny of the day ask any of the team about grass skirts and pom poms LOL say no more about that one!

Blessings

Mark

Back in England!

2009-02-05T02:02:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

Back in snowy snowy England! I hope you're all missing me and my fruit loops! I am missing all of you, its too quiet. To Lou and Liz, I pray the Sid the cockroach has left your room and to Malcolm and Ian I pray you have found out what the heck is in your room.

I hope you all have had a great day and I really pray the weather clears up so you can get home!
This blog is late as normal for me, but at least this time I have a good reason. Been catching planes for the last two days :). I want to write about Tuseday, when we all split up and went the areas we felt God was calling us to. I felt such a desire to go back to Tunasan, now having learnt to spell it correctly.

We, Malcolm, Lou and I, arrived to empty drop in centre. However this was good news as it meant parents had enough food to feed the children before school and that they had actually gone to school. In Manila, the amount of children wanting to go school and the lack of schools mean that the children go to school in shifts. The shifts are from 6 am to 1pm and then 1 pm to 6 pm. A couple of children did up later as they needed their lunch before going to school. It was great to be there as we had the van so we could give them a lift to school. The school is quite a walk away and they are having to walk when the sun is at its hottest. We then went on a tour of the school and gave the children a lift back to the drop in centre.

Well then they were flooded with children who had just finished school. I think there was around 24 children. We played games, dodgeball and this one where you are in circle and all have to do stupid dance moves. Malcolm, Lou, Kathy (the social worker at Tunasan) and I went on a shopping trip! It was brilliant having Kathy there as she knew exactly what the children needed and what she wanted for the centre. She was touched and so happy, it was fanstastic! We brought her a world map something she had wanted for ages! As we were leaving the mall, we wanted the buy the children ice cream but Kathy suggested brownies from the Brownie shop instead as the children were always staring at them and had never had brownies before! To be honest I think although we were buying stuff for the children, the true enjoyment was for us as we saw how happy they were. We arrived back at the centre with massive bags of stuff but the children never tried to peep in and see what we had brought. They were all doing their homework when we arrived and we did distract them but they stayed in their seats. When we got the brownies out they didn't rush us or fight and argue. They formed an orderly line, no pushing or shoving and just patiently waited till it was their turn. But what really got me, was there was a little boy, around 2 who was to shy to come and get brownies so the children grabbed my hands and brought me to him so he could have a brownie as well. I was so touched by their thoughtfulness and selflessness.

As the day progressed, we coloured in, Lou helped them to make bracelets and rings out of the beads we had brought, but they were already very clever at making everything. At the end of the day me and Lou were covered. We both had bracelets, rings, ankle chains, necklaces and flowers in our hair. Even Malcolm had a bracelet on! Then we played games, similar to British bull dog, the children had their dinner and then we brought them ice cream. We spolit them rotten but they deserve it! The girls made me and Lou valentine's card, as in the Philippines its a celebration of love for everyone not just partners.

They are the most delightful, selfless people I have ever met. The love of one another and their acceptance of anyone new is something we should all try to replicate. I thank God for all the work He is doing and thank you for letting me see it.

Thank you all for reading the blog!
Emily x

Let the children come

2009-02-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hi
I have been out with Wilmar( the street educator) on the streets, we have put together some tricks, testimonies bible stories and songs. After gathering about 15 children and mothers, including waking some of the older girls from around the bay area. Wilmar had the children and mums stood with a prayer to start. It was almost like a little street church!We sang some songs,as I was stood there in front of them looking at the joy on their faces as they sang and clapped the Lord just gave me a glimpse of his heart for these people, it began to break mine. After some gospel magic, testimony and the story of the lost son, Wilamar bought everyone food and drink and we had some play time. As we left I knelt to pray with my arms around some of the children and the mums and just knew Jesus was there, my question that has been in my mind all week, Just where is Jesus in all this? was finally answered. The prayer flowed from my lips with simply requests food for the day, protection, love to surround them, Jesus was there those words of his echoed round my mind "let the children come" he said as he blessed them.

Thankyou for following the blog it has helped me to think through the enourmous things we have seen and and experienced and special thanks to Mark A, Ian and malc for giving me the prividge of seeing God's work here. It is an experince that Has changed me for life.

Blessings

Mark

Time to find rest in God's shelter says Jen!

2009-02-04T02:15:00.000-08:00

Before I came to the Philippines God told me that I would have an 'appointment' with him here. I felt I would learn something of the power of his love. The unconditional outpouring of love that continues in the Kanlungan work has demonstrated this again and again and the powerful transforming consequences in the children's lives.
God wraps the children in a wonderful 'duvet' of love as they arrive and holds them for however long it takes, till they are ready to engage with the wonderful workers as they support them and help them in the healing process that God has started.

My first 'appointment' was the day we took them all to this lovely outdoor swimming pool complex. There was a warm pool attached to hotsprings that I decided towards the end of our time to take a dip in. There was a young man of about 18/19 there with his parents who had had a stroke. I said to Mela that maybe I could support him in the water. She spoke to the parents and told them I was a physio. They hesitated and I held back feeling I didn't want to pushy, as it was only that I could see they were struggling. She told me they thought I would want money, but when they knew that wasn't so they smiled and I just gently helped him stand, sit, relax. He could understand but couldn't speak. He was in the navy and had been attacked by a toxic substance that had obviously hurt his central nervous system somehow. he sttled with me and smiled a lot. As I shook hands to go, Mary and mela said, shall we pray and then Mela asked if we could pray with the family. This we did, I felt so empassioned as I prayed for him for his healing, his smile turned to tears, then I knew I just had to tell him how much Jesus loved him, and then it was over and we left them there. They had brought him out of hospital for the day to see if the spinngs would heal him and instead he met Jesus!!! Thank you Lord, what a blessing for me too.

The 'appointment' we said we needed prayer for was the detention centre visit. It went well as Mark has written. Leta and Mela and myself were able to pray individually for about 10 of the boys. Some shared, they are fearful, they want to be with family and wanted to pray for their family members, many not being visited by anyone! They are so lovely, so vulnerable, so scared. Just imagine how you feel sometimes standing before someone in the prayer team who wants to pray for you. You quietly step out and share what you want prayer for because it is precious or fearful for you and then the Holy Spirit comes, and light penetrates the darkness. We prayed and then we left all the burdens with GOd, theirs and ours. One boy had been there for 4 years and still not come to trial, several of them for a year already. Such a privelege to do what we were allowed to do.

God was so gracious, he led us and held us in that dark place, otherwise it would have been so hard to go back. I trust that God has penetrated the darkness as we prayed- light over darkness-may the darkness flee in Jesus' name. Sol's team are going to begin to do more there. This is fantastic. Pray for the system that rules it to be cracked, broken and changed in Jesus' name.
Thanks for your comments. I was so pleased to hear that Kate (my daughter) went with Fred to the funeral, I was worried about him going alone, so that was an answer to prayer. This is my last blog and along enough one too I hear you say! Looking forward to coming home! Love to you all
Jen

Lola Leta's final blog

2009-02-04T02:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

- thank you Zac for your message - it was good to hear from you - but so sorry to hear you had to go to school in the snow and Michael didn't!! Life is so unfair!

Thank you Inge for your verse of scripture, and thasnk you all for your thoughts and words of encouragement

Well, yesterday morning Jen, Mela, Mark(H) and I went back to the 'prison' where we met with 21 boys between 14 and 19. They came in after their lunch and we sang Our God is a Great Big God with actions ten times!! It's a good slimming exercise you should try it!
Then Mark told the story of the Prodigal Son/LOving Father while Wilmer from the home translated - they were a really good double act and the boys seemed to enjoy it.
For the next part, we divided into two groups and Jen and Mela and myself had the wonderful privilege of praying with each boy seperately - sometimes Mela translated what Jen and I prayed , but sometimes she didn't but then it didn't matter, because these boys knew we were there for them and that God was there in our midst and at that moment that was their special time for meeting with GOd. There were a mixture of emotions and feelings flying around from the boys being frightened, sad, worried about their family back home. Some of the boys only had an elderly grandparent who cared about them and maybe visited now and again and some had no-one at all. SOme of the lads had been in a month, some 6 months, some a year, and someone had been detained for 4years and none of these cases had still not been heard!!!! WE shed a few tears that morning I can tell you. There was a feeling of despair amongst the boys
THere's lovely old hymn called
Brother, let me be your servant
Let me be as Christ to you

And that is, I believe, what we are doing, being as Christ to those who need a touch of His love
And we leave the rest to God now and trust He will water the seed that has been sown in that place and believe that Light of Christ will bring hope to those who hsve lost all hope. There are a lovelt couple of young people from Denmark who are staying in Manila after we have returned to the UK and they will be going into the prison and carrying on where we have left off and help establish a weekly meeting for prayer etc>>>> WONDERFUL!!!

God always provides his people to carry on His work...

This morning went out with one of the street evengelists and met a families living in a container parked by the side of the road. The mother was washing her 4 week old baby form a bucket of water and laid him on a towel on the pavement!! She was so tender with him.....it was really moving.
Another young mother told me whe wantesd to come to England
I said (politely) "Don't bother, because there is no work and no money, and you have all the love you need here in your container lorry home!! She said that the sides of the container got so hot in the day time you could put your bread on the walls of the container and it would turn into toast!! In all their poverty, they still maintain a lovely sense of humour. The people from the Kanlungan homes are going to establish a link with them so they will not be without hope!
I feel really chuffed that I have blogged for the first time ever, with encouragement, I have to add , getting their slowly!! not quite into illustrating yet....maybe another time. This had been such an amazing time in every way - I don't think any of us can return the same as when we came out, and that is how it should be. So much food for thought I shall be chewing and digesting for monthts. Thanks again for all your prayerful support and wonderful comments GOd bless you Leta

Instruments of Love &Grace

2009-02-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hi all

Hope you are enjoying the lovely snow we hope for some more after we get back so I can sledge with my family. Thank you for praying about the visit back to the detention centre. God did use us all as "instruments of grace."

We met 20 boys who do not get families to see them, we sang a some with them our God is great big God. Wilmar( one of the Kanlugan team) asked my to tel the story of the lost son which we did together with dramatic hug at the end. We then split into groups and asked the boys to relate the story to their life to help them to talk. Wilmar shared the Gospel with them, and asked me to lead a prayer of repentance with the boys as they wanted to commit their lives to Jesus. The boys them just sat with ate some cookies and coloured in the picture book story of the lost son! I could believe the sight of these tough 14-18 yr boys, sat coluring as little children. We all prayed together. especially that God has not forgotton these boys. We need to really pray that the system can be changed so the backlog of cases can heard and they can get fair and humane treatment.

The afternoon I spend time with Wilmar I realy connect with his heart for the gsoepl and his love for the street children. We worked together preaching, singing songs and doing magic tricks to students who were in the poor area as part of their course and them with the street children. I see the Gospel is shared the same way here. Wilmar is a is an infectious person to be around such love and desire to help, care, teach values and of course bring the children into a relationship with the Lord.

My thought for the day. We are instruments of Grace, we are literaly the Hands of Jesus, oh how we need a pure heart and a willingness to get our hands completey filthy in the Lords service.

My funny of the day
This has to go to ladies on the invasion of the giant cockroachs on the hotel. we had staff with sticks, girls screaming, the men making jokes, Liz jumping up and down on her bed. Much to the amusement of the Filpino hotel staff

love 2 all

Mark H

Lou's back

2009-02-03T04:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Hope you are all enjoying the snow. We have been telling everyone about it here. Some say "i wish it snowed" as most have never experienced snow. i'm still enjoying the sunshine :-) my skin is still recovering from the swimming pool sunburn. please pray for emily as she is flying back and starts her journey in about 3 hours. I have had an amazing day with malcom and emily, we went back to one of the places we previously visited. it was so so so so nice to have the day with the children. We went to visit a school but then just hung around the centre. It was so nice. The children were children, when i am with them it is so easy to forget they have nearly nothing and live in absoulute poverty. Thier little faces they are just so amazing and so are the people who work with them. I have to confess i had my first public cry today and i didn't think i was going to stop my eyes just kept leaking :-) ops it was after reading something malcom showed me i will have to show you all a copy at some point. It's all about the difference just one can make. Thats the biggest inner struggle here, There is just so much need. You all know me, i have no money to give...bless you all and thanks again for supporting me to come out here it's meant so much to me! So, unable to give much you are just left with this huge burden to do something but left with the question what is it I can do? Anyways after my blub we went and treated the children to some brownies which sounds silly but Kathy one of the workers says she sees the children walking past this store looking at the cakes. How many of us would just buy them but some of these children would long for a treat like that. I loved being able to give them something to enjoy it was great. Best of all was the games we played with them and the beading and braclets we sat and made. The rest of the team sounded like they had amazing days as well. Thank you all so much for your prayers. God has blessed us so much. They know how to celebrate birthdays out here! Never again will i sing the boring version of happy birthday. Love to you all, keep warm.

more news from lola Leta

2009-02-02T05:07:00.001-08:00

After the experience last Wednesday, of seeing young boys living in the detention centre like something out of a Dickensian novel , I felt moved to write down the images left in my mind

These are the forgotten boys,
Living their dark lives in dark cells
Dreaming of freedom
But freedom never comes
Hands stretching out through bars
For one brief moment, hoping to
Touch, to feel, to grasp
Another's hand.
In that brief touch
A spark of love is passed from
One to another
No words are needed
Eyes and hearts say it all..........

(Tomorrow, Tuesday, Jen and Mela and myself are going back ti the detention centre to pray with some of the young boys. Please pray for us and for the boys we shall be meeting, that God will be so presen t and that lives will be touched . These will be boys who have no family at all.
Such a privilege to do this and wonderful that a door has been opened for us to go in!)

the day following the detention centre visit We had a totally different experience when we went to the boys farm 2 hours drive away. It was a Garden of Eden experience. It was a lush plantation. As we arrived there was a young man up a tree about 70 metres high cutting fresh coconuts, the juice of which we drank! Most refreshing - not like coconut milk - it was watery, but very pleasant. We had a walk through the plantation and it is great that the boys have the responsibility of maintaining the plantation - when you realise that these boys were at one time living on the streets of Manila, and through the love and care of the Kanlungan homes , now have the resposibility for caring for God's creation, learning a trade and helping to make a living We then had a time of worship and then we each prayed for one of the boys.

Saturday was a lovely refreshing day when we went for a swim or in some cases, a splash with about 100 Kalungan children. Some very red faces afterwards as we hadn't realised the sun was as hot as it was!! Had a lovely picnic and then a time of worship in the park where the pool was. WE stood around in a circle - a big one, and one of the children chose someone to pray and then we start. I just LOVE this - the children just explode in their praise. We never have any words written, no music to play from, just someone on the guitar , me on the flute and we just go for it!!!! Very liberating. I have never witnessed praise like it. Heavenly
One of the things God is showing me (amongst many others) is just how much prayer is such a part of these childrens' lives and how much they place their trust in GOd's provision. Also that though they have so little they give out so much, content in whatever state they are in! One little boy promised to pray every day for me for something particular, and Sol said that he would do just that.......if he said he would, then he would - isn't that just wonderful?
One just stands back at the open heartedness and generosity of everyone in the Kalungan work

We had a wonderful afternoon today when we celebrated Liz' birthday(Mark's sister) She was showered with flowers and presents from the children and had to dance with every child!! Then it was our turn!! Mark (Herd) and myself trying to perform a cha-cha together was a sight to behold!! At the end, Liz was invited to sit on a chair in the centre of the room and everyone prayed out loud for her. So moving to hear children just praying with no inhibitions from children aged 7 - 16 years of age. I think we were all overcome somewhat. They have a lovely way of clapping after someone has prayed! Interesting to try that out at St John's!!!!
Will finish for the moment - be in touch soon Love Leta Thanks for your prayers and support it means so much!

Jen's Monday news

2009-02-02T05:07:00.000-08:00

Well I go from one extreme to the other! What ever is happening it seems to be part of God's learning curve for us. Having felt last week that visiting the young boys about 200 and the girls, about 16, in the detention centre, was the worst experience, the hardest, I now find myself ready to go back tomorrow.
We were given the option to visit somewhere that we had been to for the second time. Overnight I moved from thinking I didn't ever want to experience such a thing face to face, to looking forward to going with Leta, Ian, Mark H and Mela. Leta and Mela and myself are drawn there to pray with the boys. Please pray tonight for us.

This afternoon we went back to the Malate centre to be with the children. It was Liz's birthday today(mark's sister). The party they had arranged was phenomenal! Such abundance of giving, it was overwhelming, wonderful fun, singing and dancing. No doubt you'll hear lots about it.

This will take a lot of digesting, but I can't rush it. Fred has told me that one of our two lovely dogs has had a stroke,s o I am concerned too about home. On Tuesday Fred is at a funeral of a very old friend from childhood and I wish I was with him, so please hold him up in your prayers too.
Love from Jen

Take up your cross and follow me

2009-02-02T04:45:00.001-08:00

Hi to all

Thank you for your comments and prayers. Sunday and today have been great days as we begin to go deeper both in knowing the people, and the situations that they work in. One of the things that stands out in kanlugan is the staff's passionate love and commitment to the children and street families of the city, their love for one another and their love for the Lord above all. I understood the verse about taking up the cross and forsaking everything else and following Jesus, in our culture I don't fully appreciate the depth of what that means, here this is how the Kanlugan team lives. It is truely inspiring I am jealous of the simple lifestyle and being so fully committed to the Lord and his kingdom. Our lives are full of so much that we have do like paying the bills etc. Being here enables you to understand these principles in a much deeper way. A priviligde to witness the Lords work in a different place. I long to work these principles more in our context. What does it mean for to go deeper and take up our cross and follow Jesus. Alot of the staff live together in the homes, sharing rooms, meals and their whole life with the children.

a few of us are going back to the dentention centre for boys tomorrow, to visit and interact some that don't have family visits, take reading materials, soap, toothpaste and spend time praying for them.

Despite vowing to not eat more local food I have failed after 2 awesome meals at the Malate centre, I am praying that Jane does not cook Thai, chinese rice or fish for my welcome home meal. I would hate to offend lol.

Truely inspired

Mark H

Sunday

2009-02-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hi All

Not so much to report today ... Church this morning - the 'Cathedral of Praise' and then sightseeing this afternoon with Ate Sol, Kuya Willy, Ate Joy, Ate Marika and Kuya Leto.

Then Pizza and a trip to a folk-bar run by a man we met selling Bonsai trees on our tour this afternoon! Great thing is, when Ate Sol was talking to him in the bar he agreed to come and do some landscaping at the new house and at the farm. God is good - ALL THE TIME!!!!!!

Tomorrow we are going to the Malate Centre which will be great as we've only been there once so far. Going to be joining the staff for their first devotion time in the new house - what a priveledge!

Thanks again for all your prayers and support back home - please remember our families as well, if you haven't done so yet it would be great if you could give them a call - I know they would appreciate it.

Thanks again

MarkA

A special place in the heart of God

2009-01-31T06:59:00.000-08:00

Hi to all

It has been a touch of heaven today after an emotion ripping week, we spent the day at swimming pool set under a beautiful mountain. TheStreetlight trust books this for all the Kanglugan children and young people to come together with all their visits. These Children only come swimming at the pool once a year, so to see the joy on their faces swimming, laughing playing volleyball and basketball was just awesome. Lots of time to chat to the staff and children. At the end of the day everyone gathered for devotions. We worshipped together, the sense of the love of God was overwhelming. These children and young people know more than any of us the reality of God's life transforming power and it shines from them. Not a dry eye in any of us.

Lord forgive us for our lack of love, please change our hearts to love without measure.

On a lighter note i have reached the overdose limit on Filpino food I just can't face anymore rice, chillis or fish!Where's the roast beef and yorkshire Pud!

Chilled

Mark H

A happier note...a day full of love

2009-01-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hey,

I just want to start by saying thank you to all those who commented on my last entry. Its really lovely that you take time out of your lives to actually read what I wrote, let alone comment on it.

Today we had the joy of taking around 100 children swimming!! All the children from the Farm, the Boy's Home, Lagunna(?) and the Tunsaan drop in centre came. It was the most uplifting and refreshing experience, and after such an emotional week, it was just what we needed. When we arrived, the children were already there, having set off at 7:30 so they could enjoy every minute they had. The children love swimming and it was obvious. Their faces were lit up with smiles that lasted all day. But what was really amazing to see was how the children reacted to one another. You've got to remember that its quite rare for them to all meet up, yet it was like a massive family gathering.

What really touched me was the love they had for one another. The big boys from the Farm were looking after the little ones, helping them into the pool, teaching them to swim and playing games with them. The children had such trust and faith in these boys, boys originally who were as hard as nails, involved in activities you and me can only imagine. I spent the day as a train, carrying two little girls backwards and forwards in the pool. Its weird what endless patience you suddenly have. Then I spent it being chased round a basketball court. I found out later that these were the street children from the Tusaan centre, girls in similar situations to Jen Jen, Jessica and Joliann, only they live next to rail tracks instead of in the city centre.

Its hard to describe the love I feel for these children. Its almost like my heart has doubled in size while we have been here and it just continues to grow with every new child I come across. I have never experienced anything like it and I know its a love that God has put in my heart. Why? I don't know...we shall just have to wait and see. But what I love about this trip is everyone has connected to something. Mark H is determind to get back to the youth detention centre and work with the boys there, Liz has felt an amazing connection to the Lagunna children while Jen and Leta want to go back to the Malate Centre. God works in wonderful ways and he makes sure that there is always someone who wants to help. I never truely understood what it was to ask God to break your heart or to discover your passion until now.

Lou says hi and with that I say bye. Today I only ask for your prayers of thanks to God. He is awesome and the love He has for all of His children is overwhelming. Pray especially to thank Him for the staff at Kanlungan who I think love the children almost as much as He does.

Emily x

The Photos you've all been waiting for ...

2009-01-31T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hey again.

2009-01-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hey,

I am not really sure what to write that hasn't already been mentioned before. So this just my view on how things are. This is a little late in posting as I want to write about the street children, but I was one of the emotional ones and I wasn't quite ready to share my experiences. I've seen, as I am sure we all have, pictures of people sleeping in the streets. I'm sure we have all felt bad and wished they was something we could do for them but nothing can prepare you for the feelings you experience when these nameless people across the other side of the world introduce themselves.

I met 3 of the cutest little girls, Jen Jen, Jessica and Joliann. I saw their happiness when the camera came out and they all wanted their pictures taking. I saw their delight to get sweeties from the Sweety guys, Malcolm and Ian. I felt their fear when the 'rescue' team turned up. Jen Jen was screaming for Jessica who had gone missing, Joliann was shaking so badly in my arms. I haven't got the words to explain the fear these little girls felt. Me, Jen and Leta had formed a circle around them but we knew we were powerless to stop them taking the girls if they wanted to. I pray none of you have to experience such a feeling.

At first they didn't realise we were there. We watched as one of the members of the 'rescue' team cut down a woman's washing line and threw her clothes into the gutter as she tried to remove them. It was their final warning. Then they saw us and stopped. What amazed me was that they hadn't realised we were there before as we were stood within 8ft of the van. I believe God made them blind, so we could see a small example of what they do. Later the husband of the washing line woman kept thanking us for being there otherwise they would have taken all of their possessions. I was so glad that our presence did do something.

So yeah thats my account from the day. A bit late but nevertheless I needed to mention it.
Please pray for all these street families, in particular for Jen Jen, Jessica and Joliann.
Thank you,
Emily xx

A tale of 2 days

2009-01-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

Hi all

The jetlag finally caught up with me yesterday, I got i'll and slept for 15 hours. I am Feeling better now though. Yesterday as you have read was a shock as we got an insight into the Justice system that is straining to cope with the enormous size of the problems, and lack of resources. I can't forget the sight of 40 boys locked up in a room no bigger than my front room for most of the day awaiting trial, some are there for up to two years. Being a dad to two teenage sons i think this has impacted me the most so far. I again ask the question where is Jesus in all this? In the dentention centre entrance there was a statue of Jesus in a glass case! Was this a picture of what was happening? Maybe, God's will is without doubt being resited by a structure and system that is not reflecting his values, of love, compassion, and care however Good will not be overcome even inside such a horrible place the power of God's love breaks through as people step out to make just a small difference. The kanglugan team are hoping to go to prison to run activity sessions in the centre.

Today by contrast has been refreshing visiting the Boys long term home, and a farm, where ex street boys were being given skills and accessing various courses. Without all of this in place those boys would probably be with the ones we saw yesterday.

Please pray for us a family It our wedding anniversary today so it is especially lonely esp for Jane.

Mark H

Lou again

2009-01-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
Found it hard to put the G in again a mo ago. also keep mixing up my f and d's as this keyboard has hardly any letters on so i apologise if there is some bad mistakes. Zac i can't wait to tell you all about it when we get back. Glad it's been fun at little fishes, i have missed you looking forward to a baby reuben cuddle, can't beleive i haven't had one yet. Heard the Big Whales curry night was good! I'm pretty sure everyone has wrote about today. so i will just thank you again for your support. Please pray for the Lads we met today, Gods got a plan for them, sol has a heart for them as we stood there in the middle of it all me, her and liz all welled up she said if only we has the resources. She really has genuine love for them, i'm beginning to understand why. It could have easily been any of us in these appalling situations. Thanks God that it isn't, but lets not forget those who are trapped in this beyond poverty, horrible mess. Love to you all.

Rest Day ... mostly

2009-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

You'll have seen from other posts what we've been up to today, so I won't repeat it here.
For me I had a haircut and a shave, all for 750 pesos (how many lotions did he put on me!!!) Very refreshing in all the heat!!!

Tomorrow we go to the farm, so that will be a full day so we probably won't be blogging till later

Thanks again

Mark A

Liz Elks (Marks sister!)

2009-01-29T06:35:00.000-08:00

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!

An afternoon off!

2009-01-29T02:14:00.000-08:00

Its difficult to express the journey over the last few days. I feel I have seen the enemy and known the presence of God in the middle of a fearful atmosphere. I have just written a long blog and cant believe it has just disappeared! God's love is at the centre of Kanlungan. I feel I am witnessing what it means to follow Jesus through the power of prayer and obedience to Him. The whole family of workers and children know the transformation of their lives, because of how they live. Jesus is the vine and they are so certainly attached to Him.
Pray for health for the team please.

from blog-shy Jen and Leta - both doing well!!

2009-01-29T01:57:00.000-08:00

Hello for the first time! I call this 'The land of Smiles' Everyone smiles whether it is the children who live on the streets, the shopkeeper, the children in the home, the fsmilies who live on the rubbish, everyone has a smile! Wonderful!
I am known by the children in Kanlugan and Laguna centre as Lola Leta (I can hear the laughter now) Lola means grandmother......Great respect is paid to older persons here and everytime we go out, a young man from the Kaloogan Centre looks after me - helps me off the escalator in the stores, takes me across the busy roads, and helps me down from the bus. All very nice.
Well Inge, before we set off, you prayed that I would have a taste of heaven and I have had that.
On Tuesday, we were treated to the most wonderful worship time with the children at Laguna Centre. I have never witnessed worship like it in my life Children from 8yrs-15 years whose lives have been marred and scarred by every form of abuse imaginable standing there just lost in worship! It's wonderful to see God transforming lives through the love of the people who work there it is truly miraculous! I was too choked to sing! Then 3 children sat round with each member of the team and prayed for us. Even though they prayed in their own language you didn't need to know what they were saying - you just knew thet God heard their heart requests.
So humbling and so uplifting!! One just marvels at the miraculous here in the change which is taking place in the lives of the children in these homes - prayer and the love of Jesus is at the heart of everything, and it is love that wins through in the end.
Monday, Tuesday and this morning were tough times!
Seeing children and whole families living on a gigantic rubbish dump which spread over acres.
I never thought I would live to witness such deprivation and abject poverty - the enormity of it is overwhelming find it hard to see that on the one hand and the great oppulence on the other
the gap is truly enormous...
we have seen small children as young as 5/6 sleeping on bits of cardboard or inside plastic piping, people whose homes are cardboard to lie on and an umbrella to shelter under!

We were invited by a lady to come into her home which was one room made from wood and corrugated iron 6ft by 6ft in which a family of 7 lived, ate slept and cooked. We prayed with her before we left as she was afraid that soon her house was to be bulldozed and she didn't know where she was going to go!

This morning was quite difficult when we went to a children's rescue centre and a centre for children who had been taken off the streets for a short time, only to be returned to the streets a week later! Doesn't make sense. Visited a centre for young boys who had committed crimes - like something out of a Dickens novel, but much worse - 20/25 young men and boys in a cell with nothing to do. Even they had a smile and loved to shake us by the hand....
Last night was great. Some of the street boys came to a park and did some break-dancing - they were amazing-double somersaults, balancing acts and any amount of gymnastic acheivements - all performed on hard concrete! No such thing as crash mats or spring boards, they were absolutely brilliant. After they had finished, they went 'home' to sleep somewhere on the streets!
THis week has been such a mixture of emotions - great heartache, deep sadness, anger at the injustice of things, feelings of helplessness and somewhat bewildered! But
there have been feelings of joy and delight, excitement, peace and love and seeing God at work in the lives of so many children - that what might seem impossible in the world eyes has been made possible when God is brought into the equation! Alleluia! We continue to thank God for the work done in Hid name and my prayer is that Christians can be in places of authority and decision making that there is compassion in the way government works in Manila.
Thanks for all the prayers and support - it means so much God bless you all back home
from Lola Leta with love

from blog-shy Jen and Leta - both doing well!!

2009-01-29T01:54:00.000-08:00

jen and leta are alive and well!

2009-01-29T01:50:00.000-08:00

2009-01-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks ....

Just be clear, the blog from last night was from Mark Herd and not from me. Don't want to take credit where its not due!!!

Yesterday was indeed a difficult day in many ways, and although I knew about the 'rescue' operations it was still difficult and traumatic to see one at first hand. That was not something I had experienced before on any of my previous visits.

This is a different sort of visit for me - I knew what to expect in seeing all the poverty and the work of Kanlungan in seeking to address it. But this is the first time I have led a team out here without going through all the culture shock experiences myself. So its really a learning point for me in helping others with what they are seeing. That's why its great having Ian & Malcolm here, as well as Mary & Mela who have also been before.

This morning they have gone off to the Reception Centre to see the place where the children where taken yesterday, while I have stayed behind to get up to date with some church work, so check back later to see their reactions!

Thanks again for your support and prayers. It really does make a difference.

MarkA

Where is Jesus in all this ?

2009-01-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

Hi to all,

It has been a difficult day for everyone, we spent the afternoon with the street ministry team, meeting the street families. Later in the afternoon the Government welfare agency came round in a big van and started rounding up the street children to take them to a detention centre where the would be separated from their friends and families for a couple of weeks, the group we were with started to hide, they were very scared and rightly so, several guys jumped of the van with thick bamboo canes in hand, and threw the washing people had hung up in the sewer and cut the lines, and were being very intimidating. however on seeing us there they backed of a bit and left the children alone. This apparently happens 2 or 3 times a week. They call this "Rescue". Where is Jesus in all of this injustice, squalor and poverty? He is the hands and hearts of the kanlungan team, reaching out with love,help, friendship and hope, and the life changing Gospel day in day out.He was in among the people in the shanty town we visited the morning. As we visited inside one of the houses which had a picture of Jesus hung on the wall the Lord spoke to me and said I am here look and you will see, look closely, draw near and you will see, we can all share in that as we support, pray and give without measure

Finding Jesus in all

Mark

Prayer requests
please pray for my family at home It is hard for them to be without me.
Pray for some of the team who were particular upset by today.

The world of Lou

2009-01-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

Hi all, really really please keep praying for us all. I think we are all really missing so many people and the things we are seeing and hearing are starting to impact, we can't help talking about how we respond! Thanks for all your comments as well it is good to read them. We had another interesting day. We saw some guys tonight and boy could they dance. The team we are working with are amazing, the people love them and so do we. The great thing is in it all there is so much to laugh about. I guess nothing i can write on here can begin to tell you how amazing it is in so many ways. There are huge highs and lows. Everyone else i'm sure will write about the details. Everyday is different but both nice and bad happy and sad, today at one point it was horrible you could feel the fear in the air. It got to us all i think. Anyways thanks for your support. Hope all is good back home, missing you all.

Mela and Mary have returned!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-28T06:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, well it really doesn't seem like a year since we were writing on this blog. In some ways it feels like we have never been away. Gods answered prayer and Mela is feeling much better . It was so good to see Sol and the Kanlungan family again ,especially the children. Things have changed in Malate and after getting evicted from their centre last year they now have a lovely house for the children. It was great to see the children so settled in there. God is Good. One of the highlights for us yesterday was seeing some of the girls that we got to know last year in Malate now settled in the long term residential home in Laguna (about an hour from the city)and going to school there. We visited the school and saw them in the classroom, they have come such a long way with alot of love from Kanlungan. They remembered us and even the stew minus dumplings we cooked for them!!!!
lots of love Mary and Mela
ps Hope Harry and Harley are being good
pps love to all at the Beacon we are praying for you all

What Can I Say???

2009-01-27T06:42:00.000-08:00

Just great to read some of my fellow bloggers comments here. I guess for me its just great to see the effect Kanlungan has had on me also being seen by the rest of the team.

Just also want to say thanks for all the families back home for letting us come out here. I think I am more aware than ever this time that without Helen, Michael & Zac's support I would not be able to do what I'm doing here. They are very much part of the team even if they are not here!!!!

You've seen from other blogs what we've been doing today. Tomorrow we go on the streets with the Street Education team. Check back for more news ...

Thanks for all your prayers and support.

MarkA

2009-01-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Hey!

Can I just say that I was wearing HUGE shades, that look like what celebs wear. The children are incredible and so talented. The amount of strength and determination they have and the love they show is wonderful. Anybody would be blessed to simply spend an hour with them.

Emily x

The light breaking into the darkness

2009-01-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hi to all

After a stop at the daycare project working with the railway community.We went to the the lagunna home today which is the place which children are settled after they have been off the streets in the kanlugan centre for 8 months or so. Which is about 1 Hours drive outside Manilla. We visited the school where the children go, Emily was mistaken for Britainy Spears on account of being blonde,([Adds a new slant to blonde jokes LOL :-)] the boys said she was beautiful but WENT very shy when we called her over to go into their class to the great humor of the rest of the grade 6 class.

At the home when the young people returned from school they did a presentation for us of singing and dancing which was just overwhelming to see how God's Power had changed their lives of brokeness, and abuse to wanting to acheive their true potential, living to Godly values and having love in their lives. TRUELY MIRACULOUS.

Before we left we joined with the children for evening devotion, I have never heard worship like it before. 30 Children and youngt people singing and praising their hearts out all of us were reduced to tears. The children then broke into groups of 5 and prayed for us!

Truely Humbled

Mark H

Liz Elks

2009-01-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

What an amazing day - a real conflict of emotions from seeing Gods love in action with the children at Kalunga to the abject poverty of the people on Smoky Mountain. The smell was indescribable and I can't believe that this is all these children know and without the work of people like Sol they will never break out of this cycle of poverty and squalor.
On the other hand the mall of Asia is more opulent than anything we have at home - and yet is only 20 minutes way.
Other interesting experiences!! Vegetables which tasted of fish!! Beef stew which i THINK was beef! Meeting the wonderful children and seeing Lou being chatted up by a smoky mountain dweller!!
Liz

Lou's first day

2009-01-26T07:04:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, we've had a fantastic couple of days! Today was very interesting to put it mildly, gives you heaps to think about that is for sure. I'm not even going to begin to go into Lou's thinking. We have met so many amazing people and i have had so much to laugh about, high lights were going to the new house and having such an amazing welcome, Mark A having to shake some ones snotty hand and Mark H's near explosion.

2009-01-26T07:04:00.000-08:00

You know you have got nothing when you have to live on a rubbish dump to sift through tons of rubbish to recycle cans, paper plastic and metal... and you know you have everything when you can walk though the biggest shopping centre in asia and eat an amazing meal, buy donuts and even get a laptop for 200 pounds all withing 20 minutes of one another. That has been the extremes of the day . In the middle of all that Kanlungan childrens project does an amazing work bringing hope to the abandoned, the abused and the forgotton. To hear the children singing about Jesus in the centre was just overwhelming to see the power of God changing a childs life from hopelessness to a future. The Gospel in action.

PS Don't eat philipino chili's they are extreme even for a spicey fiend like me.

Love to all

mark H

Arrival & First Day

2009-01-26T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hi there!!!

Sorry that it has taken a while to get onto here. The Internet Cafe I used to use has closed down, so its been a bit tricky. Still have managed to find another one now so hopefully we'll get things going!!!

Flight was long but uneventful. Kuwait Airways looked after us well. We arrived 4:00 yesterdaye afternoon, met by Ate Sol and other friends from Kanlungan. It was great to see them all again. Got to the Shalom at about 6pm, showered and then out for a meal at TGI Fridays's!!!

Today has been busy - in our morning devotions we looked at the passage from Ephesians 6 - using the armour of God!!! Then onto the Drop-in Centre and Office, an introduction to Kanlungan to those who had not been before and an opportunity to see more friends for those who had.

Then it was on to the New House!!! And what a great place it is - so much lighter than the old centre. It really is a blessing from God. We enjoyed the Children's presentation and then did a small one of our own (well done Mark H for the puppet!!!). Lunch followed and then we left for Smokey Mountain. Difficult to know what to say at this point!!! I'll encourage some of the other team members to blog their thoughts later.

Back at the hotel now and getting ready for a trip to the Mall of Asia.

Please ket us have your comments - its great to hear from you.

Yours

MarkA

2009-01-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Bags are packed, goodbyes said and work loose ends tied up, so I guess i must be ready. Not sure what to expect only that the Lord will be there as he is here, so looking forward to the adventure ahead. Please pray for my family that they don't miss me too much.

Blessings

Mark.h

ready to go!!!

2009-01-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Well it won't be long now and I am excited and really looking forward to seeing everyone again. Just finished a busy session at the Beacon and said my goodbye's, I will miss everyone but I know from last year once you get there the time just flies! Looking forward to going out with a great team and I am sure God is going to bless us plenty and hopefully we will be a blessing to the Kanlungan family
Mary

2 days to go!!!

2009-01-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

2 days to go ... and last minute preparations are well under why (except that I'm still on a course in Sheffield!!!)

Still, I know that once I leave here tomorrow (Friday) things are going to happen very fast!!!

We are planning to leave Mansfield at 3am on Saturday morning, then its a 4 hour check in at Heathrow and we take off at 10:30am

Our flight schedule is as follows (UK times in brackets):

Depart Heathrow 10:30

Arrive Kuwait 19:35 (16:35)

Flight KU0104

Depart Kuwait 23:55 (20:55)

Arrive Manila - Sunday 16:10 (8:10)

Flight KU0411

Manila is 8 hours ahead of UK time and you can track the flights on the Kuwait Airways website

Please pray for the team as we prepare to go, and check back because I have asked them to post their own thoughts about going.

For me - my current thought is that I want to get on with it!!! Really looking forward to seeing everyone there again. Really looking forward to coming together as a team from our different places. Really NOT looking forward to the flights!

Please do check back during the trip - I will try and update every day, including on Sunday night when we arrive. Also please do leave your comments. They really are an encouragement!!!

Many thanks for your support

Mark

Streetlight Visit 2009

2009-01-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

14 days to go and its almost time for the Streetlight Visit to Kanlungan for 2009.

Its a new team going out this time, with 7 people visiting for the first time and 4 of us on return visits.

We fly out on Saturday 24th January from Heathrow with Kuwait Airways. So, at the moment we're getting all those last minute things done - changing money, getting travel injections, insurance, getting the itinerary sorted out and all that stuff.

So, please keep an eye on this blog - we'll update it again before we leave with details of all the team members and details about our flights.

Plus ... we have some good news from Kanlungan, they have put down a deposit on a new house to replace the Malate Centre in the centre of the city, and they should be moved in by the time we arrive.

And finally ... we now have the ability to donate to Streetlight on-line, go to the giving page on the Streetlight Website and follow the link there.

So ... watch this space!

Mark

Thank you

2008-04-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Friday 18th...
Firstly I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has prayed for us, supported us and read and commented on the blog. It has made such a difference to us all to know that people have been praying for us.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the team that came out to the Philippines with me. I know it takes a huge commitment to undertake this kind of journey, not just individually but also from the families left behind, and I wish to pay tribute to everyone for their servant-heartedness, non-judgemental attitude, their grace and the love they shared with both the children, street families and staff of Kanlungan. You were all a huge support to myself, and a wonderful blessing to Kanlungan. Thank you.
Ian H

We're back!

2008-04-18T02:52:00.000-07:00

Just to say, we've returned safely after a gruelling 30+ hour journey! We've had a wonderful time; our heartfelt thanks go to Sol and her staff for looking after us and providing us with the opportunities to see so many things.
Two days later, I am finding it hard to process all that we have seen, but I am full of admiration for the work that Sol and the staff do. So many young lives are being changed, thanks to them. The staff and children are so grateful for the support of Streetlight and without the funding, very little of what we saw could be possible.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Kath xx

Our last night in Manila

2008-04-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Monday 14th April
We've had visits to the Child Protection Unit, and two detention centres. If a child is found to be 'at risk' they are referred to this protection unit. The same thing exists in England, except 30 million children here are 'at risk'. Very few actually go through the correct process. We also were shown where families are detained after street clean-ups. Once in the centre, they are segregated. Another centre housed youths awaiting trial. All very sad places.
We did however, have a fun time on our last evening. We took the Malate Centre staff to a Chinese meal then saw a dance show at a nearby Filipino restaurant. The dancing girls spotted the talent in the restaurant and Ian, Simon, Tim Bustin, Chris, Katy and Becca all wiggled their hips on stage. We even had Ian and Simon doing the hula dance in grass skirts and bikini tops. Photo not provided....for obvious reasons!!! (Its' far too funny for a blog like this!)
Tomorrow we will buy some musical instruments for the Malate centre and also look for a birthday present for one of the boys who will turn 17 tomorrow. We fly at 11.15 tomorrow night.
See you soon
love from Mrs K , Miss AK and Miss B x

Sunday and a bit of Monday

2008-04-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all, Tim B here! Just to keep you up to date with our movements: we went to Cathedral of Praise church yesterday, a very big pentecostal church. The pastor was Ian's long lost brother, with a funky shirt, and you know, was a man of 'substance'. Great worship, but Ian's brother started to wind us up a bit, by asking us to repeat everything he said, to the person sat next to us. Can't see it catching on at St Mary's!
We then went out for lunch, and then to a handicrafts shop. The team swarmed all over it like locusts, buying presents for lots of you lovely people! A few of us went out walking with Ruel the street educator, and some went to visit BMS, a school run by Sol's Sister. This morning we had 'devotions' with the staff at the Malate centre, with a word from Pastor Flipflop. We loved worshipping together, and had a really precious time. On a quick lunch break now, before we head off to the court, and detention centre. (Its OK, just a visit, not a permanent stay.) Love to all, Pastor Flipflop

TIM'S UPDATE

2008-04-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

Its Tim May, just giving you my perspective on the trip so far. Well, this has got to have been the most moving experience in my life to date !! The Kanlungan team are are the most dedicated and servant-hearted people I have ever met. What they give to these children is basically their whole life and more, and it shows in the kids.

The children are amazing, so loving and thankful to everyone they meet. Each one of them melts your heart and makes you feel so proud to have met and interacted with them, even if only for a short time. Its so easy to get tied up in the emotions of whats going on, yet very hard not to.

Today was so uplifting, to see all the kids come together and have loads of fun and a great day out. Near the end of the day we had some great worship time, during a couple of the songs I just stood and watched the kids worshiping. Boy do they know how to lose themselves in worship !! Looking around at them and watching the expressions on their faces as they lost themselves in worshiping god was so moving.

This day has been one of the most heart warming days so far. Not to mention head warming as I got sunburn on my head after spending about 4 hours in the pool without a hat on. I might regret that tomorrow lol.

Anyway will bring plenty more stories back along with some amazing pics !

Bye for now

Tim

Graduation and swimming

2008-04-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone
I'll fill you in on the last couple of days. Yesterday we had a visit to a beautiful training centre to art camp graduation. 15 boys from the centres attended an art camp and received certificates and displayed their art work. We had a tedious journey (nearly 2 hours there and 2 hours back) in a jeepney and the pollution was very bad.
Today over 100 children from all the centres and those literally living on the street had their annual trip to the swimming 'park'. It was very special. Over 30 inflatables were purchased at a nearby shop and the kids had a fab time using these and having water fights with some water guns we also bought. If you look closely at the picture you can see Lito, the driver, fixing the lilos on the roof of the vehicle owned by the Malate centre. Can you see Malcolm through the back window? Pastor Tim is now known as Pastor Flipflop. Ask him why when you next see him!
Hope you are all well.
Kath and the gang

The Farm/Jungle/Plantation...

2008-04-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hi beautiful people! It's Katy here. Yesterday we visited the plantation owned by Kanlungan (2 hours away from Manila). There was much debate amongst the group as to whether it is a farm or a jungle. When you see the photos you can decide for yourself! It's run by the teenage boys too old to stay in the Malate centre. It's the most amazing place! They harvest coconuts, pineapples, pepper, coffee, bananas, mangoes and Jack fruit. The boys used to have to stay in tents but now have a small building to sleep in. Simon was brave enough to spend the night there with them. I'm happy to say he survived his night in the wilderness and rejoined the rest of us today in one piece. When we'd finished sampling the farm's fruit we found a waterfall deep in the 'jungle' and some of us jumped in for a dip! Nigel wound me and Becca up for ages by telling us that we'll probably get dissentry from the water...we seem okay today though!

I am proud to take full credit for inventing a successful Jeepney time-passing game on the way home. It involves a mexian wave of our hands grabbing the handrail then being released in sequence - hours of fun!! Chris also created Banana Man and two talking Mafia Pineapples to keep us all entertained. I'll try and get some photos so you can experience the fruit people too! ;)

If you want to know more about Angeles City:

2008-04-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

I've just found an interesting artice about a British bloke who is one of the bar owners in Angeles city. It makes pretty grim reading...
Click on this:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20040628/ai_n12793921/pg_1

Trip to Angeles City

2008-04-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Dear all, Tim B here! I thought I'd write as bit to tell you about the trip that myself, Ian and Sol took to Angeles City a couple of days ago. We went to Angeles City, (1 and a 1/2 hours north of Manila) to visit the Renew Foundation. It was set up by 2 English guys, including a friend of mine from theological college. The foundation works with women in the sex industry. The R of Renew stands for ' recover', the E, for 'empower', the N for 'network', and the EW stands for 'employment for women'. There was a massive US airforce base in the city until a few years ago, meaning a thriving prostitution industry. Renew told us that there are at least 12, 000 registered sex workers in the city and many more who are unregistered. There is a 3 KM strip of bars and clubs, called Fields avenue which is just a horrific place. I mean absolutely horrible. The whole city is based upon the industry. There were lots of middle aged white men walking round the city either on their own, or looking for sex. It was SO overt... In the picture we see Paulo, one of the founders, talking with Sol from Kanlungan.

There were boys walking the streets selling viagra. The police and local mayor are in on the act, even though they deny anything is wrong. The chief of police has been seen frequenting brothels.

Many of the girls are trafficked from villages in the south of the Philippines. Renew have done research, asking the prostitutes here they came from: A very large number came from only 3 small villages, many trafficked by the police, at a very young age. Some girls are 'bonded' and have to pay off debts, sometimes their own, sometimes their families. Renew have recently bought one girl who was attending the foundation out from her debt, which was only 35 pounds. Incredible.

They had a great new centre staffed by social workers and health workers. Classes are given there to offer the women a skill, that they make some money, on coming out of prostitution. There are dormitaries for the women and their children (they are often single Mums). The social workers walk the streets at night making contact with the sex workers.

To finish: In the context of a huge, deceitful and exploitative industry, this quote I saw in the centre speaks very powerfully:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

It was a really helpful day for all. Renew and Kanlungan are networking, and discussing the possibility of referal's between centres.

If you want to know more, let me know. Love to you all!

They saw us coming!

2008-04-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Can you spot the tourists? Lovely hats, don't you think? - only 50 pounds, no sorry 50 pesos each - worth every penny. And do you know what? We will bring them home for you!
We were on the way to the Kanlungan farm which was about 2 hours away from the middle of Manila.
We all send our love.
Bye for now
Kath and everyone xx

10th April 2008

2008-04-10T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone its Marie. Missing you all back home . After a heartbreaking few days of seeing children living in extreme poverty either alone or with their families, we are now being shown some of the positive results of the great work being done to improve the quality of lives of some of the children out here. It has been fantastic to witness the children enjoying time at the various centres . The staff here are extremely hardworking and determined to make a difference for these children. Thank you to all those who sponsored me before I came out. It has been great to see for myself who we are going to be helping and to know that funds will be an enormous help to them.
Today we were fortunate enough to have a coffee on a terrace overlooking a volcano. It was on the way to the older boys home and the farm, which is located in a remote area resembling a jungle(although this was a hot subject of debate amongst the team!) 8 boys stay at the farm growing various crops including coconuts, coffee and bananas. A very adventurous Simon has agreed to stay overnight at the farm with 4 boys and a member of staff. An incredible experience I am sure and made more interesting by the remoteness of the farm and the language difficulties as none of the speak much english! Anyway bye for now. Marie

Spam Comments

2008-04-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

Dear All

Please be aware that we are picking up some 'spam' comments on the Blog that invite you to click on a link to somewhere else.
I have deleted the ones we have had so far and will continue to do so, but please just ignore them if you see anymore!

Great to hear what's going on and please continue to pray!

Thanks

Mark

2008-04-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Today we have had Ian and Tim frightening the children with their disco dancing. Beccy and Kaye, when you were courting, you must have thought at those discos, 'I've never set eyes on this man before'. I would have done.
We were at the Tunasan centre. The children come in daily for education and care, many living along the railway track. We were invited into one two roomed house there, where 20 people lived. These have not been the worst conditions we have seen by any means.
It's Tim's birthday today and we have had a karaoke evening at the Claypot. Tim is definitel Karaoke King.
Tomorrow we go to the farm. Hope you are all well back home. We are fine, except Tim Bustin's sinuses are playing up. Bye for now, Kath and co.