A Hot Day!

Its been very hot here today ... but its been another immensely rewarding day.

Began with a walk down to the Malate Centre, a five minute walk from the hotel across one of the craziest road junctions I have ever seen! The noise, the smell, the smog, the heat makes for an extraordinary mix ... but its such a buzz being there!

Then a car ride to the Tunasan Centre, a day care centre that works with many children who live on the side of the railway line. One little girl is blind and needs a cataract operation - it will be mostly funded by another Kanlungan partner - but there was a shortfall and Streetlight has been able to bridge the gap so that the operation can now go ahead.

Then on to the Laguna Residential Centre for an excellent lunch. I went to see the new Boys' home, where boys' over 12 are transferred so that it is easier for the girls in the main house. Many games of Connect 4 with the children - one boy was simply unbeatable!!!

Then back to the Malate Centre in the centre of Manila where I showed Ate Sol (who runs Kanlungan) this blog. This led to a discussion about how Kanlungan communicates with its supporters - and (to cut a long story short), she now has a blog!!! We haven't got anything on it yet, so I can't give you the URL yet, but when its up and running (hopefully tomorrow) you will be able to keep in touch with what is going on at Kanlungan directly!!!

Tomorrow we go to the Farm, which I'm really looking forward to.

Final thought - I think one of the things that ha simpressed me most on this visit is the individual care and attention that every child who comes into contact with Kanlungan receives. 'Every Child Matters' is often a terrible cliche - at Kanlungan its true.

Look forward to hearing from you - it really is great to see your comments.

Mark