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
Saturday, January 31, 2009
A happier note...a day full of love
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
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
Friday, January 30, 2009
Hey again.
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
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
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
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
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Lou again
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.
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
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
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
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