On the bus on our way home!!

Manila airport - 2 1/2 hours to spare

Day Thirteen

We rose this morning and celebrated mass with the Brothers of Manila followed by a sumptuous breakfast. We commenced this morning working in the Apostulate, shaving the men and cleaning the children's section upstairs. 

This was followed by a visit to three families' homes in the local area that the Brothers support. This was a confronting experience to say the least. We thought visiting the dump site was difficult but nothing could have prepared us for what we saw today regarding their living conditions. Yet again we were amazed by their humility and welcome, something we will never forget. 

This afternoon the brothers treated us to an afternoon of competition. The stakes were high but volleyball was the eventual winner. There was some conjecture about Fr Damian's scoring so he retired and the stand in ref took over (me). After 5minutes they were calling for the return of Father.

All that awaits is the rosary, dinner and battling traffic to the airport.

Day Twelve - by Christine

We knew our departure from the Brothers at Naga was going to be difficult. The emotions of the week and a half spent there seemed to be heightened by the realisation that we were saying goodbye to brothers that had made our stay there so memorable. Last night we shared a meal and someextremely  entertaining games with them. We shared our journey and celebrated our time together. 

The brothers sent us off with a blessing after mass and we in turn reciprocated with our version of the Irish Blessing. Tears fell and hugs were exchanged and then we were off, until a little way down the road Father realised he had forgotten the passports and we had to return and thankfully not start the process again.

Our flight to Manila was fairly uneventful except for the moment we hit turbulence and the plane fell ever so quickly. Half the the team were thrilled, the other praying Hail Marys. On the way to the Manila Monastery the team were amazed again by the local traffic and the havoc in the streets. Once at the monastery we were introduced to the brothers and given a tour of where we would be spending the next two days. The afternoon consisted of spending time with the children and men in the apostolate. 

We are slowly realising that our time in The Philippines is coming to an end and that the journey we've been on together will be over. 

No one will miss the lack of sleep but there is very little else that we will not miss.

Goodbye Naga

Day 11 The presentation of the Our Lady is Lourdes Plaque to the families

Day 11 - morning at the Apostolate

Day 11 - Apostolate

Day 11 - kindergarten visit

Day 11 - Games with brothers

Day Eleven - by Fr D

The last day in Naga has come around very quickly. 

This morning was similar to yesterday, after prayers and breakfast, half of the group headed off to the Apostolate while the other half visited the brothers' kindergarten. The latter group went armed with bagful a of small gifts and made the kids' day. The others set to work in the Apostolate, playing with children, caring for women or exercising with the men. I have insisted that the video of me trying Zumba is to be deleted!

Leaving the apostolate was very hard for most - there was a real sadness at the goodbyes. The youngsters made sure they visited each area to say farewell.

Immediately after lunch, the group headed to the building site to see the progress of the house and to give the owner, one of the volunteers at the apostolate, an icon of Our Lady of Lourdes. Again, they were armed with gifts for the children of the area. They had also purchased two bags of cement to assist one of the women around the corner to redo her floor and keep her and her child dry.

After prayers, the team set to playing games with the brothers... This equates to being absolutely flogged at both soccer and volleyball.

This evening, we have supper with the brothers and then a games night. This will be a highlight.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Day 10 at the Apostolate

"

Day Ten by Jess and Andrew

So the day kicked off with a 5:45 rise followed by a 6:30 mass. Throughout the day the work consisted of spending time in the residences of the Apostolate. 

We were spilt into three separate groups that were assigned to different sections of the Apostolate. However we were later informed that a small group had to go and greet the children of the kindergarten down the road. The team handed out gifts and toys to the children, seeing the smiles made the day of all the students that went there. The children also sung to the team and handed out ribbons with flowers on the end. 

Meanwhile, my small team. That consisted of Jaiden, Tom, Shantelle, Tony, Father Damian and me (Jessica), were assigned to the men's section. The men of the group went around and shaved and cleaned the residents. While I got out my bag of goodies and played dominos and took photos with them. We had to dish out lunch and help the brothers clean up. By the time 11:30 came round, we went back and had lunch. Returning to the Apostolate, we were all involved in the cleaning and bathing of the children at the Apostolate. Seeing the joy and happiness of some and others just chilling and even sleeping throughout washing process. After, my group went to the Ladies section and made bracelets and rings. Then returning back to the compound for evening prayer and a walk around rosary. To end a brilliant and fulfilling day. 

-Jessica

My group, on the other hand, was made up by Kaid, Georgia, Rosie, Christine and me (Andrew). Our morning involved feeding and simply spending time with the children. With many of the children having varying levels of disabilities, it was very rewarding to witness the smiles and joy that we caused. Overall, the time spent with the children was very enjoyable, and many fresh new experiences were had even at such a late stage of the trip.

~Andrew

Brother from another mother

Filipino Matthew Timms

Day 10 At the Kindy

Day 9 at the spa pools

Day 9 Mass at the Apostulate

Day Nine - by Fr D

The whole group was very delighted to be able to sleep in today. They really needed it.

At around 9am, we headed down to the Apostolate and helped to get the men and children ready for Mass. It was lovely to see our children take such beautiful care of the little ones. They sat with them for twenty minutes before Mass and throughout the celebration. We had also learned some hymns last night and were really able to participate in the singing.

I discovered an hour before that I would be preaching. Nothing like a bit of notice for preparation. I tried my best, even though very few really understand English.

At the end of Mass, the group was invited forward. Christine spoke some words of thanks for the hospitality and smiles we had received throughout the week. The group then attempted to sing Here I Am Lord. The congregation was very kind in showing appreciation. Brother Lawrence and the other brothers sang a beautiful blessing over us.

After Mass, we headed to the thermal baths for lunch and relaxation. It was a most relaxing afternoon, going from hot baths to cold. The kids had a blast and were really grateful for the time.

We are now heading out to dinner for more relax.

Day Eight - by Rosie and Shantelle

Today started with the usual 5:45 (6:00am brother time) wake up for a mass at 6:15 (6:30am brother time). After morning mass we enjoyed a nice meal of rice (yet again), scrambled eggs, sausages and fruit. 

It was now time to fill the van with 300+ packed meal bags. The bags consisted of rice and canned soup. These bags were then distributed at Balatas (township near the dump). Many smiles and high fives were given throughout the distribution. Everyone here, young and old were so happy and friendly, never a sad face to be seen. Our stomachs were now grumbling and it was time to head back to the Monastery for lunch. Yes, you guessed it another meal of rice was served. 

In the afternoon the brothers took us on a tour around the city. We visited the Cathedral and the Basilica. The Basilica was adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and the statue of the Lady of Penafrancia. After this we experienced the markets in the City of Naga, we were given 30 minutes to go exploring. The streets were packed and the traffic was buzzing. The girls even managed to come across a McDonalds. 

Our next stop was the Cathedral. The Cathedral was built approximately 400 years ago and was definitely a sight to see. The altar was covered in fresh flowers and the roof was painted in stunning patterns and designs. 

Big thanks to Father Damian who treated us all with an ice cream after a wonderful day of new and exciting adventures. There is never a minute to be wasted with always something to do or go and see. Out time here is flying by and will come to an end sooner then we would like.

By Shantellelle and Rosie.                                 

Day 8 Distribution of food packages

Day 8 City Tour