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