The Philippines. I have embarked on an adventure into this beautiful country of contrasts. The Mall of Asia, packed with people, Western shops, and fast food. The mountainous tropics of Rehoboth, graced by frequent rain and lush green trees. Comparisons of this sort can be made everywhere in the Philippines. I suppose there are also differences between Melbourne and a small rural town in central Victoria. But perhaps it is the developing world which illustrates these conflicts most clearly.
A day in Manila on arrival was very enjoyable. Perhaps it was also a helpful transition for the team as we adjusted to a new country and a new way of life. The traffic is a highlight. Driving on the other side of the road, with no rules whatsoever. The horn is not primarily a means of road rage and frustration, as in Australia, but rather a friendly and constant sound to suggest "I'm right here, tailgating you, and about to overtake in most dangerous fashion." Another intriguing thing about the Philippines is alchohol. I haven't observed local drinking habits, but the supermarkets tell an interesting story. Beer and Cruisers are sold right next to Coke. A can of beer can be purchased for as little as 40 cents. I suspect the drinking age of 18 is not strictly enforced.
Our resort in Manila was very pleasant. Costing about $35 a night each, we were well looked after. We enjoyed a pool, a nice central location, and queen-sized beds all round. Thursday morning, two "Jip-knees" (unsure of the spelling; that is the literal pronunciation), came to pick us up for the three hour drive to Rehoboth Orphanage. It was exhilerating. Traffic was intense, but our driver was quite safe. The scenery was amazing. We drove from the stale polution of Manila into suburbs of piled rubbish and crowded street markets. Then we moved towards the mountains, passing hundreds of acres of fields, soaked in water for crops.
Rehoboth Orphanage itself is quite elevated and tropical. Everything is green, and there are huge trees everywhere, including some coconut and banana trees. The facilities for the orphanage are being expanded at the moment. There is a dormitory and living area for approximately 24 children. I think they are aged between about 4 and 12. Then there is the baby building, accomodating about 6 adorable little monkeys (Filipino bubbies), the youngest being 7 months old. There is another house for the American couple in charge of administration (with their own three adopted girls, all 16 yo), a new medical centre that is not yet open, and a big new house being built for the babies.
Each day, we play with the kids between about 3:00 and 5:00. This includes many energetic antics, little cuddles, and ball games. The toys, balloons, and lollies that we have given them are very well received. Other parts of time here will include some manual labour, including some painting of the almost-finished medical centre (to service the community), and some foundational work for a new aquaponics system. We are also planning food hampers for the Mamas (many of whom have their own families also and are very poor), and some craft activities for the kids. Tomorrow we are taking them all down the road to a local swimming pool... I suspect it will be a lot of fun. There are so many other things I could write. So many details about the staff (a strong American presence), the accomodation, and the meals (traditional food [mostly chicken dishes with rice] cooked for us). But that can wait for another time.
One note, especially for my mother back home... you probably shouldn't come here! Your heart will be torn by these adorable kids, cheeky smiles, and troubled backgrounds. The orphanage operates with the intention of each child being adopted. As a result, there is always a loaded expectancy and excitement when White people walk through the gate. Some kids eagerly show us photo albums, filled with pictures of American families who will come and pick them up in the next few months. They stare at pictures of their new bedroom, the toys, their siblings, and the TV... and they point lovingly at their new parents and say "Mummy and Daddy". I'm not the kind of twenty-year-old guy who itches to be a father... but this place certainly tugs at your heart strings. Some of the older mothers in our team are finding it hard I think. So... don't come here unless you want to reconsider your future!
Perhaps I should sign out now. There is so much to say... but it will have to wait. The team are doing well. There are some migraines and general weariness, but we cannot complain. God is good.
(Photos are coming asap, but this computer is not behaving and I need some sleep.)
