Will you kindly turn that light off? It's pitch black outside and I feel like I only just got to sleep. It's 2am you say? So I did only just go to sleep. What? We're leaving now? Whose mad idea was that?
So began day 3. It's not all bad though. There's nothing like hooning through Manila in the wee hours without any headlights on your vehicle. The new airport is a fantastic improvement on the old domestic terminal, and we were on our way to Mindanao well before sun-up.
The eastern sky turned a brilliant red as the sun rose, and we landed soon after. A couple of complete strangers decided to jump into a group photo on the runway, proving that Cagayan De Oro really is "The City of Golden Friendship". Then it was off to the Australian Embassy for some McMuffins and strong coffee. The drive up to Malaybalay was a pleasant one, and this time no-one had to inspect the inside of a paper bag. The locals are very friendly here in the Philippines, with lots of people honking and waving at the westeners taking in the sights.
We arrived at the campsite/ orphanage mid-morning, and it has changed a lot in the 9 months since the author's last visit.
Jeff has big plans for the team to finish installing the block walls in units 3 & 4, and to get the wiring finished in the same. No pressure guys. Oh, you've never done a bricklaying apprenticeship? Well it can't be that hard. The team spent some of the afternoon looking after the kids while Jeff had a meeting with various people who are involved in the Mindanao kid
s home, and then got stuck into building the first wall. It's kinda straight.
After a gruelling afternoons work it was off to a favourite restaurant for chicken on a stick. It tastes great, and the best thing is that if it has wings, you know it's not a dog.
7 comments:
Glad to hear that all is going well! Nothing wrong with a curved wall some of the great buildings in history had curved walls.
Sounds like you had an amazing and eye opening time at the prison Dad :)
What no dog now that would be a cultural experience...
Take Care & Love ya,
Michelle, David & Joshua
Hi Paul,
Good to hear that the building has really progressed since you were there last. Glad everyone made the trip down to Malaybalay without vomiting unlike Aaron (the big softie). How is everyone holding up?
Greg.
Hey did you see gummy at the prison? tell the tooth.
Pottsey
Hey Rob, nice to know you made it there smoothly. You guys have done alot of flying. Im glad your posting these photos its very interesting to actually get visuals on it all. It sounds like your having an interesting time, we are so proud of what you guys are doing. The prison would have been interesting to experience. I am enjoying my time ( and emma) at "Castle Woodward" as mum would like to put it. Had a fun ride on the lawnmowers today haha :P Anyway nice to know your all safe and well. Hope to speak soon
Take care, Stephen
Bethanie says,"Hi Dad, Emma and Stephen came over and had fun doing some mower races. Emma just painted my nails. My fingernails are pink and my toenails are purple... wish you could see! Love you lots xxxooo
Emma says:
Well done Rob, and the rest of the team, it is excellent to know that you have arrived safely, and from the sounds of it you are all enjoying yourselves. We are all praying for your safe return. Rob- your kids are very well behaved. (: (Jodie is too!!!)
We miss you, take care!!
Emma xo
Hi Guys,
Glad to hear you're all travelling well. It's good to see the photos of the 'slab' and the changes that have occurred. The brick laying sounds interesting, no time like the present to learn how to do it!
Take care,
Aaron & Allison
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