Day 9

Dear Parents/Friends & Supporters,

Rise and shine at the break of dawn. Breakfast was at 7am and as usual the food did not disappoint. We split into our groups and set off on our first rotations of the day! Group 1, kicked off their shoes and slipped into the mud as they built rice paddies, ploughed with a Caribou and of course a mud fight broke out, leaving half the group unrecognisable. The work wasn't just fun and games; the reality of the work was harsh as we learnt what the Filipino farmers experience on a daily basis. The average farmer works for 8 hours a day, in the scorching sun and earn only 150 peso which is roughly $3.75. This amount is only seasonal and to pay bills, feed large families and provides money for the children to go to school.  Our group only worked in the fields for 2 hours which would've earned us around 95 cents.

Group 2 were busy in the bakery, rolling dough into various shapes, cooking the bread bagging it and then selling it at the local markets. This consisted of the group chanting “Panasal” and “Tinapay” The bread was sold in bundles of 6 for 25 peso which is the equivalent to 75 cents, yet for many Filipinos this cost would still put a dent in the family budget.

Group 3 where teaching at the local school today. The group had to run two different sessions with the first being teaching children aged 3-5 and the second being teaching grade sixes.  The night before group 3 had stayed up till 10:30pm planning, organising and preparing for the two hours of teaching that laid ahead of them the next day.  After walking to the local church, which is also the pre-primary class room, we were greeted by around 40 adorable children that did a dance for us.

After playing some games, teaching them some songs, playing with balloons and bubbles it was time for ground three to move on after a very successful hour of teaching. If that is what you would call it. Group three then split up into three groups of three and went to the three grade six class rooms with approximately 45 students in each for another hour of teaching. After some songs, plays, games, dot to dots and colouring in, it was finally time to say good bye and go back to the mansion for lunch.

After lunch and ice cream, everyone changed into their flour bag shorts for the first time and piled onto the bus. Upon arriving back at the IRC, we got briefed on what to paint, how to paint and received our items which to paint with. We almost finished the whole first coat of the large two story orphanage in three hours.

After an enduring three hours of painting we went to the spring, and washed our clothes amongst the beautiful scenery. The water was cool and refreshing and the team saw the opportunity to have natural showers under the waterfalls.  After that it was time for a quick dip in the water which sparkled in the sun. We clambered out the water, over the slippery rocks and trudged onto the bus still dripping wet.

We arrived at the guest house, had a quick wardrobe change and then indulged in a delicious feast. The dessert was the talk of the night. It was a biscuit and cream cake which left us all craving for more.  But sadly we ate it all as quick as we got it, and there was not a drop left on any plates.

Our night activity consisted of tradition Filipino martial arts which in-cooperated the use of wooden sticks. We were taught how to attack as well as defend in a systematic motion which demanded a lot of coordination which a few of us lacked. The trainers were extremely patient and were dedicated to teaching all of us the art.  After a long day we were all keen to return back to the house and have a good night’s sleep.

We would like to take this opportunity to send our deepest condolences to the Pitman family, who are mourning the death of a beloved grandmother. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Georgina: Like to have a big shout out to my Mum, love and miss you heaps and looking forward to telling you a bundle of stories when I come home!

Tanika: I miss everyone and hope Bree went well in her exams and that Dad has a good birthday, I can’t wait to come home and see everyone, you better get ready for all the stories and memories that I am going to share with you! Love your Mum, Dad, Bree and Kody.