Day 12

WOW!
Just when you think that we can't fit any more into a day we have pulled off another day that was the most packed day of the trip so far. After the evening basketball game of last night, the boys finally got their reward for being totally awesome. The sore muscles of each of the non-leader boys came under the care of some of the local ladies in the same room that the beauty therapy (whatever that is??) happened earlier in the day. All the soreness and tension of racing around for almost 2 weeks was massaged out of the boys. ( I just thought you should all know that the boys were looked after 'cause that is important to all of you )

Today started at 6 am for many of the ladies and the usual 7 am for the fellas. (your students are now well skilled at rising early so you should expect it on their return) We were expecting a container to arrive at 6 am and we needed to load it but as it didn't arrive at all in the day the boys took the opportunity to grab a few more minutes. We had the usual amazing breakfast of eggs and fruit. We needed to get into our basketball uniforms (some very fruity smells were following a few after their game last night). The team went through all their stuff to find gear that they could donate to the container that we were waiting for so we could send it off to south Philippines. The scene was of the whole team tearing about with arms of personal stuff, some were packing, some were still waking up others were catching up with kids and others from the ministry centre, I'm going to miss that scene.

At 8.30 the girls grabbed the beads, nail polish, make-up, soap and a guitar and headed off to the local ladies prison; the boys grabbed a basketball and a guitar (plus some muesli bars) and headed off to the prison we were booted from earlier in the week. At the women's prison the girls introduced themselves to all and then were welcomed wholeheartedly by the spokeswoman of the inmates. They were then treated to an awesome worship session that they got sing together with the ladies. Mrs Scrivener shared a testimony and then we got down into the nitty-gritty of secret women's business - nails, make and jewellery!! It was such a lovely time and each of our girls can share the fantastic conversations that took place in that 60 minute session. Thanks to Rolly who found out what the women needed before we went (hence the soap bars). There was a request from all the women that there would be more frequent future visits. We have forwarded that request. At the guys prison we were all checked through to the court that we were rushed off from earlier. This time we had a permit, and in the Philippines permits make things happen. An amazing game of basketball was had and after a see-sawing game the final siren sounded with a 84-84 score line, very fitting. At half time in the game the guys introduced themselves with shouts of fun when Sebastian (aka today's Justin Beiber) said hi with great delivery and timing. We sang Lord I lift Your Name on High, a song that all the inmates knew so our voices were helped by the whole crowd. Pastor Pete shared a short encouragement to lift the spirits of these amazing guys, we all felt very privileged to have the experience.

Both teams met back at the Ministry Centre and presented Jeff and Colene Long with a certificate and some ACC coffee mugs to them. We also presented Josh with a certificate and mug for his excellent skills in basketball playing and game organising. Then we jammed food in our mouths (something that we have become skilled in doing - not actually considered a skill normally but we have come to appreciate it as a skill) and headed out for our shopping expedition and Ateneo v's Adamson basketball match. The trip to the markets was so long and then we had a very short time (about an hour) to shop (and all the women say, "WHAT!") Yes the Beachman cut short our shopping time so that we would be on time for the game. Good thing that he did because we arrived just in time. Manila traffic is incredible. At times we thought it would be quicker to walk. Our drivers were excellent and had such a knack of picking the quicker lanes but it still was a long drive. Mr Puzey had the brilliant idea of buying some vuvuzela's to blow at the game showing our support. Not sure that we'll get invited back to another game. We had some stressful time as we watched Ateneo lose by 2 points but we cheered and encouraged even harder.

The drive home was even longer than the drive there. We arrived back at the ministry centre at about 8:15pm and then got straight into our Lechon Baboy (Whole Roast Pig) It was excellent. :) Then in his usual style, Mr Beacham had the whole team running around in circles packing furiously (but also orderly). The floorboards above at the moment are rumbling with footsteps as everyone searches for their lost articles of clothing, ipods, shoes, etc. Packing suitcases might be interesting in light of the purchases made at the markets today. We are up again at 3am and we're supposed to be lights out at 10pm but that is looking a bit difficult at this stage. Could be interesting tomorrow.

 We write this to you with mingled heavy and glad hearts. There are smiles and also sadness on all of our faces. It is not an easy ask to spend so much quality time, working shoulder to shoulder with people and then walk away without feeling a great sense of achievement but also a deep anguish at having to leave this new family behind. The older children from the children's home have been to see us off tonight. They have added us on Facebook and promise to keep us up to date about how they're doing. Our kitchen ladies received a standing ovation for all their cooking skill and care for us.

From this position of our final post from Manila it is good to give thinks, firstly to God who has been so faithful in keeping the whole team well and full of energy and emotional control, He is so good and faithful. Secondly I would like to thank you parents for raising such a wonderful bunch of young people. They have been a delight to watch serve, care for, bless, love, help and encourage each other and all they have come in contact with. We will be delivering home young adults that have been streachedand grown, hopefully you will still recognise them!

Due to the busyness the photos will be coming tomorrow, it takes 30-40 mins to get the photos onto the blog and we have not had those 30-40 mins spare, think you for bearing with us.

Sorry if this post seems a little muddled, firstly we are tired, secondly several people have written bits while others have packed and cleaned.

Love to you all. see you all very soon.