Day 13

Well here we are in Brunei at the Palm Gardens Hotel having successfully completed the first leg of our trip home. We are now very close to the very end of a momentous tour. Scott Puzey at the blog tonight as we see the youngsters into bed as early as possible.

Our day started early.....very early, with all aboard the bus to the Manila airport at 3.30am. We were quite successful with packing the night before so it was a simple "rise-n-shine" and trip to the airport. It's hard to shine at 3.30am! At that time of the day the roads are relatively sane so we were all set to board our plane well and truely on time.

We lifted off enjoying the luxury of a Boeing 777 with masses of legroom and individual entertainment consoles. Breakfast was served when in the air and we landed in Brunei just after 9am. A smooth transfer and checked into the hotel by 10.15am.

With a couple of hours of rest back in the sleep bank we headded out to lunch, enjoying more local traditional food then back to the hotel for the main debrief of the tour. Parents and caregivers are asked to look through the information posted on "Day 12" by Pastor Pete which provides information on how parents can assist with the transition back into home life. After all, these youngsters have experienced a significant event in their lives and they need as much support as is possible as they return home.

A little more relaxation time then out to KFC Brueni style for tea and then a movie. Unfortunately it was quite a shocker of a movie. Little script, poor acting and one bad scene after another. It could have been Jacky Chan meets Woody's girfriend from Toy Story.

All is quiet now with students in their rooms enjoying their last night of the tour. A reminder to all that we fly to Perth tomorrow (4th December) with an anticipated arrival time at the International Airport of 6.00pm. Our flight number is BI065 flying Royal Brunei. Please check that there are no delays to our flights before going out to the airport tomorrow.

That wraps up all the details of today giving me the opportunity to tell you all how proud we are of the 2010 Manila crew. The students have worked unbelievably and really bonded as a group. They have achieved so much with the work that have completed and impacted so many lives in their short time away. We have enjoyed so many comments about how positive and uplifting our youngsters have been and those living at the YMC in Manila have been amazed at how supportive and honest our students are with each other. They have been shining ambassadors for ACC and the wider youth of Western Australia. All staff who have been a part of this tour have been so proud of everything that has been achived and everywhere we travel we have people stop and ask us about what we are doing. They are all really impressed.

Be sure to congratulate your youngsters as they return home. They are increadable.
See you all on Saturday.