Day 6: A busy day of shopping, construction and team bonding.

I found today extremely rewarding because I just felt our  whole team has really united and bonded so well. To start with, it was Mark’s birthday, so we decided to flip his bed, as a lovely wake up. I guess he found it surprising and maybe annoying but we didn’t mind. I think he’s over it now.

Breakfast, for me, was a challenge due to my dislike in eggs, and unfortunately that’s all we seem to eat. Anyways it was actually pretty good today, managed to grab a few sweet bananas. #soyummy Then we all rushed about, grabbing our gear for another heavy day of construction. We probably arrived at the construction site at 8:10am (I’m guessing now, but it was super early for me anyways…) Jon Kingdon liaised with the Filipinos on what projects needed doing, it seemed a bit hectic but, as a team, we pulled through, working hard and encouraging each other the whole morning. Also a group of us were able to do a majority of painting the children’s home, I think it was its second new coat ever since being constructed.  Here is a really brief list of some of the stuff we were able to do today (I’m hoping I get this right):

• Mix cement. Probably the common task, I think we did at least 7-8 massive piles, hand done.
• Painting, the whole bottom level and beginning of the second story is pretty much done now, so thanks heaps team.
• A full concrete slab is now completed thanks to us lot helping out, so that in it’s self is also a massive feat.
• This huge pile of heavy bricks (I’m going to say at least 120) moved up to the second story of the extension ready for laying. This was probably my favourite part, because we got this pretty epic line going and unity was extremely evident. Cheers team.

      So we went back to the YMC for lunch at about 11:30am, not before Jason Butson showed us all up and won this basketball game called “bump” four times in a row.  So lunch was amazing, but we had to get ready pretty quick to go out shopping at Green Hills. We all piled in this tiny bus at probably about 1pm and headed to the markets.

      When we arrived, it was hectic. I’ve seen Perth busy, late night Thursday shopping, boxing day etc. But Green Hills there was a different kind of urgency about the place. Shopkeepers trying to pull us in to their shops to buy wallets, calling out to us everywhere we turned, I think I was lucky to make it out without spending every Paso I had. 

      Now stocked up on basketball jerseys, hats, clothes, handbags, backpacks, necklaces, a little toddler basketball outfit (for Jon&Liesh), and not forgetting Pete’s insane Thor mask, we headed through the heart of the city to unforgettable place called Chilli’s. So this place went far beyond all preconceived expectations, the atmosphere, food and people were utterly incredible. We all sat on one long row of tables, chatting amongst ourselves, keen for a good feed. Kieran and I wisely chose to order a shared entrée as well (I know the rest of the team were jealous). The food came and it was excellent and the rest of the night was just as good. From Pete running around everyone’s tables as Thor, to Mark getting a couple of surprise birthday songs from the talented staff. In saying that I felt so humbled being at the restaurant because most (if not all) of the Filipino staff are so friendly and inviting. The wouldn’t let our drinks run out, they would laugh with us (and at us sometimes…) but were just a real pleasure to be around. I guess it gave me a real appreciation for people, regardless of their country, financial state or environment. We got back pretty late, but managed to have an awesome, God-given, devotions, with Drew speaking and sharing. 

      

      Anyway I guess that’s it for me tonight, its getting super late and we’ve got to be up pretty early tomorrow for another heavy working day. Thanks – Sam Dawson xxx