Day Six - 8th of January 2010 (girls)

So today started very abruptly for us girls, we had to be out the door by 7am to head to the train station! After a quick drive there we were introduced to the joys of public transport in the Philippines. Our train arrived and we were swiftly jammed into the train by our faithful coach Jeff Long. It was an "up close and personal" expereince which we all could have done without at that time of the morning but it was all to get to our game against Lycium University so we sucked it up an got on with it. We get to the end of the line, left our train and headed into very busy Manila streets to endevour to finds a jeepney. It was very chaotic and somewhat stressful but all part of the Filipino expereince. We were crammed into a jeepney, literally, we were sitting on the floor and hanging off the back. Then we walked a few blocks to the University stadium. All this before 9am and before our big game! So naturally we were a little weary. But we got into it and while we were thouroughly defeated, a few girls pulled out some sweet shots and we grew stronger from the expereince. Best of all though was Shannon sharing her testimony at the game during half time to the team and the stadium of college students watching the game, was definately a highlight.

After our epic loss, we wandered our weary feet thought the old walled city, soaking in some historic sites. Back to a much less crowded jeepney, luckily, since I am sure the other passengers would not have enjoyed such close quarters with us, now rather sweaty, smelly girls! The train home was emptier and we were stoked to get back to an amazing home cooked meal.

We had a little rest up, and then most of us headed to a pool close by with a few kids from the Children's Home for some fun! It was very refreshing on our ever increasingly weary bodies. And just palin fun to splash and play with some kids. Neph headed out to buy a prize for the end of our volleyball tournament tonight.

Around 4 we pilled into our green machine which has been getting us around, and headed to an impoverished community that was badly affected by the floods, with food, medical assistance, and bags full of toys and donations from lovely people back home! It was very cool and humbling to see the smiles on kids faces when they came to get plates, or bowls or cups of steaming food.

Then to top off the day at dinner there was a resounding "this is the best meal we have had yet! To a delicious potato bake with bacon bits, bread rolls, salad or veggies and amazing carrot cake. Which was followed by the last half of our volleyball tournament! Somewhat unsurprisingly, that Aussie team quickly was out of the running...despite enthusiasic effort. The local talent was just too good. Neph shared her testimony with the crowd and it was a very powerful and moving time which visibly touched the hearts of many listening. We hope and pray God continues to work in their hearts. And after a longer night then expected, a 5 set championship match, the winners were declared and given a brand new volleball for their efforts! And low and behold a few Aussie girls had worked their way onto that team and were able to claim some of the glory!

And so this ends another eventful, long, but satisfying and fun filled day here in Manila. Please keep us in your prayers! There is still lots ahead and we need your prayers to help keep us going, enthused, and healthy!! Thanks

By Felicity.