Today was just a rest day for some shopping and chilling out. Nothing eventful to report really. For those of you that need to know flight details for picking up your beloved family members and friends they are as follows:
The main group will be heading back to Perth on Singapore Airlines flight SQ215 which arrives in the early hours of Sunday (17th of Jan) Morning at 12:40.
Thanks for following our trip.
Greg Beacham
Team Leader
Sports Ambassadors Australia.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day Twelve - 14th of January 2010 (Girls)
Today was our last day of ministry type activities. We started off the morning pretty cruisy with a few of us splitting to do different things. Neph and Heather headed up to the Children's Home and looked after babies for the whole morning! Mindy and Miranda went and visited a family they had connected with who have a little girl that isn't well and has some brain damage, to say goodbye. Then Kaija, Carly, Tammy, Shannon and Flick painted the balcony which seems to be taking forever!
Then around 10, all of us except Neph and Heather, went out to a community badly effected by the flood with food for the community, some medical help and some boxes of food and supplies for families in that area, which was recently sent over from a high school in Taiwan. Its always a good challenge being reminded of how very fortunate and wealthy we are back home, and to just see what life is like for so many impoverished people around the world, very humbling. But really great to see the smiles on the kids faces as we loaded up their plates with hot food!
Then after luch we all got back into the balcony painting...almost done! And at around 3:30pm we headed out for another epic journey to our last game of the trip!! The journey involed a drive to the train station, two crowded train rides, and then a walk into the uni campus. We played at an all girls college called Scholastica. And to our delight, the boys came to watch after recently arriving back from their trip down in Mindanao!! The game started slow, we struggled to get out shots in and our minds in the game. But by the second half we started to get our game on, and came back from being down to eventually win the game quite convincingly. At half time I shared my testimony and it was pretty well recieved.
After the game we got to hang with the team a little, they provided some snacks and we all sat around and chatted for a bit. Then it was time for the epic trip back, this time with the boys so our group was more then twice the size!! Two trains, a jeepney to the restraunt, then a stop for dinner, and a car ride home. Wheeew!!!! Everyone is well tired, ready for bed. Tammy and Mindy sadly leave us tomorrow morning while the rest of us will enjoy some earned R&R!! Fun times!
Thanks for your prayers, its been an awsome trip!!
Written by Flick
Then around 10, all of us except Neph and Heather, went out to a community badly effected by the flood with food for the community, some medical help and some boxes of food and supplies for families in that area, which was recently sent over from a high school in Taiwan. Its always a good challenge being reminded of how very fortunate and wealthy we are back home, and to just see what life is like for so many impoverished people around the world, very humbling. But really great to see the smiles on the kids faces as we loaded up their plates with hot food!
Then after luch we all got back into the balcony painting...almost done! And at around 3:30pm we headed out for another epic journey to our last game of the trip!! The journey involed a drive to the train station, two crowded train rides, and then a walk into the uni campus. We played at an all girls college called Scholastica. And to our delight, the boys came to watch after recently arriving back from their trip down in Mindanao!! The game started slow, we struggled to get out shots in and our minds in the game. But by the second half we started to get our game on, and came back from being down to eventually win the game quite convincingly. At half time I shared my testimony and it was pretty well recieved.
After the game we got to hang with the team a little, they provided some snacks and we all sat around and chatted for a bit. Then it was time for the epic trip back, this time with the boys so our group was more then twice the size!! Two trains, a jeepney to the restraunt, then a stop for dinner, and a car ride home. Wheeew!!!! Everyone is well tired, ready for bed. Tammy and Mindy sadly leave us tomorrow morning while the rest of us will enjoy some earned R&R!! Fun times!
Thanks for your prayers, its been an awsome trip!!
Written by Flick
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day Eleven - 13th of January 2010 (Boys)
· Over cast day/ cooler
· Game next to the river open court
· Wet court, 10 minute game
· Testimony: Tristan
· Buzzer beating 3 by Andre
· 3 point + free throw contest (Filipinos won both)
· Excitable crowd
· 100 toothbrush/ toothpastes for kids
· Special farewell lunch with mayor and pastors etc
· Swim
· Certificate, shirt and bracelet
· Scenic route and location for second game
· Scooba Steve gave his testimony
- good finish to the trip
· large, excited crowd
· Jai booster dunk
· Danny got a sweet dunk
· Jai scored a buzzer beater
· Swarmed after game, team gave a few shirts and shoes away
· Nice restaurant meal – Conan really appreciated it
· Andre ambushed by BB guns; swearing vengeance
All in all there was great camaraderie between the Filipinos and Australian teams, the crowds were really enthusiastic; as if they’d never seen westerners before. It was a fantastic way to wrap up our tour of Dipolog and the team heads off tomorrow for Manila in high spirits.
-Danny Cook and Andre Janssen
· Game next to the river open court
· Wet court, 10 minute game
· Testimony: Tristan
· Buzzer beating 3 by Andre
· 3 point + free throw contest (Filipinos won both)
· Excitable crowd
· 100 toothbrush/ toothpastes for kids
· Special farewell lunch with mayor and pastors etc
· Swim
· Certificate, shirt and bracelet
· Scenic route and location for second game
· Scooba Steve gave his testimony
- good finish to the trip
· large, excited crowd
· Jai booster dunk
· Danny got a sweet dunk
· Jai scored a buzzer beater
· Swarmed after game, team gave a few shirts and shoes away
· Nice restaurant meal – Conan really appreciated it
· Andre ambushed by BB guns; swearing vengeance
All in all there was great camaraderie between the Filipinos and Australian teams, the crowds were really enthusiastic; as if they’d never seen westerners before. It was a fantastic way to wrap up our tour of Dipolog and the team heads off tomorrow for Manila in high spirits.
-Danny Cook and Andre Janssen
Day Ten - 12th of January 2010 (boys)
Well hello hello,
So as the day started, we were treated to a sleep in. Being able to sleep in til 8, was a most welcomed change, except for the unexpected visit to some of our rooms by our fearless leader Greg, looking for his laptop.
9 o’clock quickly comes around and we meet in the lobby to head off to our first game. We headed off to Barra elementary school to play the year 5 squad. After a hard fought battle we managed to come away with a much needed win. Ha ha ha, just joking. We spent about a ½ hour or so with the kiddies, breaking them into smaller groups and running them through some drills and stretches. The other team turned up and we were ready to commence play.
By half time, we seem to have a comfortable lead. So we brought out the big guns. Enter big Jai Beacham. He was welcomed to huge cheers from the crowd and making an immediate impact. We get the ball down the court and into the safe hands of Big Jai hands. Jai takes a dribble and a few steps, pulls up for the jumper and the hits it. The crowd goes wild and we go on to win the game. Jai finds instant stardom straight away with the crowd flocking to him after the final whistle to have the first opportunity for an autograph.
We say our sad goodbyes to the kiddies and head off for some lunch at the local Chinese restaurant. Much to everyone’s delight, the meal was awesome. Then comes some more news that received some mixed emotions. Pastor Gary informs us that our next game has been cancelled. As much as that sadden us all, we realised that it would be a much needed rest. So we head back to the hotel and do some relaxing until our next game.
4:45 rolls around quickly and we all meet in the lobby to listen to pastor Gary’s devotion. About 5:20, we hop in the jeepney and go to our next game. We rock up to our next game and to the surprise of many, there was really no one around, which was quite a different scene than we have experienced this trip. The people slowly started to fill the arena as we prepared for our next contest. The other team arrives and the game gets under way. The team we are playing against are pretty good. But thanks to some consistent strong defence from players such as Mark “The Spark” Beacham and Hedley “The Thickness” Taylor, we were able to keep them contained and have a nice lead by half time.
At half time, Mark “The Spark” Beacham shared his testimony. Although the crowd wasn’t that big, they were very responsive to us and we had an excellent response.
The second half gets under way. About 2 minutes before the end of the game something happens that you’ll see as often as Hayley’s comet. The Australian Sports Ambassadors team court team consists of only Beachams. Yes, you heard me right. Enter Greg, Mark, Bek, Cassie and Jai. This combination takes to the court with high expectations. And after some very nice plays, both offensively and defensively, by all, we hold on for another hard fought victory.
We pack up and head off to get some dinner. Then make our way back to the hotel. All are ready for a shower and bed.
Thanks to all for your prayers. The guy’s team has been quite protected so far on the trip, with no one suffering any real injuries or sickness. Unfortunately the same doesn’t seem to be the case for the girl’s team, with most fallen to sickness or injury. Girls, our prayers are with you all.
Time to get some shut eye
God Bless
Micko
So as the day started, we were treated to a sleep in. Being able to sleep in til 8, was a most welcomed change, except for the unexpected visit to some of our rooms by our fearless leader Greg, looking for his laptop.
9 o’clock quickly comes around and we meet in the lobby to head off to our first game. We headed off to Barra elementary school to play the year 5 squad. After a hard fought battle we managed to come away with a much needed win. Ha ha ha, just joking. We spent about a ½ hour or so with the kiddies, breaking them into smaller groups and running them through some drills and stretches. The other team turned up and we were ready to commence play.
By half time, we seem to have a comfortable lead. So we brought out the big guns. Enter big Jai Beacham. He was welcomed to huge cheers from the crowd and making an immediate impact. We get the ball down the court and into the safe hands of Big Jai hands. Jai takes a dribble and a few steps, pulls up for the jumper and the hits it. The crowd goes wild and we go on to win the game. Jai finds instant stardom straight away with the crowd flocking to him after the final whistle to have the first opportunity for an autograph.
We say our sad goodbyes to the kiddies and head off for some lunch at the local Chinese restaurant. Much to everyone’s delight, the meal was awesome. Then comes some more news that received some mixed emotions. Pastor Gary informs us that our next game has been cancelled. As much as that sadden us all, we realised that it would be a much needed rest. So we head back to the hotel and do some relaxing until our next game.
4:45 rolls around quickly and we all meet in the lobby to listen to pastor Gary’s devotion. About 5:20, we hop in the jeepney and go to our next game. We rock up to our next game and to the surprise of many, there was really no one around, which was quite a different scene than we have experienced this trip. The people slowly started to fill the arena as we prepared for our next contest. The other team arrives and the game gets under way. The team we are playing against are pretty good. But thanks to some consistent strong defence from players such as Mark “The Spark” Beacham and Hedley “The Thickness” Taylor, we were able to keep them contained and have a nice lead by half time.
At half time, Mark “The Spark” Beacham shared his testimony. Although the crowd wasn’t that big, they were very responsive to us and we had an excellent response.
The second half gets under way. About 2 minutes before the end of the game something happens that you’ll see as often as Hayley’s comet. The Australian Sports Ambassadors team court team consists of only Beachams. Yes, you heard me right. Enter Greg, Mark, Bek, Cassie and Jai. This combination takes to the court with high expectations. And after some very nice plays, both offensively and defensively, by all, we hold on for another hard fought victory.
We pack up and head off to get some dinner. Then make our way back to the hotel. All are ready for a shower and bed.
Thanks to all for your prayers. The guy’s team has been quite protected so far on the trip, with no one suffering any real injuries or sickness. Unfortunately the same doesn’t seem to be the case for the girl’s team, with most fallen to sickness or injury. Girls, our prayers are with you all.
Time to get some shut eye
God Bless
Micko
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day Nine - 11th of January 2010 (Girls)
Very tired & its late, so sorry to all you die-hard blog readers out there - this'll be nice 'n short 'n sweet ok! the morning was spent doing jeff's orders, we packed boxes with clothes to be distributed out to the community & shipped off to Mindinao, others painted the house railings throughout the morning & early afternoon.. we helped unload all kinds of goods to the schools around, and some other girls did shifts in the nursery at the orphanage. we were all pretty knackered though, so there were many naps slipped in here 'n there..
The main event was the biggest game of the trip - versus Ateneo, the college where our star american recruit attends over here (Janellll the Desert Fox). Of course we had inside information from playing with her for 4 games but the key was her little sister betraying the family blood, and being our bench guard :) not to mention her dad still agreeing to coach, even on his birthday!!
It was a brilliant, close game the whole way through - we had an early lead in the first, but basically it was goal for goal, with the lead never exceeding 5 pts either way. there were a few early casualties - tammy rolled her ankle in a nasty collision off the ball, and flick had a very painful rib jab that took her out before half time (xray tomorrow will confirm if broken or not. so please pray for a speedy recovery, bcoz she would be highly disappointed to sit out for our last 3 remaining games)
Anyway long story short, we lost. by 1 pt. dont really wanna talk about it.
but! we had an awesome time afterwards, having dinner together, ironically for flick, at a rib house called Buffalo Wings. followed by ridiculously unhealthy dessert at the Old Spaghetti House but amazing.. sorry to be a tad boring but we're out!
sweet dreams Australia! we miss you xo
Love shan & mirands.
The main event was the biggest game of the trip - versus Ateneo, the college where our star american recruit attends over here (Janellll the Desert Fox). Of course we had inside information from playing with her for 4 games but the key was her little sister betraying the family blood, and being our bench guard :) not to mention her dad still agreeing to coach, even on his birthday!!
It was a brilliant, close game the whole way through - we had an early lead in the first, but basically it was goal for goal, with the lead never exceeding 5 pts either way. there were a few early casualties - tammy rolled her ankle in a nasty collision off the ball, and flick had a very painful rib jab that took her out before half time (xray tomorrow will confirm if broken or not. so please pray for a speedy recovery, bcoz she would be highly disappointed to sit out for our last 3 remaining games)
Anyway long story short, we lost. by 1 pt. dont really wanna talk about it.
but! we had an awesome time afterwards, having dinner together, ironically for flick, at a rib house called Buffalo Wings. followed by ridiculously unhealthy dessert at the Old Spaghetti House but amazing.. sorry to be a tad boring but we're out!
sweet dreams Australia! we miss you xo
Love shan & mirands.
Day Nine - 11th of January 2010 (Boys)
Well we’ve made it through another day down here in Mindanao, but boy oh boy was it a tough one! 3 games, a flag raising ceremony, tour of the mayors office and a viewing of Dipolog city on top of their newest building. First off was the flag raising ceremony that team SA was invited to attend by the mayor. Unfortunately this required a 7:00am wake up after a 12:00pm night so we were a little bit reluctant to attend, but this is the mayor we’re talking about so of course we showed up on time; only to wait a further 15 minutes for the mayor to show up! After the ceremony we had a tour of the mayor’s office; we could only wish that the chairs in her office could be transferred to our Jeepney!
After the tour we made our way to AB College, starting our warm up on Andre’s basketball court (not Andre Janssen!) and were soon facing up against a hardened college team. Before the match started the schools cheer squad came out and preformed a rather long routine and straight after we were lining up for jump ball. At half time team SA was down by around 10 pts but this didn’t dampen our spirits at all! It was my turn to give my testimony, which I think was well received by a rather enthusiastic student crowd. Afterwards we commenced our ministry and simultaneously started the second half. Despite closing the gap and even getting 1 point up during the 3rd quarter, team SA went down by 6 points. Nevertheless the crowd was one of the best I’ve experience and I believe we witnessed the Lord at work.
Next stop: the local Mexican joint for tacos (the only Mexican food they had in stock) and pizza (Italian I know, but we take what we can get out here!). The food went down well after a hard morning, and we sculped it down hungrily so we could hurry back to the hotel (Tim, Micko, Mark, Conan, Pete and another bunch were motivated by the lure of a massage!). We rested up for 2 hours before our jam packed evening!
At 3 oclock the Autobots rolled out for the second college of the day. Once again team SA was well received and a pre game performance by 3 college girls entertained us while the wet court was wiped down. The game started on the uneven court and what was meant to be a basketball game quickly turned into a skating match, with players skittering all over the court; praise God we had no major injuries! Time Sobey gave his testimony at half time, after which team SA went on to win by a comfortable 14 point margin.
The final stop of the day, at a barangay court was arguably the hardest game we played today. The local team played well, but were rather physical; getting into foul penalties in every quarter and having 2 of their players fouled off. Team SA came out strong, lead by Pete Grundy dominating the back boards and Conan sniping 13 free throws from 15 attempts! At half time we were up by 10 as Hedley gave his testimony to the smaller but very excited crowd. In the second half the Filipino team brought the game to even but team SA showed determination and tenacity (ooooh yeah) and brought the lead out to around 5 points, where it stayed for the rest of the game.
All that was left for the day was a trip to the Filipino embassy to end our long and tiring day. Please continue to keep the team in your prayers as the sheer number of games and niggling injuries starts to wear us down a little, but don’t get too worried, we’re still going strong! L8r sk8rs! –Andre Janssen
After the tour we made our way to AB College, starting our warm up on Andre’s basketball court (not Andre Janssen!) and were soon facing up against a hardened college team. Before the match started the schools cheer squad came out and preformed a rather long routine and straight after we were lining up for jump ball. At half time team SA was down by around 10 pts but this didn’t dampen our spirits at all! It was my turn to give my testimony, which I think was well received by a rather enthusiastic student crowd. Afterwards we commenced our ministry and simultaneously started the second half. Despite closing the gap and even getting 1 point up during the 3rd quarter, team SA went down by 6 points. Nevertheless the crowd was one of the best I’ve experience and I believe we witnessed the Lord at work.
Next stop: the local Mexican joint for tacos (the only Mexican food they had in stock) and pizza (Italian I know, but we take what we can get out here!). The food went down well after a hard morning, and we sculped it down hungrily so we could hurry back to the hotel (Tim, Micko, Mark, Conan, Pete and another bunch were motivated by the lure of a massage!). We rested up for 2 hours before our jam packed evening!
At 3 oclock the Autobots rolled out for the second college of the day. Once again team SA was well received and a pre game performance by 3 college girls entertained us while the wet court was wiped down. The game started on the uneven court and what was meant to be a basketball game quickly turned into a skating match, with players skittering all over the court; praise God we had no major injuries! Time Sobey gave his testimony at half time, after which team SA went on to win by a comfortable 14 point margin.
The final stop of the day, at a barangay court was arguably the hardest game we played today. The local team played well, but were rather physical; getting into foul penalties in every quarter and having 2 of their players fouled off. Team SA came out strong, lead by Pete Grundy dominating the back boards and Conan sniping 13 free throws from 15 attempts! At half time we were up by 10 as Hedley gave his testimony to the smaller but very excited crowd. In the second half the Filipino team brought the game to even but team SA showed determination and tenacity (ooooh yeah) and brought the lead out to around 5 points, where it stayed for the rest of the game.
All that was left for the day was a trip to the Filipino embassy to end our long and tiring day. Please continue to keep the team in your prayers as the sheer number of games and niggling injuries starts to wear us down a little, but don’t get too worried, we’re still going strong! L8r sk8rs! –Andre Janssen
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day Eight - 10th of January (Girls)
Oh Sundays. A day of such things as a 1000 plus rocking curch service, a full on mexican lunch (immense regret from the majority of the team as the choice of pre game food), a win on the court, full body massages and sweet sweet Starbucks to finish it all off.
A combination of sickness and injuries have hit the team hard, with Flick, Kaija and Carly (the Basketball originals) being the only ones unaffected so far.
A win against the National team by 12 points (they were the Junior National team, and the youngest player that was 13 years old pretty much owned all over us) boosted spirits and team morale, with Heather, Mindy and Tammy getting lots of court time and bringing the game home. The desert fox, otherwise know as Janel Long our American Filipino import, deserves an hounourable mention for her countless three pointers.
\
Another day over, another singalong on the car ride home. Love to you all, Caly Raye xx
A combination of sickness and injuries have hit the team hard, with Flick, Kaija and Carly (the Basketball originals) being the only ones unaffected so far.
A win against the National team by 12 points (they were the Junior National team, and the youngest player that was 13 years old pretty much owned all over us) boosted spirits and team morale, with Heather, Mindy and Tammy getting lots of court time and bringing the game home. The desert fox, otherwise know as Janel Long our American Filipino import, deserves an hounourable mention for her countless three pointers.
\
Another day over, another singalong on the car ride home. Love to you all, Caly Raye xx
Day Seven - 9th of January 2010 (girls)
Well well, here we are...day 8. and it was officially the day we had all been waiting for...cinnamon scrolls for breakfast. Unfortunately not all could be as happy as some as this was also the first day of one of our team members getting sick. We headed off to Faith Acadamy to play a game against Haven - a team of ex-college players. However there was no 'ex'-ness to their skills. It was a nail bitter the whole way through and unfortunately we were just edged out by 1 pt in the dying seconds of the game. Miranda gave her fully sick testimony and once again the loss provided an awesome opportunity to talk with the girls of the other team, with 3 of them taking us out to lunch to Jollibee - Mindi's favourite. Starbucks for coffee and desert, another cinnamon scroll for some aka kaija. Back at the house, with very full stomachs we divided off into 3 groups, helping out in the orphanage and nursery. Dinner tonight was a well deserved trip out to a mall for pizza - absolutely awesome. another starbucks stop and we were back home for bed time.
Challenges continue to come our way. We are starting to develop some great relationships with some of the people in the community. Today we had an intense chat with a young man who was originally a part of the volleyball tournament we had been running the last two nights. He came and watched our bball game this morning and out for lunch with us. He had some very tough questions for us about God and we are continually praying asking God for wisdom to be able to answer some of the questions we are facing daily. He has asked to come with us to church tomorrow - whoo!! and for those of you who are wondering, 'who is the young lady that he fancies?' dont ask!
We ask you to pray for us, that hearts would be opened to those who hear the message of Jesus Christ through our ministry. Please also pray for Shannon as she is very unwell, and some of the other team members are feeling a bit under the weather and taking a few more than usual visits to the toilet.
Peace out
written by -kaihito
supported by - mindhito
Challenges continue to come our way. We are starting to develop some great relationships with some of the people in the community. Today we had an intense chat with a young man who was originally a part of the volleyball tournament we had been running the last two nights. He came and watched our bball game this morning and out for lunch with us. He had some very tough questions for us about God and we are continually praying asking God for wisdom to be able to answer some of the questions we are facing daily. He has asked to come with us to church tomorrow - whoo!! and for those of you who are wondering, 'who is the young lady that he fancies?' dont ask!
We ask you to pray for us, that hearts would be opened to those who hear the message of Jesus Christ through our ministry. Please also pray for Shannon as she is very unwell, and some of the other team members are feeling a bit under the weather and taking a few more than usual visits to the toilet.
Peace out
written by -kaihito
supported by - mindhito
Day Eight - 10th of January (Boys)
Yeahew! What a day! Today’s been a long but productive one; we’ve played 2 games and attended 2 church services. The Sunday started off with team SA splitting up into 3 groups and attending 3 different services. The groups were headed up by “The Weapon” - Pastor Gary, “The Tower of Power”- Greg and “The Prince” – Conan; each of whom were giving a sermon. I can’t speak for the groups with Greg and Conan but the service we attended was very energetic and deafeningly loud! The Sermon Pastor Gary gave was both interesting and relevant; focusing on the need for unity in the church.
After the service team SA headed out to the mall to get some lunch at the Filipino embassy – a.k.a. Jollibee. After lunch we mucked around the mall for another 45 minutes before heading back to the hotel for a quick change of clothes before our next stop – The mayor’s church.
The second service of the day was at the mayor’s church on the 3rd story of a different hotel. Once again the music was super loud and the people just as enthusiastic. Tim and I visited the youth section of the church and found a room packed with at least 50 teenagers. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to stay for the sermon and soon enough team SA rolled out for our first game versus the Filipino 101st army corp.
After a 50 minute drive we arrived outside of the army base and started our game on their undercover court. The Army team was good, but team SA managed to lead for most of the match in what was a fast paced, reasonably high scoring game. At half time Greg gave his testimony to the packed out crowd and our tracts ministry was well received. Team SA went on to win by a comfortable margin of around 10 points and quickly rolled out to our last game; the second show down on the boulevard against the Mega Bulls.
A tired team SA reached the boulevard at around 8:00pm and started our game with a Danny – Hedley combo at tip off for a quick 2 points. Team SA managed to hold the lead for the whole game, but it was close at points of the game. At half time Danny shared his testimony and once again the crowd was very receptive. The second half was hard fought, with special mention to Tristan for his seemingly kamikaze drives to the basket which he pulled off with excellent results. Also a mention for Tim who managed a bit of a scrape when hustling for a rebound. Team SA won by a comfortable ten or so points and we all piled off for a dinner at a local restaurant, ending a long day with a Filipino meal.
So that was the Sunday, and it’s time for us to crash for the night and rest up for a big Monday. Please keep us in your prayers, especially as the team gets a bit tired. So until next time - Andre out!
After the service team SA headed out to the mall to get some lunch at the Filipino embassy – a.k.a. Jollibee. After lunch we mucked around the mall for another 45 minutes before heading back to the hotel for a quick change of clothes before our next stop – The mayor’s church.
The second service of the day was at the mayor’s church on the 3rd story of a different hotel. Once again the music was super loud and the people just as enthusiastic. Tim and I visited the youth section of the church and found a room packed with at least 50 teenagers. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to stay for the sermon and soon enough team SA rolled out for our first game versus the Filipino 101st army corp.
After a 50 minute drive we arrived outside of the army base and started our game on their undercover court. The Army team was good, but team SA managed to lead for most of the match in what was a fast paced, reasonably high scoring game. At half time Greg gave his testimony to the packed out crowd and our tracts ministry was well received. Team SA went on to win by a comfortable margin of around 10 points and quickly rolled out to our last game; the second show down on the boulevard against the Mega Bulls.
A tired team SA reached the boulevard at around 8:00pm and started our game with a Danny – Hedley combo at tip off for a quick 2 points. Team SA managed to hold the lead for the whole game, but it was close at points of the game. At half time Danny shared his testimony and once again the crowd was very receptive. The second half was hard fought, with special mention to Tristan for his seemingly kamikaze drives to the basket which he pulled off with excellent results. Also a mention for Tim who managed a bit of a scrape when hustling for a rebound. Team SA won by a comfortable ten or so points and we all piled off for a dinner at a local restaurant, ending a long day with a Filipino meal.
So that was the Sunday, and it’s time for us to crash for the night and rest up for a big Monday. Please keep us in your prayers, especially as the team gets a bit tired. So until next time - Andre out!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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.
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.
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