Birthdays and songs

If you hadn't gathered from the previous post made by Mum, Friday was my 19th birthday. My first birthday in another country from my family but my 3rd in 5 years away from them. I've also now had birthdays in 4 different countries and as many continents!! Birthdays are a very big deal in the Philippines, so it was exciting to find out that myself and one of the other volunteers had our birthdays two days apart!

 In order to be fair, we decided to take the kids to the pool on Thursday to celebrate, as this was between our birthdays. She paid for the entrance fee and I bought snacks for everyone. We were at the pool for 4 hours and it was a success. A few of the little kids got cold quickly but there were 2 who adamantly refused to leave the pool despite shivering like crazy!! As long as they could swim they would! I participated in some fierce games of shoulder ride wars and competitions to see who could avoid being thrown in the pool with the oldest kids and some staff. I paid for it the next day with stiff shoulders and an incredibly sore neck, but I'd do it again!! (Maybe minus the shoulder rides...)

For my birthday I hired a videoke machine for the kids and mamas to enjoy! After their siesta yesterday, the party began with them singing happy birthday and eating ube (purple yam) flavoured cake. I was happy for them to enjoy it, so I only sang twice, The staff and the older girls got into it and the rest just watched. It is too difficult for the ones who are only learning to read to be able to follow along with the English words. I also handed out Caramelo Koala chocolates to all the kids. I only stayed for about 2 hours partly because I was exhausted and partly because I had a few Skype calls lined up! Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday!! :)

Other than birthday stuff, I haven't done much other than hang out with the babies this week. We were outside much of Tuesday; at the playground and I supervised while they swam in a wading pool - I got burned. I taught them "Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. If you see a crocodile don't forget to scream. Ahh!" They have mastered the screaming part! I also sang the Wheels on the bus song and taught them the verse, "The money on the bus goes clink, clink, clink." On Sat night I was with them for an hour until they went to bed. One boy kept asking for " clink, clink, clink" and "croc-dile". I also made up a silly song to the tune of Frère Jacques "At-e Jai-me, At-e Jai-me, ma-gan-da, ma-gan-da!" (Basically I taught them to sing that I am beautiful!!) And the same boy kept coming up to me and singing "A-gan-da!" So cute!!

It hasn't all been celebrations this week. Mama Gemma died from liver failure on Thursday night. Please pray for the woman's family and also the staff and children of Rehoboth during this time.

I have been so blessed to witness and be involved in 2 incredible ministries to the children of the Philippines and I would encourage you also to keep Rehoboth and Covenant Christian Academy in your prayers.