Day Eight: Wednesday 30 November 2016

Waking at 6.30am we realised that the Philippines soccer tournament that had finally arrived. As we arrived at the cemetery where it was to take place, we began making the lines for the pitch with talcum powder and tying the nets to the goal posts. Soon kids began flooding in and there were about 300 or more who were ready to take on the challenge. The Reho girls opened their first game with a bang even though it was scorching hot and humid. The girls brought their best to the game and won 2-0. The boys drew their first game.

As the day went by the team kept busy with jobs, playing with kids, playing a game or cheering on the team. Much of the team was exhausted and we soon ran out of fresh water. The kids were still full of energy and drained us all of the remaining energy we had. Lunch arrived which involved fried chicken, rice and veggies. With strict orders from Ms Smoker to not share food with any of the children, it was a real tough challenge for our team as the kids sat and stared at us while we ate our food.

In one of our games, Paul managed to score a goal from a goal kick which was “pretty sik dard”.  Both the girls and boys teams made it into the finals with Reho girls versing Journey girls and the boys versing Journey boys. The girls won 2-1 with the help of Ash and Shei. The boys lost 2-0 with Isaac Koh scoring a goal for the other team and crushing the morale of the boys, and then another goal scored soon after which sealed the deal.

The awards ceremony took place, which ended the day. It was a great day over all with our team finding it easy to bond with the kids over a game of soccer even though there was a language barrier.

Once we had come home, had a swim, a shower and dinner, we headed out to karaoke for a fun night of rukus singing, finishing the night belting out ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

Sara – Yo fam. Hope your keeping well. It’s pretty hot, humid and full on over here, but still heaps of fun. Feeling pretty knackered tho. Stay safe! Xx

Kate- Hi Yall!! I love your update Mum on your life; it’s making me laugh and some others! I’m having a blast, today was pretty exhausting with having at least 3 children hanging around you wanting piggybacks all day, I love it though. Hope you are all good. See ya soon!!