The whole team was up and ready at 6:30, ready to catch
trains and jeepneys before the hike up Smokey Mountain; a pile of trash that
has accumulated over 30 years, where people now live in inhuman and horrible
conditions. We started the day off with a train ride into the outskirts of the
city, all crammed together in one carriage. We then attempted to navigate
ourselves out of the massive train station, Rekto, where we then caught the
best form of transport in the Philippines, Jeepneys. As we were travelling in them, the team was
able to witness the various forms of poverty within Manila and the horrendous
conditions millions of people have to survive with on a daily basis. We hopped
off the Jeepneys around 1km from Smokey Mountain, and unpacked all the
donations we prepared earlier in the week, into the local church. Genesis, a 19 year old lad who conducts weekly
feedings on the mountain, guided us up to where the guys carried multiple barrels
of water and a massive container of food.
It was there, while washing the kids hands and handing out food, that the
team got to know the people of Trash Mountain. They met a young girl named Sweetie,
who was true to her name in the way she loved absolutely everybody, and was a consistent
source of joy. We witnessed mothers of young children, crying out in pain while
they watched their children scream as their cuts were cleansed with alcohol
swabs. 
Although our morning was heartbreaking, our evening later at
journey for hope reminded us of the joy we can feel through fellowship with
others, and how much a little can change another person’s life. We experienced
the taste of different foods, watched Isaac make Ashlyn throw up, and danced
the night away. Today was truly an emotional rollercoaster, but an experience
we are all glad to have had.
Brought to you by the Yellow team- Ashbin, Eyebrows, DT,
Becco, Shonzi, Rentacar & Nello J
Hey y’all, looking forward to seeing you again! All is good
and will see you soon J
-
Nelson
Having lots of fun I am looking forward to coming home, cya
soon
- DT
Such an emotional day, I cried reading the blog. Thank you so much for sharing this with us at home praying for you. These are truly experiences that will change your life forever and the fact that you could bring some ray of light and joy to these kids is such a privilege and blessing. We’re missing you Josh, praying for the last days as you prepare to come home. Love ya xx
ReplyDeleteWe hope you enjoy your last day working. May God give you the energy you need today. We have enjoyed reading your blog & looking all the photos. Safe travel for the trip home!
ReplyDeleteMy eyes watery while reading the blog. I can imagine parent's reactions, I am pretty sure they are all happy and blessed to see you guys! Rehoboth Team, you are truly a blessing to everyone. May God continue to protect you and keep you all safe. I believe in God that those experineces will stay forever in your hearts.Rowell missing you anak. love you
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteWhat an experience you have had going up to trash mountain and helping the people who live there, it is so hard for us in Australia to imagine what it's like and the hardships people are going through, when we have so much over here, but you ALL have made a difference and shown the love of God to the people you have met and helped and it doesn't need to stop once you get home, you can still pray for them and support Miss Smoker in the future. I pray that you all have a safe flight home. We are looking forward to having you home Kate. Love mum x
What can I say...Bless you.. I'm in awe what you guys do for these little ones. Jesus said:what you do for the least you do it unto me.I have also shared some of your photos and reports with my Filipino collegues (in aged care) They are so appreasiative of what you're doing. One was in tears this morning. She said thank you so much for helping her people. She had been to smokey mountain many times to help too. Be blessed in your last day. Praying for your save return. Can't wait to hold my sweetie pea again 🍭🍬
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for the updates and keeping us in touch with what you are doing each day! It has really helped us as a school community to pray for you and to have some insight into what you are facing and dealing with on a day to day basis. Blessings to you all as you process what you have seen and done and look to returning home. We are really proud of your efforts as a Reho team and are grateful that you can give all the glory to God! Well done good and faithful servants!
ReplyDeleteSpecial hugs to you Sara :) Hope your last days go well and the trip home is smooth! Missing you and look forward to seeing you Sunday! Lots of love, your fam xx
Shonzi?! We miss you and are looking forward to having you back home. Very grateful for the team and the experiences you are having. Stay safe and well for the final leg of your journey. When will it be your turn to send a message?
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazingly emotional experience. God is truly working through you guys to help the people of Smokey Mountain. I'm sure it was a memory you'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteTo Mitchell, we all miss you very much and cant wait to see you on Sunday.
Praise the Lord! Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples and you have shown Him to people who might consider themselves not worthy of love and care. You are His true disciples and faithful servants - well done! We pray that the Lord will continue to guide you and show His way to you as you prepare to go home and reflect on your experience that will change your life forever. Love you!
ReplyDeleteHi to everyone after what must have been an extraordinary life experience yesterday...so difficult to imagine what it would be like to live life on a rubbish heap...so glad that you have been given this opportunity to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of these people who are also as much a part of Gods creation as we are...may we all be inspired to act on behalf of the people who are born into a life of such poverty and despair. So proud of you all...may God continue to move mightily in your lives even as you prepare to journey home...may your efforts move others to follow you! Safe travels as you make your way back to us....special shout out to Nellie-noo...miss ya, love ya, looking forward to hug ya!! Love mum & pap Newy xxx
ReplyDeleteCalvin and the team, looks like you have all been stretched beyond what you ever thought you were able to do. Looking forward to hearing the stories when you return. What a blessing to be able to serve in this way. So proud of you Calvin! Looking forward to Sunday. Love Dad, Mum & Alaina
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful to see that many times our longings or dreams are fulfilled in our children, when I was little girl I longed in my heart to leave missions to other countries and now I can see my daughter fulfilling my dream! I am anxious to hear all that has lived this time and all that God has done this time. I want to thank God for putting this wish into the teachers who are with the kids now, they will certainly never forget this trip. God bless each one and put a special call in their lives
ReplyDeleteHi to Mitchell,
ReplyDeleteI would just like to say that I am so very proud of you. I have been keeping you in prayer. May God bless you and keep you always. Lots of Love from NAN.