We arrived in Manila and probably my second home away from Australia. We have many friends and people we would consider family. It is different being around people you know and within an environment that is a bit more familiar. We are currently staying within Baseco, which is beside the port in Metro Manila. It is Lisa and the kids first time in Baseco and it is a real treat for me to have my family with me in Manila. Alex and Ash are loving playing and hanging out with all the kids.
The last time Lisa travelled to the Philippines was 5 years ago and Alex was 2 years old (this is Ashah's first trip). We spent 2 months here on our first trip 5 years ago although Lisa, Alex and I spent most of that time in Cebu, another island further south of Manila. We will arrive in Cebu the next month too. I have visited Philippines a few times over the past years and have brought family and friends to experience and see what God is doing within the lives of many Filipino's. From a humanitarian perspective the need is great here.
Many people from Australia support some of the work we partner in with filipino nationals and other christian missionaries that feel called to share Christ and help meet felt needs.
For the past 5 years we have provided child education support ($90 per child/1year) to children which would normally not have the opportunity to an education. We are also involved with various small-micro business loans and other support to empower families to make a difference for them to provide for their families future. If any one is interested to learn more and would like to support these things in any way please leave a comment or email me on mattpin@hotmail.com.
The Philippines holds a very special place within our hearts. We love our friends and love to see God provide opportunities where people can be set free and be transformed.
Note: We are living within a squatter community in Manila and the internet is not as accessible and the signal is weak so our blogposts will probably not be as frequent although please email/facebook us because we love hearing from you all!! God Bless.
Hi Guys, sounds like you have fitted back in where you left off, loved seeing all the photos again and hearing the familiar names. Not sure if you will catch up with Armie and Jasone but if you do please pass on our love and give Armie a big hug and kiss from me.
ReplyDeleteLisa you seem to be doing a great job with the teaching, love the photo of Ashah doing her big girl writing. Looking forward to squeezing her soon and you as well. Had a lovely lunch Andrea and Milly cooked for us at your place today, it was so yum, (garlic prawn fettucicine with fresh chilli) those two seem to be finding their way around the kitchen ok, Milly made some beautiful yoyo biscuits as well, we were all around, Beck, Grace, James Daniel, Rob and myself. Mill had the incense burning and it just felt like you guys should have been there. We just keep looking at the photos of Alex and Ashah in you family room and Beck says "ok they should come home now" we all started laughing I think we were all thinking the same thing.
Grace is growing up and so so cute, I think the kids are going to love her and she is starting be so alert too. Beck and Daz seem so content and happy just being with her. I am so proud of them.
James seems to have settled into Uni, and has really enjoyed his first placement. We are all going to Cohuna this week, me beck daz grace mill and andre this monday and rob and james prob Good Friday. Sandra Eddie and Matty are back from the Gold coast today, and their family are going to Cohuna too. Should be lovely I think and extra special having Gracie up there for the first time.
Not long now till Dan arrives there. He is really looking forward to it.
Better go, love you all so much, Tina xxxxx
Baseco are lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteIt's great the whole family are there this time.
Enjoy your time there and I hope God works through you greatly.
Thanks for the informative post.
Happy and safe traveling.