We will make a food stop. Still expect 6.30pm arrival in ingham
Friday, October 5, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Hong Kong day update
It's been a big day so far... We met in the foyer of our luxury hotel at 9.30 for a buffet breakfast. Every one piled their plate high.
After checking out, we began our explorations. Everyone enjoyed wandering through Kowloon park. tonnes of birds from flamingos to parrots.
We walked through small street markets and then visited the jade market. The kids were enthralled.
After late lunch at McDonalds, we visited the Wet Market - live fish, dried fish, fruit, vegetables.
We then found another street market and then began the homeward stretch. The longest stop was definitely when the boys went clothes shopping - how things have changed since my day...
After a very long day's shopping, 9 of our group opted for a foot massage.
Dinner was a very welcome end to the day. We are in a Mongolian restaurant.
waiting for bus to airport now
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Day 9
After another early rise, we joined the brothers for mass, prayers and breakfast. The mass was heavenly... The brothers sang a beautiful blessing prayer over us and we returned the blessing. Ours was not quite as beautiful....
After breakfast, and many emotional farewells, we headed for the airport. It's only 40 minutes to Manila. The brothers picked us up and showed us great hospitality. The kids were over the moon to be fed first pizza and then a hamburger.
We toured the brothers facility, which Is a work in progress. The new monastery is due to be blessed and opened in two weeks. They have a medical mission and an old shack which provides a roof for 8 homeless men and a place for an afternoon program for children.
Over time a handful of kids turned into a crowd. Our kids spent a lot of time getting to know them. They then sang and danced for us. The farewell was quite emotional for such a brief encounter.
On our way to airport now.
Manila
We have arrived safely in Manila and are going to spend 5 hours with the brothers at their mission here.
Day 8
Another enormous and wonderful day. After Morning Prayer, Mass and Breakfast, we headed off for a full day in the brothers' care facility.
We divided the group into three, to care for the men, women and children. Each group had a differently marvellous experience. Those working with the women cut their nails, sang and danced with them, prayed the rosary with them and served them lunch. Those working with the men, sang for and with them, prayed with them, played with them, and served them lunch. Those working with the children fed them, bathed them, nursed them and played with them.
After lunch, I went briefly shopping. I bought children and adults a small statue and a rosary. The rest of our group continued their good works. Apparently, they really felt depleted. But, they kept going. It as truly admirable and we adults are so proud of each and every one without exception.
They arrived home at about 3.30pm and, after bathing, began packing for their departure. This involved creating a mountain of items which we are leaving for the brothers and the poor.
At 5pm we moved to the chapel, for evening prayer. After evening prayer, we were given a lovely book on St Clare for spiritual reading. Most were very moved by her story of becoming poor for Christ. Evening prayer finished, as always, with the rosary.
As it is our last night in Naga, we shared a meal with the brothers and, more importantly, we shared our stories. After dinner, it was concert time. The brothers danced and sung for us. We danced and sang for them. The brothers expressed their deep gratitude to us for our presence, support, and service. We were overwhelmed. They also gave us gifts.... a book of the history of the MOPs and a T-shirt. We now have a travel shirt for the journey home.
The night ended with group sharing, my gift giving on behalf of our parishes, and some singing practise. We are going to sing the Irish Blessing over the brothers tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
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