Cycling with the kids

Went with Kuya Dhong one afternoon to take the kids cycling at the Bay Walk in town. We hired bikes and the kids loved it.

In the photos you can see all five kids that that live at the house – the three boys are Nimrod, Gerald and Jeleto and the girls are Anna and Micmac.

Puerto Princesa

Here are some pictures of the small but busy city of Puerto Princesa about half an hour from the house.

   They are taken from the multi-cab owned by the Kellards but they show all the forms of transport that I use to get into and around town.

   There are loads of trikes (the motor bikes with the kind of side car thing) – these are like taxis and are very useful for any short journeys.

   The other form of transport that I use is the many multi-cabs, these work a bit like buses they but are just trucks with bench seating running along the sides in the back. I just have to find one that has the right village name painted on the front and jump in the back. 

   Riding in the trikes is my favourite because they weave in and out of the traffic. There are several major cross-road junctions that have no lights, and I am amazed how no one stops but all just dodge and weave around each other... its crazy!

   Click on the photo to see more pix. And here's more info on the city from Wikipedia.

Badjao

The Badjao village is built on stilted houses starting on the beach and stretching out over the water. Its an amazing place with small houses packed together joined by small paths made of planks and bamboo which wobble and bend as I walk over them. In a few places they even use old overtuned canoes and at one very old looking canoe I was told "only one person at a time because this is rotten". I made my way across that part as quickly as I could very aware I am a lot heavier than the locals.

   We work with a group of mid-teens that we are teaching them about Jesus telling bible stories and songs as well as teaching basic education. Many of them have never been to school and can't read or write. We also give them a pure water drink and lots of fruit to give them some important vitamins.

   I love going there and find all the people incredibly friendly and welcoming.

   Click on the photo to see more pics... and    read here what Wikipedia says about the Badjao people.

Life on Palawan

Life is busy here but I am happy, an early 6am start every morning I am helping with work in the garden. Then a Tagalog language lesson.

   The afternoons are different depending on the day. visiting the Badjao village, the City refuge, going into town helping with the market food shopping, church or working on a project in the grounds or house (currently starting on making a egg incubator).

   I also like to spend as much time as I can with the children and team here.

   I do get two days off Thurs and sun (homechurch being on a Friday) to do whatever I want and so far have used then to explore the area.

   Click on the photo to see some pictures of the island and some of the team here.

I've made it!

It was a long journey but everything went well, I made all my connecting flights and arrived at Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Sunday evening.

   I am getting to know the amazing team here and the kids (I can now remember most of their names).

   After a day to rest and recover, I started helping with work in the garden. Kuya Dhong (Kuya, meaning older brother, is said to any man older than me) is in charge of the garden, so I have been working with him and a young man called Johnray. I have to try to stick to the shade when working but the heat does not slow me down as much as I thought it would.

   Tagalog is the language and I have started lessons and am enjoying them. It is nothing like English but I have fun learning to speak It.

   The island is very beautiful and and the jungle is so thick, there are loads of banana and coconut trees. I've seen quite a few small lizards and only one snake, at night the sound of the crickets and the lizards is amazing and really loud but I find it relaxing and have no problem sleeping. 

   Over the next few days I will see some more of the projects and outreaches that go on here.

   I've taken some pictures of the journey and the land around the house where I am staying. Click on the photo to view the album...

My new suitcase

Friday night and I'm nearly packed - my new case is stuffed with everything I think I'm gonna need for a year in a hot, humid climate!
   Hey Pete, that's your book going into hand luggage... hope you don't need it back for a year!
   I feel out of sync already - I set this blog to Palawan time, so it says i'm into Saturday already.