Our wedding

Shiela and I were married on February 16th... which seems ages ago now! Sorry it's taken so long to put up some photos but life's been a bit hectic finishing our home as well as working full time. 

Anyway; it was a beautiful ceremony, a mix of two cultures and two languages. The service included lots of symbolic items and acts not normally in a British wedding. There was of course exchanging of wedding rings and vows, but there were also many others. At the start of the ceremony the two mothers lit two candles, to signify two lives. Then at the end Shiela and I used these two candles to light a third signifying two becoming one. 

After exchanging vows and rings a large veil (extra to the bride's veil) was placed on the two of us on my shoulders and Shiela’s head. This symbolized us becoming one in the presents of God. 

Then a cord was placed over us in a figure of eight (representing infinity). This showed the unbreakable bond between us. There was also a role for some coins (as prosperity) and of course a Bible as our guide. My Dad was my best man; he had lots to do as Dad and best man and had a position at the very front of the church close to me and Shiela. 

The reception was much more like a British reception. Including the ‘top table’ which is not normal in a Filipino wedding. It was special and gives the parents a more important position than they normally have in Filipino tradition. During our first dance in Filipino tradition – called the ‘prosperity dance’ – the guests pinned money to our clothes while we danced (pic below). 

Ninong’s and Ninang’s are important in a Filipino wedding; they are like wedding god-parents. Normally there are about 10 to 20 of them! They are important to the couple; people that can advise and guide the couple though married life. They are also the official witnesses. All in all, it was a very special and memorable day.

To see some more pictures from the wedding, see this Google Photo album: https://goo.gl/photos/7SbzBCtaQJLUcxfz6

Growing food together

While protecting vulnerable children and helping them heal from their past, we also train them in life skills for their future. So, children and team members each have their own bed in the vegetable plot.

The kids love it and it helps them learn how to grow their own vegetables. It’s a good bonding time for all. And it's another good activity to keep them busy during the school holidays. More vegetable growing is always a good thing; we grow organically so it makes very healthy meals!

Feeding the hungry

At our new centre in the Badjao village, we have started a new Kids Club for children who do not go to school, in addition to the current weekly ministry. There is Bible teaching, stories and worship, plus games, sports and basic education.

As you can see in the photo, we have also started a feeding program during our ministry activities there. Because of poverty many of them do not have enough food, so while they are with us, we now fill them up with good healthy food.

Working at KNA

Life has changed in the last few months but we are still full time at Kanlungan Ng Ama (The Fathers Refuge). I no longer live full time at the safe home like I did before I was married, but Shiela and I are still there most days, with the kids and my other work responsibilities. 

Weekends are the time when we stay at the Safe Home. I am weekend duty manager so we are on site night and day for the two days at weekends. I am still very much enjoying the ministry here at KNA with the kids and the other parts to the work. Although I do not stay there every night, my responsibilities and work are still the same. 

In the pictures: everyone's enjoying themselves at a camp we organised at a local beach during the recent school holidays... great fun for kids and team alike.

Our home

Our house is complete; it is a simple native-style wood and bamboo construction, but it is well built and beautiful. There is a bedroom and a joint kitchen/lounge area, as well as an overlooking balcony at the back. The block on the left is a shower/toilet room, joined to the house by an overhanging roof and concrete floor.

Built up on cement stilts, to stop the termites eating away at the wood pillars, this also helps prevent other unwanted insect or snake guests! Shiela’s dad (bottom pic) was the head carpenter/builder – he is very good and we are happy that it is a well-built, strong house.

Here on Palawan, inside/outside living space is far less defined than in a cold climate; people spend more time outside of the home. So houses can be smaller with dining and relaxing areas outside. We still have more plans and things to add to and in the house, so I am often enjoying a bit of DIY. It’s a simple way of life but we are happy, it’s our home.