For our first day in the field we loaded into two vans with four duffel bags of gifts. After about an hour in heavy traffic we arrived at The blessed Kids Hope Center in the Provence of San Jose Bulacan. We arrived and were greeted warmly as we entered the small open church space. Each of our team members were given a ribbon "Lei" style necklaces. you will see them on some of our latter pictures. We had an opening prayer, and some songs.
My church, District, has donated to this site to help them expand for a classroom and larger entry. We had a groundbreaking ceremony and then headed back inside for some traditional Philippines dance performances and songs.
Our team divided up into four separate stations for our VBS. One bible story station, two craft stations (bead bracelets and decorating shirts) and a game station for musical chairs. All were a hit with the kids.
We were served a snack and began visiting with the staff. during our snack many of the kids came by and performed a sign of respect. They approach and take your hand raising it to their forehead. We respond by giving them a blessings response. One child gave us all invitations to a party, we didn't know what to think of that, but it soon became known.
There is a fast food chain in the Philippines called Jollibee. we all walked to the restaurant, and upstairs there is a party room. We were told that a Jollbee party was every kids dream. We were now hosting a party for the ChildChampion staff who regularly took kids, but were never celebrated themselves! The afternoon was filled with games, visiting, picture booths, and a generally good time. At the end we brought in gifts for each ChildChampion. All received a large food bag and hygiene gift bag. Things we take for granted were highly appreciated by all.
