Posts Tagged ‘Manila’
Some pics from H4C Benefit Concert
Here are some pictures of the musicians, H4C Directors, and volunteers who made the H4C Benefit Concert a night to remember. We’ll write more soon… Until then ~ huge thanks to all who came and gave to the cause!
So Many Dynamics
Because I have spent so much time here in Balut, Tondo Manila over the last 20 years, these past couple of days I have been trying to pay attention to the different dynamics that come into play on a daily basis. This place is non-stop in activities, emotions, struggles, sorrows and laughter. I am able to experience the worst of situations in one place and in the next hour be laughing and enjoying close friendships. Yesterday I had the joyful experience of video taping some of the sponsored college students who will be graduating this year. They shared their experiences and struggles, real stories of success in the midst of great hardship. Then today I was at the garbage dump helping feed almost 100 children living in the dump. For some it’s the only meal they will receive today. They laughed and sang as they ate. Just a few yards away sat a family in front of a coffin holding their 14 year old son who died inside a garbage truck while trying to get a head start on the scavenging, not realizing the compactor was on. They don’t have enough money to bury him yet so they are trying to raise the money…dynamics! Sometimes I feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. But listening to those college students talk about how excited they are for their future I know that doing nothing is never an option and I will gladly accept the tears to be able to share in the joy and laughter.
What A Trip!
I’m writing from my room here at the Youth With A Mission staff house in Tondo, Manila. It was quite a trip to get here this time. I arrived early at Newark Airport with my two traveling companions; my niece Kristen Grimsland and her friend from college Leah Hirsch-Cotter. Upon our arrival we noticed our flight was delayed over an hour. That turned into a 2 hour delay before we finally took off. Since our layover in Hong Kong was only an hour and a half, I knew we were in trouble. So off we flew on our 15 1/2 hour journey with a screaming baby behind us and the entertainment features not working….yes the axis of travel evil! I was very thankful for my mp3 player and noise-cancelling headphones.
We arrived in Hong Kong and, of course, missed our connection. Before I could start my rant against the airline they put us up in the beautiful airport hotel and provided us a free breakfast.
After a very smooth non-eventful flight the next morning (actually about 5 hours later) we were in Manila. For me it was like what I’ve heard women say about childbirth, they forget about the pain of labor. Everytime I exit the airport in Manila I feel like I’m right where I’m suppose to be, and I’m ready to get to work.
We hit the road running and stopped at an ongoing medical outreach happening at the permanent housing area in Smokey Mountain before we even unloaded our luggage. A few hours later we were back there helping some friends hand out gifts to elementary school children. For Kristen and Leah’s first visit to the Philippines, they are getting an early start.
I’m looking forward to the next three weeks and I will do my best to keep you all updated!
Paul Grimsland
Children of Smokey Mountain Philippines