Day 16

We started our last morning with the celebration of mass at the hotel. Monseigneur Rey was the celebrant and it was an emotion-filled room as both he and Father Dan shared their parting words with us. Father Dan shared with us, that for 12 years he has prayed to be able to bring a group of people from his new country back to visit his home in the Philippines. And that this journey with the mission team has been the answer to that 12 year prayer. He also shared that the mother from one of the families that received homes we had built, told him the following: She shared with him that 3 months ago, she, in her words… had “prayed an impossible prayer.” Though she saw no way that it would ever be possible, she had prayed for a house. We are so humbled to have had God allow us to be a part of His answering that prayer.
Then we had a short half hour to pack up for the airport! There were a few tense moments as the bus was an hour late picking us up to go to the airport, but it finally arrived and we got there in plenty of time. After an 11.5 hour flight we are all home in Canada!!


Highlight of the day: Our closing mass together before leaving for the airport
Quote of the day: “Mission Accomplished!!” (Msgr Rey)
Challenge of day: Getting 40 people thru line ups!! J Went thru 6 lineups/security checks before even boarding first plane!!
Prayer request: For our safe journey home and that God will richly bless those who cared so well for us.

Day 15
Our final day in the Philippines! The past 18 days have truly been an inspirational, enjoyable and different experience for us all. I'm sure today was filled with mixed emotions - sadness to leave this beautiful country and community yet anticipation to return home. This morning we visited a well established orphanage, run by the Sisters of Charity. It is located on an island! It is home to over 200 people including babies, folks with special needs, toddlers, a good number of seniors, a battered women's shelter and a wing for people with Aids and HIV. We met many children, but we learned the story of one particular little girl named Roxanne who was 18 months old. She was born missing part of her arm and was abandoned at just a couple days old and left  in a shoe box. Today she is a happy vibrant child who is full of smiles. Another gentleman we met was named Bayta. He has been at the orphanage for 50 years. He could not stop singing the praises of this place which has been his home his whole life.  It was a very touching and memorable visit for all of us. Although this place has a beautiful spirit and kids are clearly loved, it is certainly not without it's challenges. The nursery which houses 20 babies under who are under one year of age has only 3 staff people to care for them. Some areas are in disrepair, and as with any facility like this, funding is a constant challenge. The presidential palace (home of the president of the Philippines) is just outside the gate of the orphanage. They are literally neighbors! Unfortunately,however, in the 6 years of her presidency she has never set foot in the orphanage. After  lunch at the orphanage, we presented the girls with their new dresses from the dress a girl" initiative and were sent off by a choir children who sang us a farewell song, promising to pray for us and our families...these little ones who have no family of their own....
After tearing ourselves away, we could not leave Manila without at least a brief visit  to the famous Mall of Asia. It was definitely a new shopping experience, although seeing the entire mall was impossible in the time given! 
In total, this trip as a whole has been amazing. Words cannot describe the wonderful relationships and experiences we have been blessed with these past few weeks. It is my hope we do not forget the love we have given and received during our time in the Philippines. 
Michelle Tomasiewicz 
Prayer request: For the children at this orphanage!! That they may find loving permanent homes.
Quote of Day: "Though she is right outside our gate & can hear our cries, she does not come."(sister at orphanage)

Day 14
Our final day at the retreat house! This morning 's  morning prayer encouraged us to be people of hope and joy. Our focus today is ..."What now?" How do we take all that we have learned and allow it travel home with us and continue to transform us? After prayer some rested, walked or went to browse the little shops around us. The afternoon we all gathered and the missionaries were broken into small groups of 4 and traveled through 8 different stations which allowed them to further contemplate that question of "what now?" The stations focused on the following:
1. The Corporal Works of Mercy
2. Some quiet private prayer time
3. An affirming presentation of the gifts that were observed in each member of the team.
4. A journaling activity
5. Brainstorming about those injustices and inequities at home in Canada which we are passionate about setting right
6. Forming an action plan
7. Change: Can't change anybody but ourselves
8. Hope: God's in the mess!

It was a great afternoon with lots of good insights. Following an early supper, we boarded the bus for the one hour drive to the Manila Hotel. Not quite how it played out....we were stuck in a traffic jam the likes of which I have never seen in my life! If I was wasn't grey at the start, I was at the end. We had an incredibly skilled driver!! But words cannot even describe that whole experience! Luckily...like just about everywhere else in this musical country, the bus was equipped with karaoke!! So the 2 1/2 hours that it took to get to the hotel were entertaining....mostly. : ) Bert even responded to pleas from the back of the bus and sang a rousing rendition of "Rhinestone Cowboy"! Such a good sport!! Father Dan and Father Rey reunited with us at our hotel after being away at a bishops funeral for a couple days in Manila. Our hotel is a very nice facility with big spacious rooms and hot water. We are a very lucky bunch.

Prayer request: For our team to come home inspired and energized to continue to serve.
Quote of the day: Bert on the bus: "How many more miles til we get there??"
                            The adult version of "Are we there yet...????" 

Day 13

Today was the first full day of our retreat at the beautiful Angels' Hills retreat center. The group gathered at 9 am for morning prayer where we reflected on the importance of forgiveness and how that is what sets us apart as christian communities. ("See how they love one another"). The remainder of the morning was spent in reflective prayer and silence to process the many ways that God has worked in our lives throughout this mission trip.

For the afternoon, a large majority of the group took a once in a lifetime excursion opportunity. We traveled on jeeps from Tagaytay to Taal Lake. The view on the ride down the mountain was breathtaking. It looked like something out of Jurassic Park or Tarzan. The roads were barely wide enough to fit two vehicles!

We rode on what looked like glorified motorized canoes to an island on Taal Lake. The lake was a gorgeous green color. It was nice to breath in some fresh air!

On the island, we rode horses, some smaller than others, to the top of a dormant volcano. On the way up, the ride was rockier for some than others. A few people struggled to stay on the horses...or the horses struggled to keep Canadian sized people of European descent on them. Regardless of the outcome of the trail ride, it was an absolutely amazing view up the mountain and on the top. Like typical tourists, we all took hundreds of photos with the hopes to plaster them on social media later in the day. Like our morning meditation reminded us, it was very easy to see Gods beauty on this breathtaking trail ride. This was a definite trip touring highlight for many of us!

After supper, our evening session began with a living rosary under the stars. Then we moved into a time that centered around a re-enactment of the washing of the feet. Scott, Michelle and Joe washed the feet of each team member, thanking them for their contributions to our team and their willingness to serve. Then the 3 basins of water were placed in the middle of the room and the group were invited to come forward and wash the feet of anyone in our community with whom they felt they needed to reconcile or... to wash the feet, in a spirit of gratitude, someone who had served them. It was a beautiful and touching hour of healing. Laying low for the last few days has been exactly what everyone has needed in order to process all that has happened over the last 2 weeks.

Prayer Request: For healing and unity among communities. This mission team community, church communities, families and the global community. That we may forgive each other readily.
Quote of the day: "This is the little horse that could...." (Scott to the horse's handler after insisting that the little horse was NOT going to be able to bear his weight back down the hill)

Day 12

Today ends our brief stay in Legazpi. We spent last night in the cutest little hotel. It had an outdoor pool with frogs jumping all over the place. We checked out at 8:30 and headed to the small airport. We flew out at about 10 in the morning and after a 45 minute flight arrived back in Manila. Then it was onto a bus that would take us to our retreat location. Enroute we stopped at a restaurant for lunch that had a spectacular view of a mountain lake. We arrived at Angel Hills Retreat House midafternoon and got settled before supper. It is a beautiful facility with many gardens, statues and spaces to just “be”. Tonight we gathered for night prayer and our first retreat session with the theme: “What just happened?” We all had the opportunity to share what we had learned about ourselves, how our faith had grown, where we saw God at work and who were the people that touched us. A letter was shared with us that had been written to the group by the recipient families. It was a good day, but we all were ready for bed by the end of it!

Prayer request: For those many remaining needy families who were not chosen to be recipients of one of the houses. That God may send others to help them.

Quote of the day: "I was the happiest I have ever been.Words cannot describe the joy I felt." Landen(Upon describing his experience at witnessing an ordination of a young priest in Daet)

- 

Day 11!

August 12th , 2014

Our sending off day in Daet was one of many tears and expressive goodbyes between the team and our host families. It was an early morning to gather for mass at 6am where the message from Father Mandy was  about how the greatest gift in life is each other and  that we need to give ourselves.  With Jesus in our bellies we shared in one last laugh and exchanged hugs before heading out to our next destination; Naga City. It' was great to  see how relations were fostered over the past week and many of us can't wait to see and speak with our new families in the future. 

After two hours we arrived at Father Dan's home town of Naga. We visited the beautiful Cathedral, toured a minor seminary, which Father Dan attended and then ate lunch with the Bishop!  Once again we were blown away by how hospitable the Filipino people  are and  the Bishop's down to earth and personable being in sharing with us in stories, laughter and a dancing singing cat! A lunch never to forget. 

Then we traveled on to Legazpi with some still feeling woozy, but rest was in sight! We were blown away (not literally) by the volcano at Legazbi. It is an active volcano and is world renowned for being the most symmetrical volcano. Don't worry, the dragon is sleeping at this time.. 

We settled into our hotel, ate supper, relaxed and closed off the hot damp evening with prayer and reminiscing about the week of hard work we had. 

Tomorrow we are flying to Manilla and then on a bus to the The Angel Hills Retreat Center outside of Manila for our three day retreat section of the trip.

Highlight of the Day:  Seeing the volcano 

Quote of the Day: "God made Adam and Eve, the heavens and the earth and everything else is made in China."- Bishop 

Prayer Request:  That during the retreat we will be able to process all that has happened and be able to grow deeper in our relationship with God. 

Blog written by Scott. 

Peace and love, 

The arch team. 

Day 10

Well after being away from home for almost two weeks, our families at home are very, very missed. Hearing stories about parents, siblings, and pets is common within conversations (you would not believe the amount of pictures I have seen of Steph V's dog Marla).

Yesterday was a day full of blessings, tears, and some hard goodbyes. We started the day out by going to the job site and powering through as much work as we could in the time we had. Workers started welding metal rafters onto the houses, electrical work was put in, and they finished parging the inside and outside of the house. Our group started and finished the framing of house #2's addition, finished half the plywood on the outside, and continued to haul concrete, rock, and bricks.

At 2pm our group stopped working and handed over the houses to the workers. We wrapped up our job at the work site with speeches from Michelle and the two families who were receiving the houses. The gratitude they felt and the looks on their faces will be something we will remember forever. We said our goodbyes to the families around the worksite and the kids whom we had grown to love and played with everyday. Finally Michelle was able to drag everyone away from the site and we loaded the jeepneys to head to the beach.

Road laws don't really exist in the Philippines. In the time we have been here I think I've seen maybe one set of street lights and two stop signs. Seat belts are unheard of here, sitting down in a moving vehicle is optional, and there is no definitive speed limit (although for the most part people do go reasonable speeds). The jeepneys we have been driving in everyday to the worksite are vehicles that you can choose to ride inside, on top, or at the door with your legs hanging out. Most prefer riding on top of the moving vehicle.

When we got back from the beach we said our goodbyes to Paquio (the Filipino man who helped and protected us the entire week) and went to spend our last night with our families. We all celebrated our nights in different ways. Some went out for dinner, others went to karaoke bars, and some went to the cock fights. We all had amazing nights and are going to miss these people so much. Everyone is so kind and hospitable and their country is beautiful. This trip really is a trip of a lifetime and we thank everyone who has helped us to get here.

Prayer request: We ask for prayers for the families as they settle into their homes. That their homes quickly become homes full of peace, love, and laughter.

Quote: "What does blessed mean? It is not material goods or the amount of things we have. You are blessed because you have a loving family and an amazing community." -Scott

Written by Randi Peat

Day 9
Today was a much needed day of rest. We spent time with our individual host families. Most families went to mass and then had activities with families and friends. The Diocese of Daet has many different parishes. In the Philippines, each shopping mall also holds a mass on Sundays; some of our group attended mass in the mall.
The activities within our group varied from shopping to spending time on the beach, from riding a carabao (water buffalo) to cliff diving. Some learned to surf, and some sang karaoke on the beach. The Filippino people seem to really enjoy their karaoke, as do the Canadians! - One group of guys even went to see the cock fighting...there seem to be several sports arenas throughout the countryside - I was quite surprised to hear that the only 'sport' to be held in the arenas was cockfighting. One of our host families raises the birds to be used in cockfighting; Tita (auntie) was very proud that one of her birds should fetch 1000 Philippine Pisos.
Tomorrow will be our last day of work. We approach the day with mixed emotions. We are excited about the progress on the houses, but we are saddened that we will bid farewell to the fast friends we have made. Since this will be our last opportunity for work, we are determined to finish strong. Carson, Chris, Mariz, and several others have been working hard on that 12' deep hole that will be the septic service of the second home; they overcame the coconut tree-stump named Tim; they have taken out many large rocks; and countless shovels full of reddish clay have been removed. Scott, Father Dan, and their crew have been working on the construction of the additions to the houses. Joe, Mel, Jeff, Kaylee, and their crew have been building walls and roof structures. Carmen has mastered the art of the hand-saw, and Lorraine has a new calling with a hammer and nails. Jackie, Randi, Tina, Alexis, and so many others have continued to haul bricks, cement powder, and rocks from the highway to the worksite; no one has escaped with clean, dry shoes as we traipse over the creek/slough. When Tina is not manning the comfort station, she has been hauling cement. Joanne looks like one of the locals while carrying bags of cement on her head. I cannot possibly name everyone in this post, but everyone has been pulling more than their weight. It is nice to have so many different jobs happening at once; many of our group have been rotating through each activity, helping where needed. - It will be an exciting day of strength and comraderie (and heat and sweat).


Prayer Request: We ask for prayers of strength emotionally, physically, and spiritually as we finish our work here in the Diocese of Daet.
Quote of the day: The question was posed: How many times do you think we have said it's so beautiful since we got here? The answer: "Not enough!" Randi

Day 8

Magawnda Gabi! Good evening everyone! Alexis here...
Today we worked really hard at the site and made great progress and then proceeded to a youth rally for the evening.
So..... have a math question for you. What do you get when you mix 750 Filipino youth from all over their diocese and 40 Canadians? You get a breath taking, beautiful display of awesome! We got to witness the 7^th Annual Diocesan Youth Day. It was beyond great. It started with an amazing Taize prayer experience outside under a full moon against the back drop of a 400 year old church. Then onto a delicious supper! Some of us particularly enjoyed a dish called "Dynamite".... appropriately named because it's so hot!! We saw dances from each area of the diocese which were representative of the fiestas celebrated in each area. There were amazing costumes, fire breathing, hot air balloons and both traditional and modern dances celebrating patron saints, fishing, gold and pineapple.These dances left me speechless, which if any of my friends or family are reading this they know doesn't ever happen!! Haha, so this is quite a feat.  This event will forever be sketched  in my memory.. They truly made us feel welcome and loved beyond belief at this event. I’m humbled by all the love on this trip. I wish I could say more about this incredible event named Pukaw, which means "WAKE UP" in Tagalog. We were truly awakened  in our faith at this event by the example of the people, and our new friends.

Quote:"It’s more fun in the Philippines" .

Prayer Request: For the youth of the Philippines; that they will be bold leaders in serving the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Blog Update

Hello all! 
We have had very limited internet access over the last few days but all is well. Saturday was a incredible youth festival. Sunday was spent with our host families and today we turned the houses over to the recipients. It's been a great few days, look forward to details tomorrow when we reach Legaspi.
Pray for our safe journey from, Daet to Legaspi tomorrow.

Day 7
Glory to God in the Highest!!
Good Day Friends! This is Michelle reporting today. It is hard to believe that we have only been here for a week!! We feel like we have lived a lifetime. Even though, we kind of stick out around here, : ) we are starting to feel very at home.You can be very proud of our young people; they are working so hard! And are representing our diocese well. They have all fallen in love with their host families (and I think they are fond of us too.) It will be difficult to leave these beautiful people. Today was a work day!! We left in three shifts to go to the work site. We are working in temperatures which must be close to 39 degrees. But we are okay!! We drink and drink and drink! Sometimes we work in 10 minute shifts. Everyday we have some health challenges, but nothing serious; upset stomachs, ear infections, coughs, sore muscles. But we have numerous doctors amongst our host families and we are being looked after!! No need for worry!

I will try to give you a picture of what our work days are like...While some work on the actual carpentry end of things, the rest of us support. We have carried all the bricks from the top of a hill down to the job site which is at the bottom of the hill and IN the forest. This was done bucket brigade style and took us almost 2 full days. Today we carried the dry cement powder from the road thru a small swap area and up a hill to where it was needed. We each carry as we are able...I personally can manage 2 shovel fulls, but with many of us working on it, we got it done. We have also begun to dig, (by hand with axe and shovel) what will be a 15 foot deep 4 x 4 pit which will house the septic tank. We are about half done. We had to first remove a tree stump in our way which we hacked away at for days. They named it "Tim" and today, ours was victory over "Tim"!! He is gone!! In between while we are resting in shifts in the shelter, there is always at least one or two who are having THEIR day to not feel well. They lay out in the shelter and are fanned and cared for by their peers. We are surround by children ALL the time. They sing to us, teach us games and help us carry. Most afternoons there is a baby asleep in the arms of one of our young people. We go  visiting at the homes all around us. (there are about 12 homes in this little clearing) Our group has adopted an amazing young man named "Pakkio" who has made it his mission to be our personal guide. He works with us on the job site. He entertains us with his Micheal Jackson impressions,  He ensures we are all on the bus. He goes everywhere with us and has become our fast friend. Yesterday he gifted me with his rosary. I shall cherish it always. The women in the village bring us our lunch and a snack each day and help look after those of us who are under the weather. Father Dan and Father Rey have worked so hard to ensure all goes well while we are here and that these projects get completed on time. We could not  do it with out them. And we are having so much fun with them!! They are MACHINES!! They never stop!!

Our evening tonite was spent with our host families in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. It was a beautiful night! Well... it is after midnite and tomorrow is a very full day as we go to the job site during the day and to a youth festival at night!

Blessings from Daet!!

Quote of the day: "I love my Jesus!" (Pakkio)
Highlight of the day: The great progress that we made at the work site today.
Prayer request: For continued stamina. We have 2 days left....and we need the cement to dry!! Fast!!

Day 6!!

Hello Friends,

The word of today is wow! Today we took the day off, partially because the heat was so oppressive but also do to a packed schedule of hospitality. It is hard to believe as we write this that this has all occurred in one day. We began our day with a Fiesta celebration. We participated in a beautiful mass that was packed! On a Thursday morning! Afterwards we were treated to a delicious reception provided by cooking students of the area. After the reception we were taken to the "river" which in reality was a beautiful oasis of palm trees , thatched huts, shade and fresh water river that flows down from the mountains. It was breathtaking. We spent several hours there throughout the afternoon, visiting and relaxing. Two of the young priests from the youth commission accompanied us this afternoon and it was such a gift getting to know them. After leaving the river, we visited the local orphanage. What a place of love! The sisters and the priest who founded and love the orphanage are clearly adored by the 16 children they care for. The grounds of the orphanage were beautiful with a number of small tricycles lined up in the yard. The children they care for are children who have been abandoned and they work to find the families, help them overcome the challenge they have in providing for their children and reunite them with their children. Once again we were treated to an impromptu concert by the children there, one young boy who was autistic and blind seemed to form a quick bond with a few of our young men, and they with him. It was an emotional experience for us all. From the orphanage we went to city hall where we were greeted on the steps and presented with medallions welcoming us to the multiplicity of Labo. After a question and answer period at the mayor's office we were taken to the municipal hall. This is unlike any municipal hall I've ever been to; it was on top of a hill that overlooked the whole area. The view was breathtaking as we dined outside with the setting  of the sun and the mountains on the horizon. We were served an entire roast pig! With numerous side dishes, too many to count! As we ate we enjoyed multiple entertainers including an AMAZING 10 year old boy who sang Celine Dion better then Celine Dion. After a few hours of music and dancing, some of the group shared what this experience has meant to them thus far. We are invited back next year. LOL This was not the day we had  planned! We came to serve. But this day has been one we will remember for the rest of our lives and we will earn our keep tomorrow back at the job site! 

Highlight: Today we officially can NOT pick. It was all AMAZING!!!!!

Quote: "It's hard and takes sacrifice,but if you love these kids you'll be happy." -Sister Hannah 

Prayer Request: 

-For the children at the orphanage and those who take care of them with such love, that they may receive the resources they need to continue their good work. 

Day 5!!

Hello All, 
Today we split into two groups with half going to a ordination of a new priest and the other staying at the work site. Those who went to the ordination were able to witness a beyond belief sense of love and community! The priests are truly family here! The church was also packed and all of the surrounding area were very very happy for him. The mass touched many hearts and was very emotional for some of us.
Those who went to the job site also had a amazing day. We are starting to really build a amazing camaraderie and sense of community with those living at the job site. The children who had been so shy, now greet us happily every morning. Today,they gave us a impromptu concert and sang the national anthem for us. We worked hard and are making progress, despite the fact we keep breaking tools... today 1 shovel and pick ax. Just as we were leaving the job site we were pulled over by the mayor of the municipality who was perplexed by "what all the white people were doing"  in his community upon learning what we were up to he invited us to have dinner with him tomorrow night. It was a great day!

Quote of the day: "It's mind blowing that they have so little and are so happy and we have so much and aren't." - Karina Harle

Highlight: Witnessing the ordination of a young priest and his joy.

Prayer Request: For all the priests we love and are quickly coming to know and love, please pray especially for Fr.Dan and Fr.Rey who are working so hard to make this all happen.

Day 4!

Hello friends and family! Welcome to Day 4!

Today’s agenda:
Morning prayer
A one hour bus ride to the work site from Daet
Building sight
Ocean break
Bishops palace & banquet
Go back to host homes

Last night when we arrived in Daet we were greeted with many signs of welcome and our host families! There are two missionaries per family. All homes are safe and give the essential needs, however there is a diversity among the privileges such as whether there is an actual shower or just basins of water. We are learning that hospitality is very important to the Filipino people and we are receiving the absolute best of what these people have. The team is feeling very welcomed and valued. It is great to have learned about the Filipino culture and history and to now have the opportunity to experience it.

Today was our first day on the work site and the two houses are coming along. The two houses are literally among others are in the jungle area. Looking out all you see are a few huts and trees. Just walking off the main street you would not have expected to walk into that. The Philippines is very beautiful and has a lot more trees than Saskatchewan!

 For the morning and part of the afternoon we passed concrete bricks down the hill to the work site. This morning was very humid with a sprinkle of rain and we certainly sweat bullets. It was like we were celebrities while we were working because all the neighbors around the project site come to us and were videoing and taking pictures.  We went through the musical genes singing accapella as we worked beginning with Variety Night songs, to Pop to Praise and Worship. After that we cooled off in ocean.

In the evening we were surprised with a Filipino welcoming party! We began the evening with mass with the Bishop where he encouraged us to be not afraid and to stay young. He said that those who accept and are open to Christ are young and that we only get old when our hearts become hard. Then we entered the banquet hall that was beautifully decorated. It felt like we should be attending a wedding. The dinner was delicious, with rice of course, and then the speeches and welcomings began. Now, as Canadians we expected to have simple speeches of welcome, but we got a real sense of who the Filipino people are! The Bishop said his welcome and then sang us a song! Then the youth ministry department danced for us followed by more introductions of the clergy within this diocese and a few special songs sung by them. After the welcomes two youth teams performed their “dance parable” where they make an amazing dance and act to a Biblical parable. Our Canadian team was then challenged to take the mic and do karaoke. It was a beautiful night where we got to see who these people are! They certainly do not welcome like Canadians. Perhaps we could get Bishop Dan to do karaoke one night? 

It is interesting to see that the Filipino people are very friendly, but once they find out that we are not here on a vacation rather that we are here to experience the culture, on missions and to build two houses for two families in the community, they become very intrigued. The Filipino people take pride in their country and their culture.

Highlight of the Day: Seeing the Bishop welcome us in song and seeing the site for the first time.

Quote of the Day: "It’s interesting to see the extreme of poverty contrasted with the extreme of consumerism." –Landon K

"You are building two houses while you are here, but you are also building the temple of God in your hearts." –Bishop Gilbert

Prayer Request: For the Filipino people they their faith may deepen and that God may bless them for their hospitality.

Blog written by: Brandi 

Peace and love, 

The Arch Team

DAY 3!!

Hello all,

Alexis Abello reporting on day 3 of our adventures! Today we are traveling to Deat where we will be staying with host families and working on building the house. We started the day bright and early but with smiles on our face as to be sure we’d catch the bus to Daet. These smiles were despite an interlude of a car alarm blast through our dreams, on more than one occasion throughout the night. As we boarded the highway bus we had a mix of songs and excited chatter as we finally settled into the bus that we’d be in for the next 12 hours. But as we settled down for prayer, I could feel Gods love and your prayers around us keeping us safe. While also on the bus we sang, a lot. We sang everything from Halleluiah to My Big Green Tractor.  After the grueling bus trip of winding roads, seeing the worksite, stopping to pee and many trees we finally made it to our host families. We arrived shortly after 7pm, we later found out they had been waiting for us since 5. We were welcomed into their youth center and greeted with music, jokes and warm welcomes! They mirrored to us the same love and excitement we have for them. A few families even made signs, how cute!  The next few days will be an adventure for sure! We are now here to do what we came to do and I think all of us are ready! Ready for so much; including the building of relationships and the houses but also going out of our comfort zones. The bus trip from Manila to Daet is 300 KM and takes 8-12 hours which is the same length of Regina to Saskatoon, but only takes 3 hours! The roads are windy, but the view is beautiful! We’ve had a few that got motion sick, but are now feeling better! I have been in a bus for a while now and I’m pretty tired so here’s saying goodbye and sending love, peace and blessings to all our family and friends back home. Much love to all of you.

Highlight of the day: Our warm welcome!!
Quote of the day: “Enjoy the humidity! It is for you!” –Mikee (Youth Minister Commission)
Challenge of the day: Stomachs that are not used to the combination of heat, speed and winding roads. Can you say roller coaster? J
Prayer request: Prayers for physical strength.  Our build site is at the bottom of the hill. Cement blocks at top of the hill!

Sorry for the late post! Internet has been hard to connect to. 

Peace and love, 

The Arch Team

TOUR OF MANILA

TOUR OF MANILA! 

Today we walked among heroes, we walked where they once walked and praised their memory through the gracious memories of those whose independence they taught. We started the morning with prayer and a beautifully prepared breakfast in our prayer room. We talked about challenging eachother and gave affirmations. 

Then the tour day began at Rizal Park, a beautiful Spanish fort where the breath taking garden grew and was planted over the dungeons of times past. Dr.Razal the hero of the Philippines, loved by the people he inspired, spent his life fighting for revolution by eduction and peace, not through war and blood! We learned about the Filipino culture and history. We were blessed with rain and beautiful nature by the parks amazing spirit. 

Next on our amazing journey we saw the San Augustin Church, the only monument left standing after the devastations of World War 2. The wooden carvings and painted ceiling were stunning and effortlessly beautiful. The old painting sharing the faces of the priests and holy history of the churches past and present. At the national museum we got to see a made up house of traditional Filipino culture. The carving of the bath tub and attention to detail show not only the craftsmen ship but the hardwork they put into everything they do.

After that we went to the Ocean Park Aquarium. There were so many different types of fish and it was amazing to see how truly creative

our God is. Some of us went to a fish spa, where a fish called, "the doctor fish" actually eat the dead skin off your feet. There were lots of giggles, screams and photos. 

Originally we were suppose to go on a dinner cruise, but it was cancelled because of weather conditions,however we attended a buffet where traditional dancing, music, and singing were in wonderful supply.  The food was amazing and thankful smiles filled the room. We ending our night praying together at our hotel, sharing our highlights of the day and thanking all and everything around us. The day went by in the blink of an eye, and taking a moment to reflect upon everything that we were given is just what we needed to appreciate the beauty on the never ending supply of humanity today in the people that outpour kindness. 

Tomorrow we embark on a 8-12 hour bus ride to Deat where we will meet the community and families we will be staying with. So far we've only had a few upset stomached and tiredness of jetlag.

Quote of the day: "We are a novelty to them, but they are a novelty to us!" -Mark 

Highlight: having dinner at the restaurant where there were TONS of choice, live entertainment and great conversation, which wasn't planned! 

Prayer Request: that we can continue to step out of our comfort zone and build friendships. 

Blog written by: Hannah Merk

Peace &love, 

The Arch Team

SAFE AND SOUND!

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE (or good afternoon Canadians), it's glorious 8am in Manila, August 2.

We have arrived in the Philippines at 4:00AM with no troubles!  We have showered, eaten and are ready for a cat nap. Today's plan is to rest and adjust to high humidity and a 14 hour time change.

Currently it is 27 degrees, feels like 31 degrees with 87% humidity. Who need lotion or volumizing shampoo when you have humidity?

Highlight: arriving safely.
Prayer Request: to rest and transition to Manila time.


Peace &love,
The Arch Team

COUNTDOWN!

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

 Two weeks until we leave for the Philippines!

 We would like to invite you to our commissioning mass which will be Sunday, June. 27th at 10:00 AM! We will celebrate mass together and receive a blessing.

 We cannot ask this enough, please pray for us! The power of prayer is so important and crucial for the success and fruit of this missions trip. Please pray for the missionaries, communities and individuals we will work with and that our hearts will be open to the Holy Spirits' good work!

Here is a list of all the missionaries:
Tina Kleisinger
Jackie Peat
Michelle Braden
Joanne Lukey
Karina Harle
Jade Kampman
Mariz Anonas
Kaylee Untereiner
Stephanie Loziak
Michelle Tomasiewicz
Hannah Merk
Stephanie Varsanyi
Jenna Kampman
Lorraine Schneider
Mel Giambattista
Randi Peat
 Carmen Labelle
Mikayla Krupski
Mary Polk
Michaela Lang
Carson Daly
Chris Giambattista
Landen Kleisinger
Lucas Kleisinger
Megan Bend
Brandi Klein
Amy Neudorf
Eva Neudorf
Alexis Abello
Stacey Baran
Marc Yakichuk
Adam Krammer
Braden Kuntz
Jeff Matt
Reed Miller
Scott Heathcoat
Jared Harle
 Bert Yakichuk
Joe Zahn
Msgr. Reymundo Asis
Fr. Danilo Rafael

Peace & love,
The Team

Welcome!

WELCOME! 

Thank you for visiting our blog post. Here you will find continual updates prior to and especially during our trip the the Philippines. The Archdiocese of Regina is so excited to take a group of youth, young adults and adults to the Philippines this summer from July 31-August 17. Accompanying us will be two priests from the Philippines and we will be visiting their home communities.

We invite you to travel with us on this beautiful journey that will come with its challenges and growth. We appreciate you and your support! This trip would not be as meaningful without you.

56 days till we leave on our mission to love God and serve! Be sure to check back soon for more updates and blogs (:

Peace & love,
The Arch team