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)