philippine relief program philrep christian ministries inc.

May 13, 2012

Hello again, and welcome to another week of life here at Cornerstone in the Philippines - well some of it anyway! It has been another one of those weeks. The boys are still on their summer break from school, so there have been things happening around the House, we celebrated the graduation of some of our Home school boys, the table tennis table got another work out, Paul went home for a vacation and our new washing machine arrived. Among other things!

Last week we spoke about the table tennis competition that Intern josh set in place, and this week we can announce that the "Best on Table" went to Ariel and his younger brother Samuel Dennis. Josh reports that even gave him a run for his money!

But the highlight of the week was on Monday when we held the Graduation Ceremony for our graduating students from Home School - Jemar, Elvis and Kenneth. Elcon also successfully sat his exam, but he has since returned home, so was not at the event. What a day it was. It started out with Ptr Earl opening the event in prayer, thanking God for His guiding and preparing the boys throughout the year. The three were very nervous as they donned their caps and gowns for the ceremony, and then joined their escorts - Josh (Jemar), Vicente (Elvis) and Sr Jasmine (Kenneth) - for the processional into the function. Then Mark Joseph led those present in the singing of the National Anthem.

After a short address, Cristian sang "Who Am I" as a tribute to the graduates and then it was time for the presentation of certificates by Teacher Kim, who ended the presentation by offering some words of encouragement to the boys. Ptr Jonril then led the prayers for the graduates and Josh closed the ceremony in prayer. Then of course we had time for some photos before adjourning downstairs to a celebration lunch which Christopher and Paul had prepared. BBQ chicken, noodles with pork and vegetables and fruit salad for desert - all washed down with fruit juice!

By early in the week our new washing machine was installed in its place and ready to work. One of our visiting families had kindly offered to purchase one for us, and after looking around we decided that a twin-tub type would be more practical and durable, and we found a large capacity one at that! It now sits just outside the big boys' room, and has done a lot of work already! We give thanks to God and the donors for this item which will make things much easier for our House families with their young children, and all in the House.

By Wednesday afternoon we were bidding farewell to Paul who was heading home for a few days vacation with his family. He hasn't been home since he cam to us 8 years ago, so was very excited about the prospects of seeing his parents, siblings, relatives and friends again. He will be back on May 20, so a short, but I am sure a very much enjoyed visit. Paul will then start his second year of culinary arts training. Once our boys reach 18 they can have 1 trip back home to visit their family at a time of their choosing. Because most of the boys come from other islands, it is quite an expensive process for them to visit home. This trip for Paul was made possible by the students and staff of one of our supporting schools in Victoria who raised money that was especially set aside to provide for the boys trip home. A big thank you to all involved. You have helped put a HUGE smile on Paul's face and in his heart.

Also through the week Ptr Earl and Kenneth put the finishing touches to the concreting project they and some of the other boys have been working on at the side of the house. In preparation for our soon to arrive (I think 80 days, but who's counting!) pizza oven making team, the side are has been cemented, and base for the oven constructed and drainage put in to keep the whole area dry. After the oven is constructed, a roof will be put over the area and an outside cooking area made alongside the oven. It will become a center of our food preparation, be a lot of fun, and by using charcoal and wood as fuel, save us on out cooking gas bills! Can't wait!!

And that was some of what the Lord has been doing here in the past week. I say the Lord, because He is the One who leads us and guides us in all that we do. Whether it is the celebrating of our boys success, fun activities, work projects or blessings He gives us through our supporters, it is all His direction and for His glory. Thank you for taking the time to share last week with us. We pray that as you read about what he is doing here, you will see more clearly what He is doing where you are.

With honor and praise to our living, loving God,

Your partner,

David