We had Judson's birthday party on March
17 at the Carmen Beach Resort (see previous post Carmen Beach Resort). We planned this birthday party for his teachers and school mates that will also serve as a farewell party to them since we are returning to the States. Additionally we invited six kids from our neighborhood plus three from Pondol.
The Carmen Beach Resort is about 15
kilometers (about 9 miles) south of us and takes 15 – 20 minutes
depending on what is on the road (see previous posts about driving; Road Rage, Traffic Not Driving 55mph Anymore). We said we would provide transportation. There
were some 30 kids and parents who signed up to go and we can carry
about 10 – 13 people in the Revo.
Although there was a possibility of another
American who lives in the area of going and driving (he has a 20-passenger vehicle), but he was unable to make it Saturday. Good thing not all of the guests needed transportation. Still, Mike ended up making 3 trips
there and 2 trips back. Some of the parents have their own transportation while others have to use various modes
of transportation to make the trip.
Carmen Beach Resort had added a slide
to the swimming pool since we were there last time and the kids
really enjoyed the pool.
We knew when one of the favorite prior
teachers arrived, the kids got out of the pool, swarmed and greeted her:
We provided lunch, and being typical Filipino party we had enough food for twice the number of people
than were there.
The birthday boy was hungry and decided to eat before everyone else:
I have to use a whistle to get the kids' attention that it's chow time:
Pastor Teddy Jualo from our church prayed for the birthday boy and the blessing for the food:
JJ had his picture taken with teachers
and classmates
Because he ate early, JJ had to
wait for the other kids before swimming again.
After eating, the kids returned to
swimming, adults talking and Pastor Teddy doing Karaoke.
About 4:00 o'clock the birthday cake
was presented, sliced and gobbled. Flor had brought a whistle so
she could get the kids' attention when needed. She let JJ use it
to get the kids out of the pool for the cake.
We had 6 kids from our purok with us.
This was a special treat for them. Got away from the purok and
something they had not yet experienced, the swimming pool. It amazes
us that most of these kids live within ½ mile of the beach, but not
that many can swim in deep water. Most of the kids stayed in the
shallow area of the pool (also where the slide is) and with only a
few swimming in the deep area.
We were blessed with the help of Undoy,
Marilou and Lorenz (who take care of our store and help with the
property) Abet, Tohven, Debora (Pastor's wife) help with the set
up.
It was good to see the kids having such
a good time and the moms and teacher's having their valuable bonding time.
Thank you for following.
God bless.
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