Sam:

It is the fifth day in and SUCCESS! I feel as if we are making a difference. Every day we converse and speak with the people and while it can be slow going at times, with perseverance and no small amount of charades, I feel like I am making progress. I think our trip here has been a success as long as no dire situation presents itself in the last three days. OF WHICH IT WILL NOT. NOONE WORRY OR PANIC. The facilities and situation in the village has exceeded all expectations. We feel very blessed. Today we went up to their local prayer mountain, and much deep thought and contemplation occurred. Surprisingly I have not cried yet. The incessant happiness of the locals has obviously rubbed off. And while their situation is not one in which I take lightly, their attitude and personality has outshined it all. This experience has been extremely gratifying and I am glad I came.

Helen:

Wow, what a day! Every evening when we review the photos of the day, it is hard to believe that we have had so many experiences and interacted with so many people in twelve hours. Today I accompanied four students to St George's Kindy and were they wonderful! They engaged with about fifty 3-5 year olds for two hours, keeping their interest in learning and playing games with them. The children loved it! My special encounter was with a five year old girl who could not walk or write and was very limited in her speech. We spent time together, using English to count and say letters and words. I also introduced her to writing letters on a small whiteboard. She loved it and was so proud of her achievements! It was obvious that the morning was special for her – her smiles took my breath away. This afternoon, I returned to Prayer Mountain. I had found it a very spiritual place last year, and once again I was in awe of God’s creation which surrounded us. I found a quiet place tucked away from everyone which looked out over the mountains which stretched out to the Thai border. I feel so privileged to be here and to know that this is a time when relationships are being strengthened. I feel that I have connected with a part of God’s worldwide family and that we are becoming a part of their lives. We are encountering beautiful, beautiful people amongst beautiful, awesome scenery in a very special location. I can only say "Thank you" to our God who is a God of opportunities and surprises.

TEGAN.

Well, today was an achievement and a half.. It is truly amazing to look back and realise how much can really be accomplished during one day. I have found my harmonizing buddy, Nicola, a pleasure to sing with virtually anywhere; in the shower, the side of a cliff and on the bus just to name a few. The past days have been hard, trying to deal with experiences on an emotional level but today really helped to clean my head and allow me to focus on my journey. Today I went to Than Doung Gyi Ward 3 to teach the Kindy kids with Lowri. I was, at first, anxious and apprehensive of how I would take this experience. Teaching younger kids in Manila challenged me due to the language boundaries; so we knew we would be faced with this here also. However, these children didn’t care about how we spoke, it was actions and entertainment that really got them into the teaching. We used songs and dance to teach English, Maths and a little basic Human Biology. It was gorgeous to see Lowri with the younger kids, she was so loving and gentle natured as she always is; the kids loved her!! After 2 hours of teaching and lunch we went to go walk up Prayer Mountain. This, to me, was a special time where I could reflect on who I was when I started Manila, when I came back and who I am now. I found a chapel near the top of the mountain, it reminded me so much of my late Grandma, and began to reflect on who I feel I am on the inside. I opened up a bible and it fell to Psalm 87; 'His foundation is in the holy mountains’. This got me as we were on a holy mountain, it made me feel closer to God and allowed me to reflect more upon my journey thus far. At the beginning of my journey in Manila, I developed the urge to become a nurse to help those in need of medical care who may not be able to afford it or are in remote areas. During my year between Manila and Myanmar I began to follow my spiritual journey a lot more, to try find myself and how I fit into this world. Now, during my trip, I realise I am now at peace. I don’t feel as urgent or anxious anymore, I feel as though I am grounded here; I can see myself for who I am. I know that these feelings will stay with me as I return from this pilgrimage, and I am glad of this. I now have seen myself taking a different pathway. I want to learn a second language and maybe do primary/kindergarten teaching in university; so I may work in developing countries and help the new generation’s education by trying to provide a free learning system. I realise now, after two pilgrimages of teaching, this would be something which would bring joy to my heart. I am so grateful to have been offered to live through today’s journey as it has opened so much to me. I am grateful to my fellow pilgrims for being the supportive and kindhearted people we all know them to be. I am grateful for the people of Myanmar, for accepting us with open arms and loving us like family. The weather here is doing well and isn’t that bad, thank goodness! I miss you all and will see you very soon. Wish us all luck for our last days here in Than Doung Gyi; you might not see me when everyone else comes home…I think I might chain myself to a tree so I can stay!!!!