Update Typhoon Ondoy/Ketsana report from Craig, October 5th 2009.

Friends,

The British Ambassador came to thank the ASCF – Mango Tree House children and staff (www.asct.org.uk) for all they have done and they deserve it! They have worked harder than I have wanted them to but just will not stop.  Of course he and his wife also came to get their hands (feet) dirty. They then took the older children to distribute relief goods with Captain Roger (again outside his political area), and Ambassador Stephen well and truly got his feet dirty serving the people who greatly appreciated it. Of course he was not alone but please forgive me but I need a few hours sleep so this is brief.

Also we led a Red Cross mission that Caroline Cliff, our volunteer Sandra, Medic Randy and others helped organise. Saint Sarah and Ham also came to work hard as did many others. The International British Academy, Financial Times and many others also came to make donations and volunteer as well.

However I want to finish by focusing on a lady who deserves an incredible amount of thanks, Gina of Springboard, Annette’s right hand who does so much (British understatement). She really is a great lady and Springboard came with donations worth at least 1.3 million pesos so Gina helped distribute goods. It lifted my spirits to see her and her volunteers in the community. The need is so great and Gina is great at meeting people’s needs.

Only attaching one photo (the Ambassador with the Mango girls) as I am exhausted, more tomorrow.

Please forgive the brevity of this email but the eight days have started to take their toll and I better sleep or Caroline, Sarah and Paulette will be stealing my cell phone, computer and car to stop me working.

Blessings,

Craig.