I am very privileged to be among a wonderful AAI group of people who participated in the Philippine trip. We had the pleasure to bless many children and families. We spent our first day helping 75 families at Abatex with a feeding and freshwater program. Our donations will help the program for 4 months of warm meals and fresh water.
We treated the children to a McDonald’s party with all the trimmings, the parents had a nice meal and we had a traditional Philippine meal on banana leafs. The children blessed us with a fun program that we all participated in. It was a Christmas celebration for all.
The next day we traveled by bus to Zambales to visit the children of Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Home. We had a wonderful time treating the children to a first time shopping spree day, watching and helping them pick out their own gifts was such a great experience
For the next 4 days we had more love shown to us by all the children. We spent 2 days in teams during our camp outing… words can’t describe the team bonding and lots of laughter by all of us, especially the famous tug-of-war. We are so fortunate to enjoy the beautiful beaches with the kids and taking some of them Island hopping in a traditional boat. The biggest blessing came from Hugo’s good friend Dr. Meg and her team of 5 other dentists and assistants. They cleaned, pulled and fixed all the kids teeth. While the children all helped each other through their turn holding their heads and hands. Maridel received braces and Allyson received a new tooth right on the spot. When they were finished with the kids they helped the families who live in the fishing village. The blessings will continue as Dr. Meg wants to continue with AAI on our trips. After Sunday church service we were treated to homemade pizza and cinnamon rolls. Our last night was a wonderful celebration of singing and dancing. Ending with a bonfire, with hot dogs and marshmallows.
Everyone on the trip enjoyed so much love from so many children. Words can’t describe how amazing this trip was. Everyone on the trip is beyond generous with their kindness and donations. I will never know how to thank by team for an amazing trip.
Thanks to everyone who came and also from so many family and friends who donated money to help with so much need.
Special thanks for so many wonderful Blessings,
Cheryl Robinson
Here was the itinerary as originally planned 
Depart for Manila October 16-17 (Arriving Oct 17-18)
Mission trip Officially starts October 18
*Day 1-2 depending which day you arrive
Oct.17-18 Relax, swim, sightsee, shop and eat. (on your own) Everything is in walking distance 1-5 minutes
Stay at The Elan Hotel Greenhills ($70-80 per night for 2pp includes breakfast)
*Day 1 –Wednesday Oct.18 Dumpsite Project
6:30-8 Breakfast
8am Depart for Rizal Dump site project 1+ hour drive
Stop along the way at a local store for water and treats
Visit with 75 families including many children on the dump site (hiking uphill involved)
Serve lunch to everyone
Lunch for AAI at local church (outside)
Return to hotel 3-4pm
Free night before we leave for SOTH
*Day 2 Thursday Oct.19 Depart for Shepherd of the Hills
8am Depart for Shepherd of the Hills (SOTH)
11:20 Lunh in Olongapo (Max’s Resto besid Newstar Shopping Center)
1:00 – 3:30 – Shopping at Newstar
4:00 pm – Depart for SOTH
5:00 pm Welcome party from the children and introduction of SOTH
7:00 PM Dinner
10PM – Goodnight – Sleep
*Day 3 –Friday October 20
7:00 am Breakfast
8:00 am – 9:30 AM – Market
10 am – 11:30 – Camp Orientation / Groupings, Flag Designing
12 noon – Lunch
1:30pm – 5 pm – Station Race
7PM – Dinner
8:30 pm – Team Practice ( Yell/stomp)
10 pm Goodnight sleep
Day 4 – Saturday October 21
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 – Travel to Beach ({unta de Uian or Canoe)
9AM – 12:00 – Team Performance – (Yell.Stomp), swimming- volleyball
Noon – Beach Lunch
2:00 PM – 4:PM Animal Relay – swimming- volleyball
5:00 PM Back to SOTH
8:00 – 10 PM Awards, Bonfire (Elijah play by SOTH)
*Day 5 – Sunday October 22
7:00 am Breakfast
8:30 – Sunday Church Service
10AM – Noon – Dental
Noon – Lunch
1PM – 3PM Dental
3PM to 6PM – Hiking or distribution of gifts.
7 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Farewell Program includes singing and dancing!! The best night.
*Day 6 – Monday October 23
Early morning river walk
Breakfast – Good byes to everyone
9:30 am Leave for Manila
Arrive in Manila 3-5pm Hotel Elan Greenhills
Free night (Dinner not included)
*Day 8 – Tuesday
Depart for home (arrive the same day as we depart)
For more information, please contact:
Cheryl Robinson AAI Regional Director
517-599-4095
hdchey@netscape.net, Cheryl.robinson@airlineamb.org
April Trip – 2016 Here is a video made by a youth Ambassador Kyle VanDerVelden about the April trip
and Cheryl’s touching thank you letter!
I want to say thank you for making this trip to the Philippines so wonderful. I hope you all had a good time and made lots of lasting memories. This is a very special trip for me, and I’m glad you all wanted to share it. The children are so awesome and will always remember us. Every time we go back they always ask about the previous Aunties and Uncles.
I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful donations that you brought. The kids really seemed to love their new things. The Abatex project was so thankful for everything, they have never received so much before. Of course the peanut butter was a big hit as usual. Plus all the baking items.
When we visit we always do an activity, this time we did several since we had such a large group. They asked and I said yes. They never get a chance to do many outings unless someone sponsors them so this was a huge treat for them.
I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm with the children….this is what it’s all about. This trip was the largest group so far and I think it went very well.
Thanks to you all for making it so special.
All my love to you,
God Bless and thank you again,
Cheryl
