HOP-E

During our honeymoon to the Philippines early 2011, Vince and I had the privilege of spending few days with the founder of HOP-E (http://www.hop-e.org/) Ps JayJay and Ps RJay visiting the indigenous villages remote to Manila. 

The first hand experience of life for families trapped in poverty was heartbreaking. Kids eating only one meal a day, travelling to most places by foot and only ever get to wear donated clothes. Oral hygiene is a foreign concept to many and if unfortunately one falls sick, the family can only hope for the best. All of this make up the hard facts & statistics we read every day about third world countries (http://www.hop-e.org/articles2.php).

We were overwhelmed to see the stark contrast between the rich/glamorous part of Manila and the poorly resourced villages where families are only surviving on minimal. My mind had a hard time accepting the sad reality of inequality and the challenging living condition many young kids are confronted with. 

Fortunately, Jayjay and RJay saw the critical needs amongst the impoverished communities through a scavenging experience in 2007 which then led them to the God-inspired vision of bridging the gap between poverty and opportunity. HOP-E foundation (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) was then officially established in 2008 with the goal of empowering the disadvantaged individuals through the four E's - Education, Employment, Empowerment and Events (for full mission statement of HOP-E please visit http://www.hop-e.org/aboutus.php)

One of HOP-E's current projects involves establishing learning centers throughout the indigenous villages in Pintong Bukawe. These centers cater mainly for kids who live too far from government funded schools and offer the opportunity to be educated and equipped with self-sustaining skills (eg. farming and domestic skills) hence allowing the kids to escape the viscous cycle of poverty.

Our personal visit to the learning centers and the prospective organic plantation site has helped us to realize the enormous potential that exists within the helpless and needly when given only a little bit of resource and the equal opportunity to be educated.

Vince and I are deeply inspired by the impact HOP-E has already made in Pintong Bukawe simply because two very courageous men put their hands up to a God-size dream. We know that the work of HOP-E has merely begun and if anything the projects are everything BUT done. HOP-E will require the help and sweat of every willing and faithful individual to see the big picture unfold and visions actualized at God's timing. 

It is very exciting to be part of something worthwhile and life-changing. We don't know where will the stirring in our hearts eventually lead us, but upon finding out that what we raised with our families and friends at our wedding allowed HOP-E to secure the church building "A Place Of Hope" in Pintong Bukawe which is now a home and shelter to many in the villages, we are reminded again of the greatness of our God who is behind every miracle and great commission. 

We are just so encouraged in our hearts to continue to invest our prayers, time and finance into such vision that is literally changing the lives of many children everyday.

If you are stirred in your hearts in any way after reading this blog, consider the possibility that you can also make a difference too! Please contact us at claireandvince@gmail.com to find out more about how you can play a part in supporting the HOP-E initiatives. 

For our photos please visit http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=327068&id=632370560

Introducing FREEDOM!

Last weekend away with family at Auckland was well spent. I've been so enriched in every way after hanging out with the most amazing human being on earth! Yeh, my family is awesome and always will be a source of inspiration to me. I love how mum & dad never stop being an example of wise, selfless parents/parents-in-law to us also how Mich steps into this new season of being a mum with such a champion spirit. The moments I got to witness how my family live out their convictions are truely priceless.

After 2 weeks of waiting, I got to meet the little munchkin Freedom for the first time who is absolutely sensational! When I looked at his little face of 2 weeks old I can't help but think of the Psalmist's beautiful description of God's masterpiece - humanity - as "fearfully and wonderfully made", in His own image.
Indeed every detail I observed on the delicate face and body of my little nephew reflects the absolute precision and perfection of God.

We spent the weekend celebrating yet another CNY together as a family also the "wonders and miracles" within our family, including the new addition to the Tongas, the Hookers' first pregnancy also Aaron & Tracy's wedding which is only few weeks away.

It was in the midst of our celebration God reminded me that He is no less powerful, good & faithful in this season of joy as He is in the midst of our struggles. He IS afterall the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We all know it is easiler to see the greatness and beauty of God when our circumstances encourage the feeling of happiness and gratitude. However, I have not forgotten that He who came and walked amongst us dressed in human flesh also gave His precious Spirit to us to empower us to maintain a posture of gratefulness and praise in every seasons of life - even when our external world does not change for the better.

Most importantly, He who is constant in His characters and eternal in His nature is also - LOVE.
God is love. Love never fails.

I can't finish this blog without showing off this handsome boy, so here you go!