Field Trips

  

This morning, Leron, & I had the privilege of meeting the founder of Our Lady Of Victory.  Sister Cecilia Wood, an MD, started Our Lady of Victory in 1981.  Cecilia started by caring for just a few handicapped children that she saw in the street. Since then, Our Lady of Victory has become quite a community. Cecilia is originally from Seattle and is in her 90’s.

 

We met Rico, the PT. He has been at OLV for about 5 years but has been helping people through physio therapy for about 18! He gave us a tour of the grounds. It was spacious, lush & beautiful.

Here is the PT area.

 

It is a unique community that currently has 44 residents. We checked out the dining hall and kitchen area. Ladies were just hanging out and having some sweet fellowship. Of course, I needed to check out what the delicious smell was coming from the kitchen.

Fish fry!

 

Aside from physical needs being addressed, this is a training center for practical skills.  Literacy, handicrafts, wood & metal working as well as a bakery. The baker wakes everyday at 4 to start the day’s baking process. He told us that  he bakes a variety of rolls…mung, cheese & cinnamon to name a few. Rolls are bought by a nearby school & are a favorite at the neighboring Catholic church. Some of the rolls are taken unto the city to be sold as well. It generate income!

 

It was great to see the pride that each resident took in their work. Very diligent. Some of them were even working  while laying on their stomachs! The man in the first picture was making learning materials for a school. He is a graduate of a local art school. They are very detailed and also have a nice big shop at their disposal.

 

Here is a sample of the wheelchairs that they make. They also do repair jobs for local hospitals as well as make walkers and crutches. I loved the trike, reminded me of Niger.

 

There are separate quarters for the men & woman. We visited both and residents greeted us warmly. This young lady was crocheting. Can’t tell, but she was also laying on her belly.

So nice to visit a place so full of hope. Building a better future for those who have been physically challenged but are rising above. I also caught some men playing chess (handmade by the man on the left)…..seriously, such light hearted & cheerful people!

 

Of course, we are in the Philippines and any morning is not complete without merienda time….today, decadent chocolate cake & a sampling of  the mung rolls. What gracious hospitality!

Leron said that the rolls were like sweet fresh bread with a filling of refried beans.

 

I love wonderful field trips & can’t wait to visit again! They will be relocating to Samal Island mid April….even more incentive! Truly an inspiring place!