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"See I Am Making All Things New." - Rev. 21:5 It would be somewhat difficult to make a case that God was talking about the little children's home in this particular passage but there would be no argument that God is in the renewal business. He renews in all sorts of ways, and through each of them he affirms the work of his hands, releasing refreshed hope. For the children and staff of the little children's home the gift of renewal came in a very tangible way. To renew! The Thesaurus has some interesting alternatives. Refresh, rejuvenate, renovate, restore, repair… and here's a modern one…make-over. All of the above apply in full to the recent transformation of the little children's home under the able hands of an energetic, enthusiastic, and entirely eager bunch of women who daringly and egregiously called themselves, “Estrogen Rocks”!!!! And rock they did!!! And rolled, too….rag rolled.

Their trip was several years in the gestating. Through many ups and downs, starts and stops, accompanied by strong and steady prayerful perseverance, it was accomplished. Begun as a vision of the heart by a missionary in the Philippines, herself an adoptive mother having great compassion for orphaned children as well as a passion for women of all ages in all walks of life, "Estrogen Rocks"….an insight into the age of most who were part of this project, was born. Have you ever heard of rag rolling? Well, neither had we, but we learned. First, you take a rag, soak it in paint, squish it out… and roll it down the wall. Sounds crazy, right? It is, but it produces the most marvelous texture…makes simple paint look like fancy wallpaper. Now almost all the caregivers are expert rag-rollers. And stencilers. We have garlands of grapevines, tulips, and all manner of flowers festooning the walls in the living room, the children's bedrooms, nursery, washrooms, and office. Even the CR, Comfort Room, was included, stenciled in a red tulip motif.

Painting Together "Pictures"

Teddy Bears & Mango Trees! "Pictures"

And the floors in the children's room and nursery! From industrial gray, peeling paint on cement to peacefully rich cool blue tiles. And that wasn't all. Living room, bedrooms, and nursery sport wonderful, vibrant murals. A huge mango tree in the living room, and for the bedrooms and nursery, teddy bears, the man in the moon, happy sun, and smiling stars, angels, and the Creation Story adorn the walls in ceiling to floor exuberance. There's more? Oh, yes! Screens that had seen their best day were replaced and puffed, full valances matching the theme of each room were hung. Teddy bears here, sun and moon there. Surely that was it. Nope. The two gates and wrought iron fence, a worn brown could not be allowed to carry on like that. So, fire engine red they became. Even the washroom did not escape the paintbrush.

But the Rockers were not finished yet. Celebrating all the way, they treated the entire staff of the little children's home as well as the midwives of Shiphrah to a fabulous poolside party of swimming , riotous games, heaps and heaps of food, and gifts. What a gesture! The workers who make this mission happen are often overlooked or acknowledged lightly by visitors to the home. The focus is on the children, forgetting that it is the caregivers and midwives who make it all work. Never have they been so cared for and so honored. It was a wonderful and much appreciated gift to all of them. The last day. A final bash. Caregivers, children, and Rockers pile into the mission vehicle and a jeepney for a trip to the nearest McDonald's. More fun, more food, lots of laughter and a few tears as kids occasionally bump into one another on the playground. Now it becomes difficult. A poignant, glittering thank-you card from our staff. Women from half-way around the world and women from Taytay, Philippines have become colleagues and friends caught up together in the joy of the work. Eyes turn toward the children, for whom the beauty is meant. This is too hard. No one wants to say it. Goodbye is the most difficult word in any language. Embraces that must last a lifetime. And then, it's over. Fragile smiles peeking out amid the tears. Into the van. Waves until we can see one another no longer. The whole house reminds us of their love….of God's love and of his everlasting care. Thank you. You are indeed making all things new.

Having Fun Together! "Pictures" Words from Estrogen Rocks "My time in the Philippines and especially with the little children's home will forever stay with me as one of the most profound experiences I will have on this side of heaven." - Deb Mahuta

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