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Tenth Anniversary celebration of Hardin in the Philippines.
Hardin, or 'Nature's Garden' is a Womens Cooperative in the Philippiness. The members design and make beautiful cards and jewellery. This year Hardin celebrated its 10th Anniversary, and Sr Anne Bickford from the UK/Ireland Province went to join the celebrations. Here is her account:
What excitement in preparing for this occasion and the day itself! There was an open day to which a number of people came led by Ossie, the parish priest, who was present at every celebration I went to (and there were several including birthdays, engagement parties, anniversaries, funerals and the National Day, not forgetting all the daily 'meriendas' (snacks)!). I was struck by how he is such an integral part of people's lives…one of the community who truly walks with each one as our sisters do.
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The women were going around putting the finishing touches to everything, ensuring that all
their
work was displayed in a very attractive way. One of the women, Angie, who
produces many of the designs for the work, had made a beautiful big mobile with
the sun and moon on it. She had spent two weeks at this and produced it as a
big surprise! There it was hanging inside the entrance! Nearby were the
paintings she had done depicting life before and after the
flashflood.Jewellery was on display in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes and paper making was in evidence, earth mobiles, purses, bags etc. Frames made from bamboo were being finished for the presentation of certificates the following day. Even the local printer was in.
Srs Kathleen Keely and Joan Mack had come from Australia for the occasion on August 31st. We had all spent time with the women, sharing life with them and they had kept some surprises for the celebration.
On this day we were invited to lunch. A large banana leaf was carried in bearing rice followed by an enormous pot of chicken in a delicious sauce. There was also salad. Fruit followed.
After all this the programme started. Speeches and presentations
were made and certificates presented thanking for support received for this
livelihood project. (The certificate given to our province is now in the
entrance of the Sion Centre for Dialogue and Encounter in London)I tried a little thank you in Tagalog! One of the Philippino sisters, Bing, had kindly gone over the words with me but I still think my English was understood better than my Tagalog!!
Then there was a mime of the beginnings which was very funny. One of the women impersonated Anne Brittain (the sister from UK / Ireland province who was instrumental in founding the Hardin) very well with her clothes, glasses and bag etc. together with the uncertainties that new beginnings often hold.
There were some wonderful dances and colourful costumes and it really was a memorable event for one and all.
A big thank you to everyone!!
Anne Bickford
