Thanks to my wonderful team leader, Ekow, I now have a way to share things about each country. So, at the end of every month I will answer these questions to let you all know a little about my time.
1. The best thing I ate was…a quarter pounder with cheese, french fries, and a sprite (yes, from McDonald’s). So let me explain why. It was the day that I climbed the Taal Volcano. We got on the bus at 4:00am and were done at the volcano before lunch. We did have a more traditional Filipino lunch, which was good. We then had about five hours to just hang around Tagaytay City. So, we walked around a city park for most of that time seeing the sights. Then at about 5:30 we met outside of the park to wait for the bus…and we waited and waited (something I am reminded I should get used to). So, needless to say, after waiting about two hours I was really hungry. I had done well up until then, I had not had anything “American.” But what can I say…I just couldn’t hold out anymore.
As for the best thing I have eaten around where we are staying…it would have to be the rolls. If you know me, you know that I love pastries. There is a small bakeshop right in front of the YMC (the place we are staying) that makes the best breads and pastries. Luckily, we also get the rolls served with dinner rather often.
2. My favorite moment in this country/village/city/town… was any moment that a child at the children’s home climbed up in my lap. Whether it was just to sit, watch Saturday morning cartoons, play with my camera, or take a picture with my cell phone. I can also say that my heart was truly happy the moment Danilo, a boy I tutored who lives at the children’s home, chose to help Rolly and Eunis, two younger kids, learn how to add numbers.
3. I see God at work here…in every child’s face. The children in this community are thirsty to learn everything, and I have seen and heard amazing things happening. The community girls have weekly bible studies and weekly morning devotions at the upper elementary school. One of my squad mates even started a community boy’s bible study.
4. The same God we worship in Baton Rouge is the same God in this city. Something I learned about Him was…He gives me more grace than I probably deserve. I have always known that He gives grace, but as I am learning more about myself I am realizing I need a lot more grace than I thought.
5. If a friend travels here they must…make sure to travel on a trike and a jeepney. It is the only way to go. They always make for a fun time. Squeezing six Americans on a trike is like a clown car, and you never know what kind of sing-a-long you can have on a jeepney.
I do truly wish that we could have gotten to spend a full month here, two weeks was not long enough. I guess that means I will just have to come back one day.
If you have any other questions you think I should add to this end of the month questionnaire please let me know.
Also, we found out that we have a route change. As of now we will be going to Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Swaziland, South Africa, and then we are still unsure of where we will actually be the last four months. So, when I know I will share it with you all!
