The Philippines. This is the country I was least excited for. I didn’t how it was possible to spend three months in a country that’s also 80+. I could fathom how people lived like that, not only that but how could I do manual labor in that type of heat. It sounded terrible. Boy I was wrong.
I’m half way though my time in the Philippines and have never loved a country so much. I tried to think about all the things I loved and I thought why keep these to myself?
Jeepneys: these weird car/bus/jeep things. There about half the size of a bus and super cheap. They’re everywhere and you can take one for 20¢. The Philippines has the best public transportation out of every country I’ve been too. It’s nice having a cheap way to travel so you don’t always feel trapped at the ministry site. Jeepneys have lots of air flow, which will blow your hair in every direction, but you won’t sweat for like 15 minutes!
Sunsets: every night, every single night the sunset is stunning. It leaves you in awe of the wonder of God. It’s a little daily reminder that Gods here and he’s alive. These sunsets are crazy beautiful, a color explosion, the deepest purples, bright pinks with hints of yellow those ones are my favorite.
Food: the food here is bomb! Halo Halo, lumpia, fruit, all the seafood you can think of, pork, chicken and fried bananas. I haven’t eaten rice in weeks!
The People: The Philippines is a place of relationships. Life is simple, and because of that it forces relationships. I’m the evening town members play basketball and volleyball. Women sit and talk and gossip about all the happenings. Children run around playing all day and all night. Life is more than social media and texting. Life is focused on the people around you, and always welcoming more people in. I love this kind, caring, funny, loving people. They’ve welcomed my team and I so well and are a huge factor of why I love the Philippines!
Starbucks: there everywhere. It’s great. Starbucks is great break from the instant coffee that I usually have to drink everyday. But it also is great reminder of home and all the coffee dates I had there.
Adventure: there’s lots of things to do in the local town next to us. Whether it’s the movie theaters, hiking waterfalls, going to the sea, the mall, snorkeling or wading in the local river there’s always and adventure to go on.
Only 37 days left in one of the most beautiful countries of the world. Hand crafted by the man upstairs with hidden treasures lurking behind each corner. I’m sad we only have a short time left. I love it here and wish time would slow down.
