My living environment for me in the Philippines is almost surreal. It almost does not seem like I am on a trip for a whole year. It is great having American toilets, wireless internet, three meals a day delivered to me, and a bed with sheets. At times I almost forget where I am at. Since the ministry is ran by Americans who want us to feel like we are at home, I even have American activities that have been done by my team.
The one activity that I have done in the last week is going to a basketball game that I was chauffeured to. My team never drives anywhere and has not had to take a public transportation yet. We got to drive a total of an hour to get to the game. Our host Jeff Long has a child that goes to college here in the city. Jeff’s child was playing in the game and we were invited. It was strange to sit in a bleacher cheering on a team. The basketball game was not quite the same as an American game. It was a little rough for me and the rules were changed up. As I was sitting watching the game, I was being reminded of my time in Wyoming when I would run the score clock and watch games.
Another activity that I have been a part of is an American Thanksgiving. It is strange to go to a country and not have American holidays. I will admit that I had given up the hope of celebrating most holidays this year. I was able to talk to my parents before the meal. The dinner consisted of a turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, and stuffing. We even had pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or apple pie for desert. The only thing that I was missing was lefse. I know that this is something that I will not get this year. If anyone would attempt to send it to me, it would probably be molded by the time I got it. I will just ignore that Norwegian tradition until next year.
The last activity we did was put up a Christmas tree. I believe that this was my favorite thing to do. It was so much fun to argue away with DJ and Danny on what was the best way to put the tree together. The instructions were not there and so we just had to guess on how to put it together. I was the one sort of guiding. I do love to put things together and this was in my element. We had put in two layers of the tree to find out that we were doing it wrong. The stems were labeled wrong. We took them out and put it together by guessing which were the longest branches and putting them together. We conquered the tree. I will admit that it leans a little, but it is a tree.
The only thing is, I cannot forget where I am at. I would love to think that I am in America, having a great time. God does not allow this with where we are staying. As soon as I walk out of my gated house, I see the difference. The people around me are squatters. They live in places that are smaller than most dorm rooms in America. You can look into the house and see 5 or 6 people sleeping across the floor. I could not imagine living like that. It is amazing the community that the people live in. I am always seeing people out. The adults are talking with each other while the children are playing in the streets. I can hear the children most of the day out playing with each other. I am very thankful for this place, but the harsh reality around me makes me just sad at times. I am so blessed with all that God has given to me and continues to give me daily.
