Things I’ve learned while living in the Philippines … 

I cannot believe that our time in the Philippines is so
quickly coming to an end. I remember when we first arrived in Malaybalay … I
thought to myself, “Really, is it going to be possible to make this place my
home for three weeks.” It was so different than anything I’ve ever before
experienced that I literally was not sure that I would be able to make it three
weeks … and now here I am looking back and wondering where the time has gone.

Things I have learned while in the Philippines …

  1. Don’t
    look out the windshield, just trust the driver.
  2. Waking
    up at 5:30 to roosters crowing is typical.
  3. Kelly
    is a karaoke master. J
  4. Cold
    showers military style are totally normal.
  5. Always
    carry your rain jacket.
  6. My
    team is my family.
  7. Always
    carry a roll of TP.
  8. Hospitality
    is a high priority in the Philippines.
  9. Always
    ask for bottled water.
  10. Ian
    loves to drum. J
  11. You
    can be adventurous with rice.
  12. Jacob
    is always protecting us girls by taking up the rear of the group whenever
    we are walking in town. J
  13. To eat
    with a spoon and fork as the only utensils.
  14. “Salamate”
    means thank you in Viciyan.
  15. Christi
    loves kids. J
  16. Your
    feet are never clean.
  17. Texting
    is a way of life here – even though I don’t have a phone.
  18. The
    fruit is amazing – mangos, bananas, pineapple.
  19. Shiloh
    loves animals – but don’t worry, she hasn’t touched any (wink, wink). J
  20. I am
    going to miss this place.

I’m
grateful that we were able to spend our first month in such a beautiful place;
this place will always hold a special place in my heart!