I arrived in the Philippines on August 11th, then on September 11th I was leaving the Philippines.
Most people who knew of my plans to return to the States just a month after leaving thought I was crazy.
I began to also contemplate my sanity level as I worked hours everyday to get my first assignment finished on time.  I questioned sanity again as I sat crunched in the small airplane, already 7 hours into my journey; with over 10 hrs more to go. "This is just too soon"  I thought to myself, as I turned in my seat, knees jabbing into the seat in front of me, neck twisted in an odd position, the seat back too low and my back trying to regain feeling as I settled into the new position.
Somethings are worth the pain, money, time and effort.  My cousin and close friend, Candace, is getting married.  We have talked, giggled, planned and dreamed about this moment since I can remember.  It is worth every moment of discomfort to stand beside her as she takes her vows of love and commitment to the man God has brought her.
Candace and her husband-to-be, Riley, picked me up at the airport, where they meet me with flowers in hand as I was coming out of the bathroom,... but whatever.  I had never met Riley before and in my tried jet lagged brain I liked him immediately. This was a great relief, because it saved me the trouble of having to bring sense to Candace and help her make a quick midnight escape.  And believe me, if Riley had been a man of questionable character there would have been a midnight get-away :)  But thankfully Candace's good sense came through even in the mists of being bitten by the love bug.... I'll be sure to fill you about pre-wedding, the wedding and pictures later...

My first month in the Philippines went by quickly.  I settled into my new life with a few tears and a lot of laughter. My roommate Sara and I spent 4 days in a village about 45 minutes from where I live. We stayed with a women named, Linda, her elderly parents and 7yr old daughter, Angle.  I love village life with its slow pace and simple living.  Linda was very accommodating and made sure I had 3 meals a day with chocolate/coffee that was so tasty that even I, as a huge non-coffee drinker looked forward to my daily intake.  We played frisbee with the children, bathed with some little girls who even in the dark could see us enough to exclaim in loud voices "ooooohh the white beauties!!!", visited Linda's school and observed her teaching, then after school played games with the children.  We had a monsoon come through the day after we arrived, so we were stuck inside a fair amount because of the rain and had many fun talks with Linda and other local women, who thankful could speak good English.
I also enjoyed the plethora of pigs that ambled about poking their heads inside in the mornings oinking for their breakfasts.  It was a good experience and much easier then my first home stay in the Didinga Hills.  I slept on a bed (with no mattress, but still...), enjoyed power at night and even watched Jacky Chain movies and TV!  Learning a new culture is always an adventure and because I tend to be on the shy, quiet side and so do the Filipino people we spend a lot of time staring at each other...

Me, planting rice for the first time

Beautiful are the feet... just take a look at mine and it is clear that is's true :)

Sara, planting rice

It's a muddy business 

Linda

With her students

Boys

Boys...

And more boys!

Sara eating at Linda's

The native pigs eating there breakfast

Who's looking at me??? everyone!  Its OK to be stared at, just don't stare back

I am still new at blogging.  If you have any comments on how I can better inform you or any things you would like me to write about, please let me know.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support!