Leaving the island was bittersweet. 
I think we were all ready to give up living out of a suitcase, not flushing toilet paper and collecting bug bites. But the people, the severe lack of distractions, the freedom of a lifestyle that calls for riding on top of the jeepney or hanging off the side of the truck-- not to mention the sheer act of serving kids who desperately need hope-- there's no way to see life in its raw form and just walk away.
There is something incredibly pure about the Philippines-- that's the only way I know how to describe it. It feels untouched. It is considered a 'developing country,' which got me to thinking, 'developing into what?' Who holds all the marbles tightly enough to proclaim you developed or not? It's a curious consideration.
What's fully developed in the Philippines, regardless of anything else, is the sheer joy of enjoying time with the people around you. We had an incredible dinner at Along's house one night and his nine year old neighbor girl came to visit. The karaoke machine came out and she performed the Titanic serenade "My Heart Will Go On." Big voice in that little girl, and all the more precious because of the accent that came through clearly. A couple of our girls were willing and eager to take the microphone up themselves and delight us with the kind of energy you only get when you're on reserves.
Anyway, I'm sure 'developed' is a political and economic term, and I hope the Filipino people find a way to give everyone health care and solid education. But I also hope the essence of this place remains distinctly, and simply, as it is.
'21' was showing on the airplane, and I discovered that in full screen my appearance as an extra is shaved from the edges. Otherwise, we made it back to the US of A without incident. We came through customs, parents were there with flowers and smiles and hugs. And we all went our separate ways. No tears, no sad goodbyes. We were glad to be home.
I think we were all ready to give up living out of a suitcase, not flushing toilet paper and collecting bug bites. But the people, the severe lack of distractions, the freedom of a lifestyle that calls for riding on top of the jeepney or hanging off the side of the truck-- not to mention the sheer act of serving kids who desperately need hope-- there's no way to see life in its raw form and just walk away.There is something incredibly pure about the Philippines-- that's the only way I know how to describe it. It feels untouched. It is considered a 'developing country,' which got me to thinking, 'developing into what?' Who holds all the marbles tightly enough to proclaim you developed or not? It's a curious consideration.
What's fully developed in the Philippines, regardless of anything else, is the sheer joy of enjoying time with the people around you. We had an incredible dinner at Along's house one night and his nine year old neighbor girl came to visit. The karaoke machine came out and she performed the Titanic serenade "My Heart Will Go On." Big voice in that little girl, and all the more precious because of the accent that came through clearly. A couple of our girls were willing and eager to take the microphone up themselves and delight us with the kind of energy you only get when you're on reserves.Anyway, I'm sure 'developed' is a political and economic term, and I hope the Filipino people find a way to give everyone health care and solid education. But I also hope the essence of this place remains distinctly, and simply, as it is.
'21' was showing on the airplane, and I discovered that in full screen my appearance as an extra is shaved from the edges. Otherwise, we made it back to the US of A without incident. We came through customs, parents were there with flowers and smiles and hugs. And we all went our separate ways. No tears, no sad goodbyes. We were glad to be home.
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