Festival

Hi, Mom. Just to let you know that the doctor told me I had an infection. It is nothing serious though, mostly just a bother. You can stop worrying now. I'm ok! I'm actually feeling much better now anyway.

The past few days have been fun. There has been a festival going on all week, which is a very big deal here in Tacloban City. The children even got a day off of school for it. There has been all sorts of activities, including a parade of lights. My friends and I took a group of the local girls to the parade. We had a lot of fun...except somebody told us that the parade started at 2pm, so we went downtown around 11am to get a good spot...well, it wasn't actually supposed to start until 5, and of course it ran on Filipino time, so it didn't start until after 6:30. Needless to say, it was a long day out in the heat. While we were waiting for a parade to start a camera crew came up to me and interviewed me for the news (because, once again, white skin=celebrity in the Philippines). After the interviewer left, my friends told me a story about how they had been on Filipino news the day before. This story is so hilarious I had to share. So, in the Philippines, they call the country "Pilipinas" and the people are called "Pinas." At the end of the interview, the news crew asked my friends to all shout together, "I love Pinas!" Well...you can imagine what it sounds like they're shouting! My friends cracked up, and the film crew didn't understand why they were laughing. They did it anyway, so somewhere on the news there is a segment with a group of Americans shouting, "I love Pinas!" Hilarious.

Yesterday I went to the hardware store to purchase a light switch for my host family, as the one in the bathroom broke. The store clerk who helped me out approached me with a pen and piece of paper, and said, "Can I have your number?" He was all ready with a pen and paper! I couldn't tell him that I didn't have a phone here because I was holding my phone in my hand! I felt bad, but I told him that I didn't give my number out. Later on all the store clerks kept shouting, "Alissa mahusay!" Mahusay means beautiful in Waray Waray. They said that all of the girls in my group of friends were beautiful, but I was the most beautiful. Is it sad that I've gotten used to this happening everywhere I go? It's all because of my pale skin. It's going to be a shock when I go home and lose my celebrity status! Funny, right?

I bought my host family cake to celebrate Daddy's birthday. They were so happy. We had some left over, so I took it to some of the neighbors who live across from us. They were so excited. They invited me in for a beer and to hang out with them. They were asking me all about the US and what life is like there. They all saw that I have a ring on my hand (right, not left). I have your wedding ring, and I haven't taken it off in two months. They all thought that I was married, but I explained that it was your wedding ring. One of the guys told me that he was an only child and had also lost his  mother. It was a really nice moment and nice connection. We exchanged numbers so that we could stay in touch. It's nice to know that someone else has been through the same kind of situation and I'm not alone.

I miss you so much, Mama. I've had a little bit of a hard time recently. I called Dad the other night and just cried. I'm getting through the days, but sometimes it's harder than others. I love you more than anything.

I think I'm going to go downtown today. I haven't spent much time down there, and I think I'll explore a little.

My Adventure to the Hospital

Hi, Mom. So, as you know I've been rather sick the past couple days. Today Ate Mary Ann decided to take me to the doctor. I had no idea what to expect. So, we got there, and basically you just choose whatever doctor you want to see depending on their specialty and you put your name on the list and wait. I was number 6, and the doctor hadn't even arrived yet (naturally, because everyone operates on Filipino time). We waited around for a while, and eventually I was seen. The doctor ordered some labs to be done and wrote me a prescription to help my stomach and to rehydrate me. I have to go back in a couple hours to get the results of my tests. I'm thinking they should all be normal. My guess is that my body is exhausted from traveling for so long and that I drank a glass of lemonade with ice in it (the ice was not purified). I don't think it's anything serious.

On a much lighter note, I came home and checked my phone. I found this text message waiting for me from the doctor's office. It was written exactly like this, "..hai, the doctor will be here at da clinic!.this iz da secretry of doc estanislao. thank u!" I started laughing so hard. That was from the doctor's office! A professional place! Oh man, I love the Philippines. So funny.

Today is Rafiah's (my hostsister) dance recital. I'm really, really hoping that I'm feeling well enough to go. Ate Mary Ann was telling me that Rafiah loves to dance more than anything, but that sometimes they can't afford it. I thought about it for a while, and I decided that I want to sponsor Rafiah's love of dance. As a former dancer myself, I know what it can do for a person. It only costs 500 pesos (less than $12) a month, and it would make me so happy to bring so much joy to this girl's life. I think that is a much better place to put my money than anywhere else.

Tonight in celebration of Daddy's birthday, my hostfamily and I are going to eat cake! Happy Birthday, Daddy! I hope you're having a wonderful day!

I miss you, Mama. Stay close.

Two Months

I can't really make the dots connect in my brain that it has already been two months since you left us, Mom. It seems like it was just yesterday, and two months seems like a big reality to face. I don't know how to face it. I'm so afraid of going home to a quiet house. I know I still have five weeks in the Philippines, but the thought of home getting nearer and nearer is kind of terrifying. How am I supposed to get off the plane when you're not waiting at the airport? How am I supposed to walk into the house when you're not there either? It doesn't make sense, and I'm so afraid for what I will have to face.

I've been really sick the past couple days. I slept all day yesterday, and haven't gone to a placement in the past two days. I know that my body is overdue for being sick and rundown, so I'm not too upset about it, but I'm just ready to be better and to get back to work. Luckily, I have some really great friends who have been taking care of me (getting me medicine, food, etc.). I know you'd really like my friends here.

I love you so much, Mom. It's hard being sick and not having a Mommy to whine to. I know that's silly, but it's so true. I miss you everyday, but especially today.

Pictures from the First Week in Tacloban

Canigao Island

Hi, Mama! This weekend the volunteers went on an excursion to Canigao Island, which is a private island about three hours from Tacloban City. It literally was paradise. The waters there were so clear, so blue, and rivaled in beauty the waters of the Mediterranean.

We spent the day playing in the ocean, and all of the volunteers gathered around while I spread your ashes into the water. I've had a rough couple of days emotionally, and this was the first time I've cried when spreading your ashes. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of volunteers surrounding me and supporting me during this time. As upset as I was, I know you will be so happy in that water. It is so calm and so peaceful...just the perfect place for you.

A couple friends and I decided to walk around the island (which we were able to do in about 45 minutes because it was a very small island), and you won't believe what we came across, Mom! A monkey!!! It was right in front of us. I couldn't believe how close he was to us. It was so amazing to see a real live money that wasn't in a zoo or any sort of conservatory or anything. I was so happy!

At night we played games, and were grouped into two teams. We had to come up with team names and chants. Our team name was "Malabad," which means "naughty" in Waray Waray. Our chant was hilarious. Unfortunately, we lost the competition though. Regardless, it was still a lot of fun. We slept in tents on the beach, which as awesome as that sounds, I would never recommend doing. It was so uncomfortable, and I did not have a good night's sleep. The next morning we woke up and headed back to Tacloban.

Even though I was upset most of the weekend, I still managed to have a great time. It was really good to escape for a couple days...especially to a place as beautiful as Canigao Island.

Recap: First Week in the Philippines

Hi, Mom. So sorry it has been so long since I've updated. What a week it's been. I have so much to tell you, I don't even know where to begin. I know I said this in my last post, but I am so in love with the Philippines. The life here is unlike anything I've ever experienced.

Since I can't start working at the women's shelter yet, I've been bouncing around from placement to placement, and it's been incredible. On Wednesday I went to one of the nutrition projects, where I got to help prepare and serve food to children in a rural community. The nutrition project is great because not only does it provide these children with a nutritious meal, but it is also aimed at educating the children and their mother's on the importance of proper nutrition and what different foods can do for their bodies. There was also a volunteer doctor at the project that day, so we got to observe her treating the children with various ailments. Diseases we can't even imagine in the US are prevalent here. I got to observe her washing and medicating children with scabies. It was all very interesting. I had a great day playing with the kids and helping put a good meal in their tummies.

Thursday I went with a volunteer named Andria to visit the women's shelter (Regional Haven). It was her last day, so I went with her to see the shelter and meet the women I will be spending the next several weeks with. I am so excited to start working there. I seriously can not wait. I will be the only volunteer there at the time, and literally it is up to me to organize and plan the daily activities for the women. This women's center is nothing like the women's centers in the US. It is going to definitely be a challenge, but I already have ideas in mind and I'm so excited. The women are absolutely wonderful. They all called me "Ate Alissa" (pronounced ah-tay). Respect of elders is a very big deal in the Philippines. Older women (eg mother figures) are called Nanay (nah-nye) and olden men are called Tatay (tah-tye). Big sisters are called Ate, and I forget what big brothers are called. I think it's very interesting that they call me Ate even though some of them are older than me. I think it's just because of my position of authority over them (not that I like to look at myself as having authority).

Friday I went to a rural health clinic, which was another eye opening experience. This health center literally had no advanced medical technology. I got to observe an evaluation of a woman in labor, and it literally all the used was a stethoscope. Unfortunately, she was pre-eclamptic, so they transferred her to a hospital in the city, so I didn't get to help with the delivery. One of my goals for while I'm here is to help with a delivery. I have five more weeks to make it happen!

When I'm not working, I have been having a lot of fun. The group of volunteers here is really, really great. I have become especially close with two girls named Melissa and Ligaya, and I am so happy to have them here with me. Melissa is from England, and Ligaya is from California.

One night this week, a lot of the volunteers went out to see a dance competition between local dance crews. It was so much fun. There were 23 dance crews all competing with hip hop. They were so talented. Unfortunately, the show was running on Filipino time (which basically means things happen/start/etc. whenever people feel like it. There are no deadlines here. People are on time for nothing.), so we couldn't stay for the whole show. It was supposed to start at 8, but it didn't start until after 9. I had fun watching what I did get to see though.

Most nights the volunteers go to Cafe Lucia, which is a nice cafe about 15 minutes from Bliss (our neighborhood), has great food, and also has free wifi. During the day we sometimes go to Robinson's, which is a shopping mall. It is actually pretty similar to the malls at home, which is a strange contrast to everything else surrounding it.

I have taken time to get to know some of the locals, and they are all wonderful. They say hello to you every time you pass by, and they always have huge smiles on their faces.

Ahh I have more to write, but they are closing the center, so I have to get off. I will finish this later.

I love you so much, Mama!

Settled into Tacloban City

Hi, Mommy! I have arrived in Tacloban City, Philippines, and moved into my homestay! I will go into detail about my homestay and my family later. I don't have a lot of time to write this post, and I thought it would be more important to focus on other things.

The Philippines is incredible, Mom. The land is so beautiful, but the poverty is unbelievable. The life here is not fathomable in the US. The poor here literally have nothing. The people in the Philippines are the most beautiful people in the world, both in appearance and in spirit. They are the warmest, friendliest people you could ever meet. Everyone you cross paths with says hello to you with the brightest smile on their face. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. The children are especially adorable. They all come up to you asking, "What's your name??" and various other questions. Last night a large group of children crossed our path and one little boy kept yelling, "I love you! I love you!" We told him we had to go, and he replied, "Ok, I love you tomorrow!" It was the cutest thing I have ever seen.

I got oriented with Volunteer for the Visayans, which is the NGO that World Endeavors partners with here in Tacloban City. I thought that all of the volunteers here would be coming from World Endeavors, but that is not the case. In fact, I have only met one other girl from WE. People came here through lots of different organizations. Volunteer for the Visayans does a lot of programs for the community within Tacloban City, ranging from building houses and schools, to free health clinics, to nutrition programs, to women's shelters, to others. They also sponsor children in the area to provide them with an education, meals, clothing, shoes, etc. Volunteer for the Visayans is an amazing organization, and if you're interested more information can be found here.

During our free time, a lot of volunteers come and hang out at the VFV center because there's air conditioning and wifi. I've met a lot of the other volunteers and they're really great. A group of us went to lunch yesterday after I arrived, and it was a lot of fun. The food here is delicious. A lot of rice, pork, fish, fruit, veggies, etc.

I took my first bucket bath last night, and honestly, it wasn't that big of a deal. The bathroom is a tiled room with a drain in it, just like a shower. There is a huge bucket of water, and you scoop water out and pour it on yourself. It's really not bad. The toilets are different too. They don't flush on their own. You have to pour water in them, which works they same way as flushing does, you're just doing it manually. It is also not a big.

It is outrageously hot here. I have been sweating buckets since I arrived. Luckily my room has a fan in it for when I sleep. The heat is intense and drains you of your energy very easily. I have been making sure to drink a lot of water all the time.

This morning I had my orientation and city tour of Tacloban. It was all really good. Tacloban is definitely fascinating. My program coordinator told me that there was a mix up with my dates, and that I couldn't start working at the women's center (Regional Haven) for two weeks. In the mean time I can work on helping to build houses or float around to other projects. I really want to go to the rural health clinics! I've heard that the volunteers have gotten to help with births and other really neat things. I'm kind of excited that I have two weeks to do whatever I want before I settle down at the women's shelter for a month.

I've been thinking about you a lot, Mom. I think there is no better place for me to be right now than the Philippines. The people here are so poor, but they are the happiest people you could meet. I think that is exactly what I need right now...to learn to find the good things and happiness regardless of unfortunate circumstances in my life. I think my time spent here will be one of the most influential periods of my life. I love you so much, Mom. I miss your voice on the other end of the phone. I'm doing okay though. I'm hanging in there and appreciating the opportunities in front of me. I will get through this. You made me strong. I'll write more tomorrow.

Manila, Philippines

I have arrived in the Philippines! Can you believe it, Mom? I can’t. My flight went smoothly this morning. It was only two hours from Hong Kong to Clark, Philippines. I was a dummy and booked my flight today into Clark airport and my flight tomorrow out of Manila airport, which are about 2 hours apart. Luckily I sat next to a really nice woman on the plane, and she sent me in the right direction for the bus to Manila. I realized though that I didn’t have my hotel confirmation, and I couldn’t access the wifi at the airport to pull it up. The problem was…I didn’t know the name of my hotel. I just knew that it was by Manila Airport. I hopped on the bus to Manila hoping for the best. The first bus I got on to take me to the bus station to get the bus to Manila reminded me of what they show in movies when people are being smuggled across the border. There were about 20 of us crammed into the back of this bus with two columns of seats facing one another. It was rather ridiculous. I got on the second bus, kind of nervous about the fact that I didn’t know where I was going. I found an empty seat in the very back of the bus, and then I looked up and saw a sign in bright red letters, “Free WiFi.” What are the odds of free wifi on a bus in the Philippines? That is extremely rare even in the US! Thanks for watching over me, Mom. You never fail in making sure that I get to where I need to be safely. I have settled into my hotel for the night. I knocked out this afternoon and slept for about 4 hours.  I will be going back to sleep soon. I am exhausted, and my wake up call is set for 6:30 tomorrow morning.

I have no idea what to expect at the other end of that flight tomorrow, but I am up for the challenge and ready for the adventure.

I’m not sure what my internet situation will be once I arrive. I’m thinking I may have to go to an internet café, so I’m not sure how often I will be able to update. I’ll find out once I get there.

I love you, Mama. Take good care of Daddy today. I want him to have a very happy Father’s Day, even though neither one of us are there. Let him feel your presence and your love.

Hong Kong: Final Day

Well, Mama, it's my last day in Hong Kong, and also my last day before heading to the Philippines. I can't believe it's already here. Can you?

I slept in this morning and then went out for lunch. I got sauteed kale with dried fish and a bowl of steamed rice. It was very yummy. I really love the greens here. I also got a cup of Chinese tea. I'm really picky about tea, but the tea here is great. It's very subtle. I like it a lot.

After lunch I went back to my hotel and just laid in my bed for a few hours. I was tired and didn't really feel like doing anything else. Later in the afternoon, I decided to go out and just walk around. I wanted to take pictures of the city before I left. I realized I forgot my memory card in my laptop, so back to my hotel I went. I grabbed the card and headed back out, excited to take my pictures. I really wanted to get pictures of all the meat and produce markets lining the streets with all the lights at night, but when I came back out they had all packed up! I was so bummed. I decided I'd go out on the subway and walk around a different area in the city, so I got off at Central station. It started POURING. Of course I didn't have an umbrella, so I got completely soaked. I walked around in the rain looking for somewhere to get dinner, and I saw in big letter's the word, "DUMPLING." I was sold. Dumplings are one of my favorite. It was a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and boy were their dumplings good! Just as I was about to leave, I started talking to some Americans who have been living in Hong Kong for the past 17 years. They invited me to sit down and join them for a beer. Always eager to meet new people, I agreed. We had a wonderful conversation. We talked about their experience living in Hong Kong, about my travels, and about you. They were very interested and told me that they're going to read my blog! It makes me feel so good when people I meet traveling are interested in me and my blog! It makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something.

I can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow. It's a very surreal feeling. I'm going to miss this tiny little room I've called home for the past 5 days. It's kind of a perfect Alissa-sized room. Very cozy. I'm going to miss the energy of the city, but I think it will be nice to trade it in for some beach time. I'm excited to be by the water. I don't know what lies ahead of me, but every step of the way I have been so blessed and so fortunate the way things have fallen into place. Thank you for watching over me, Mama. You're the best guardian angel a girl could ask for. I love you with all my heart.

Pictures from Macau