I left for a quick trip last Sunday. I finally arrived back home Friday afternoon.

I was pleasantly surprised that I was looking forward to going home and that home was indeed Manila. I'm not sure if that feeling means I've adjusted to life here and that it's become home already -- or, if it just means that it was a long week away. Hee-hee.

I went to Bangkok for meetings. I am really thankful that I had a chance to go. It was a wonderful time to just listen and learn whatever I could. I'm not sure yet how much sunk in, but I'm hopeful I learned at least a few things about what's happening in this part of the world so that I can better contribute in my role here! At the very least I got to meet some pretty incredible people and see others I had met in the past several years. I'm inspired and challenged by the commitment and passion of so many here.

I spent pretty much most of week in meeting rooms. I basically went from my housing to the meeting location, to a local restaurant for dinner and back to my housing each day. I unfortunately didn't see much of the city. (I wonder if this is the way my future trips will be?!)

I decided to leave for the meetings early one morning so that I could take a few photos along the way. I was able to snap a few also during the lunch time break. (It was good for me to take some time to take some photos. I'm continuing to find that taking walks with my camera is incredibly relaxing for me.)

More updates to come -- I found a place to live!!!

Most people, when starting a new job have an orientation time.
That's usually when the company will go through all the office policies (how much vacation time do you get? what's the dress code...), tidbits on office culture (what do people do for lunch? do people drink coffee or soda?), and learning all kinds of things about the company and organization. You've have probably gone through an orientation of sorts at some of your places of work.

Well, when working with our organization, we also go through orientation, too. Along with all the basic organizational and office-life orientation, we often get orientation to the country and cultures where we'll be working. The orientation is usually developed for each different work location. My friends, Heather and Jeff, just moved to Nairobi. They have been going through orientation for working and living in that part of the world.

This week I've been going through orientation here in the Manila. There are a few other people who also arrived in the last week or two so we get to go through this together. It's been a busy week so far and it's been a lot of fun.

Monday we met different folks who work in this area. They shared tips with us on things like safety and security, Filipino culture, and health and wellness.

Today visited the Bureau of Quarantine. We had all of our medical records, lab reports and x-rays checked out to make sure we are in good enough health to be permitted to stay in the country. Having passed, we got our passports stamped with the Quarantine stamp of approval. It was great to complete another thing on my "Things-To-Do" list.

The rest of the day we had a chance to be introduced to some of the country's history. While I had come to the Philippines before, this was my first time to really tour some of the historic landmarks (at least that I can remember?).

We visited Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Museum, Casa de Manila, the Manila Cathedral and the American Cemetery. We did a whirlwind tour of these spots. We got to see so many beautiful locations and yet so many of those places have become landmarks because of some incredibly sad and tragic moments in history -- moments that have also served as reminders of hope and inspiration to people. I'd like to back to some of these places again some time to spend a little more time reading and discovering AND to take more photos. So many beautiful spots here. (Click on the image to see a bigger version. Or, check out my flickr site.)

Tomorrow we'll take care of obtaining our driver's license and we'll visit the Ayala Museum.

OH!! We passed by "Agoncillo Street" on the way to quarantine this morning. Must remember to find it again to take a photo of it. :)

I got to eat some yummy "home-cooked" type food while on the Monsoon retreat. I thought I'd post some photos of some of the meals to give my parents some dinner ideas.
This morning we had Tocino and I was introduced to eating it in a different way. We had rice and eggs - typical. But what I had never known to do before this morning, was to have it with a some vinegar! It was good! The vinegar was a special type of vinegar with chilis and some other stuff in it. (I think there was something that made it a little sweet??)

And... Daddy... you'd be proud. I ate your favorite and I actually liked it!!! Does that make me a true Filipino now?? :)

(You can click on the image above to see a bigger version.)

What a sweet valentine from my Father.
The gift of time away..."A Touch of Glory."
My heart was touched by the warmth of time to connect... time to be still... time to soak in His beautiful Creation surrounding me.

The hunt for an apartment near my work continues.

The hunt started last Monday when I went to a few buildings nearby to see what they had available. My supervisor, Dawn, kindly accompanied me and we had fun walking all over the area. We looked at several units in apartment buildings and condotels.

The next day, Carolyn (another super-kind officemate), was nice enough to make a connection for me with someone she knew who could show us even more units. We saw probably a dozen or more places.

While there were some really nice ones, there hasn't been anything that has just "clicked." (Mostly, I am still holding out for something a little less expensive.)

Most of the units we have viewed have been fully-furnished or semi-furnished units. Part of the fun (and added dimension of difficulty) of apartment hunting is seeing the different styles and tastes people have in decor. Sometimes I walk in and think "COOL... I like this stuff." Other times I walk in and think "Hmmm... not exactly my taste, but I can work with it." And other times I walk in and think "Hmmm... Hmmm... Hmmm... "

Today, Erlene went with me to check out a place. On the way home we decided to stop by a couple of buildings just to see what they might have.

The last unit we saw today by FAR had the most "stuff," it was the most "done up" and... I'm not exactly sure which category it falls into. Parts of it I thought were cool and other parts... wellllll...

This is the main living area of the 1-bedroom unit. This room is the living room/dining room/kitchen combo. Check out the light fixture above --- and the reflection of it in the dining table. And, check out the TV that covers the whole front wall.

This is the other side of the main living area. The stained glass door leads to the bathroom. The one detail you may not be able to see in this photo is that the mirror on the one wall has the Superman ensignia etched into it from top to bottom.The only artwork / decoration in the bathroom is a nice big painting of the Superman "S" hanging above the toilet.

And this is my favorite, "Hmmm...' feature from the place. The circular, chrome bed. Now for those of you who have circular-shaped beds -- I have nothing against them. It just looked so very interesting in this place.

I think a 20-something, macho guy would think this would be the ultimate bachelor pad.

Just so you know this unit is about 25,000 pesos over my budget and VERY different from units that I've been looking at. This is not a typical apartment from what I've seen!

Overall, I'm still hopeful that I'll find the right place. I'm praying for something that won't be a burden financially and that would be a place where I can rest and recharge -- a place where I can "unburden." :) I go to see some more units with Ann tomorrow and possibly more with my cousin's friend on Thursday. I am so thankful for all the help I've been getting!
I'm also thankful that while I am continue the search I have a wonderfully restful place to stay in the meantime.

I guess, they're letting me stay for a while. I got the name plate on my desk yesterday. That's a good sign. (Hehehe!!)

Since I've arrived, I've made it a point to come into the office daily. But, I wouldn't say that I've truly started working yet. I've been taking time each day to take care of things like open my bank account, look for apartments, and reply to long overdue emails. I've also been taking time to do some self-exploration.

While I've worked with Wycliffe in the U.S. for a number of years, I feel like I have so much to learn about this area of the world. So, I've been doing a little research and just gathering bits of information that might help me become more familiar with this area.

I am so excited to be a part of the team here and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming year.

My first day in the office the Monsoon team (Wycliffe Asia Pacific's communications team) had their regular meeting. It was energizing hearing what is ahead for the next few months.
Here's a little snippit of what's to come...

February 14-15: Monsoon Planning Retreat
Our team will go on a little getaway to spend some time in prayer, reflection and planning. We'll get to look at Monsoon's strategic plans, our own job descriptions and identify what our key activities need to be in this upcoming year. Woo-hoo!!

February 22-26: Travel to attend area meetings
This time will be a great opportunity for me to get familiar with some faces and names of people working in this area and hear about what is happening in this part of the world. I think this is going to be a great opportunity for me to listen and learn!! (Pray I can pay attention, stay alert and soak up all that I can during this time!)

March 31-April 3: Learning that Lasts
I took this training before, but it will be great to see if the Asian context / culture gives new perspective to the concepts and ideas in this course. I found this to be great training on how to develop more participant-focused learning opportunities. Rather than building training sessions based entirely on what the leader knows, this shifts focus on the participant and learning together.

April: Monsoon Communications Workshop
Two years ago I traveled to Asia to attend the first Communications Workshop hosted by Monsoon. This year the workshop will take place here and I'm glad for the opportunity to help participate in the planning and in the workshop this time.

And that's just some of the stuff that will be taking place in 2009! All of it is so exciting, while also being a bit overwhelming. Thinking about the numerous opportunities our team has to serve those working in this area... and the limited time and people we have can feel a bit overwhelming. But... what a great feeling to be a part of this!!! It's been wonderful to be working again with people who are passionate and excited about this work. I'm so glad to be here.

I would likely come in last.

I have long thought that of all the reality shows out there, Amazing Race would be the one I'd like to do. It would be awesome to travel around the world and do all sorts of activities I'd likely never do otherwise.

But, I think I've changed my mind. I think I'd probably be the last one in at the very first check-in point. My downfall, I believe, would be speed -- getting from place to place quickly. Specifically due to my inability to catch a taxi.

When you watch that show you see people catching taxis all over the world. Some have a definite skill, ease and confidence in doing it. Others just don't. I fall in the "Others" category.

I know that getting a taxi is really just not a big deal. But, having lived in the suburbs all my life and having owned my own car for most of it, I've never really had to rely on others or public transportation to get me from point A to point B. Life here in Manila has been, and will be different in this regard. And so I'm learning that I'm one of the "Others" when it comes to my taxi-catching skills.

My housing is about an hour drive away from the office (in traffic). I've been taking a taxi to and from work and it's probably the most exhausting part of the day for me.

I find that there is something incredibly vulnerable and humbling about standing on the street corner... waiting. I'm standing out there for everyone to see. And, there I am -- needy. And, I even have to advertise my "needy-ness" by raising my arm up for the drivers to see me before they go by (GASP!) The worst is that it's about 15-20 minutes worth of waiting and dealing with rejection each time a taxi drives by full OR even worse when they stop and decide they don't want to drive you that far.

But, it's been a week and every time I've sought a taxi, I've gotten one. And it's getting easier and a little less uncomfortable each day.

NOTE: Now, the fact is... most everyone has or does use all forms of transportation here. I am not "unusual" or "odd" taking taxis. And, I definitely don't look at people waiting for taxis as needed or rejected. So, yes...my self-consciousness as I stand waiting for a taxi is totally self-imposed and I know this. I'm telling you... the things I'm learning, or being reminded, about myself in even the littlest of things - like getting to and from work!

Today I finally got my cell phone set up to use here in the Philippines.
It really wasn't all that complicated, but for some reason it took me all week to accomplish this simple task.

Just like in the States, you can get set up with a post-paid cell plan (which is typically what folks do in the U.S. -- I had a plan like this) OR you can get a pre-paid cell plan (not as popular, but you see it around more frequently -- my first cell phone was a Tracfone).

The other day after looking around at apartments with Carolyn, she was kind enough to take me to the mall where I could visit one of the local cell service providers. We were able to get a flyer with information about all the plans. The store was packed and after a long day of apartment hunting I didn't feel up for waiting to ask questions. So, we left at my request and I figured I would take it, read it, select the plan I wanted and come back for my purchase.

Well, I took it back, read it... and got pretty confused. All the plans made sense and I was able to figure out what was included in each. But, what I couldn't determine was -- which was the best one for me.

Here in the Philippines text messaging is by far more commonly used than talking on a cell phone. But what I wasn't sure about was how often would I text? Do you pay for when you receive a text? Can I send and receive texts when I'm out of the country?

After reading it over and over, asking some co-workers questions, thinking some more about it... I finally made a decision.

Today, Erlene and Rexey (my officemates) came with me during the lunch break to St. Francis Square (one of the many nearby malls from our office).

We picked up a new SIM card for my phone (thanks Rachel!) and a 300 peso "load."I think Christian got a kick out of the English speaking Fil-Am.


We celebrated my getting something done from my To-Do-List by having lunch at Chow-King. (Yay! I got some siopao and won-ton soup.)

I was born in Stamford, Connecticut and was raised in that town until my family moved to Pennsylvania when I was entering the 10th grade. I have lived my entire life in the U.S.A.

I was born to parents who were born and raised in the Philippines until they each moved to the U.S. in their twenties.

I am commonly asked in the States -- "What are you?" "Where are you from?" -- and while I've always had a secret frustration with these questions I've always understood what people are really asking. They want to know about my ethnic heritage.

I identify myself as so many things. I'm an American. I'm a woman. I'm an employee. I'm a daughter. I'm a sister. I'm a friend. I'm a cousin. ... And, I'm Filipino.

I've wondered about that last one a few times since I've arrived, honestly. What gives someone the ability to identify themselves as one thing or another? Does my ancestry give me that "permission" to call myself Filipino?

As I've met people since I've gotten here I've had a few people comment on how I'm Filipina on the outside, but really American. And, honestly, I've said that about myself as well at times. There's truth to it. At times when I've heard this from others there is a little sting in hearing it. It feels like I'm hearing, "Oh, you're not really Filipino." Does the fact that I was born and raised in the United States diminish my Filipino identity, my family ties?

I feel like I've begun this long process of learning who I am on so many levels... including, who I am as a Filipino.

The one thing I've been remembering is that my primary identity is as HIS. I am a child of God. So, as I continue to live and struggle with learning and understanding more about WHO I AM, I will cling to my identity in Christ -- the identity that will be mine without fail... for eternity.

January 29, 2009
10:12 AM EST
Flight 1769 is still "ON TIME" so I make my way over to the gate to sit, relax and wait. I enjoy this time of quiet and forced rest. I get to talk to my sister, eat some lunch and just be still.



12:15 PM EST
A minute earlier I was starting to get antsy. I checked my cell and saw that there was just one minute until we were supposed to board. Without looking outside to see that the plane was still not there, I blindly thought, "Okay... just a couple of more minutes and we'll get going."

At 12:15 PM the lady at the counter gets on the PA and announces that the aircraft was delayed in their departure and therefore late coming to us. Our flight would now be 50 minutes delayed. The new arrival time in Detroit - 3:17 PM.

WHAT?! Flight 71 to MNL leaves at 3:30 PM. So, I joined the line of passengers with connecting flights in line to see what could be done.

I was advised that we wouldn't really know what could be done until we were in the air. MAYBE they'll be able to hold the flight.

Hmmm... if not, that could mean an overnight stay in Detroit and who knows when we'd be able to fly out.

We finally depart PHL and I wait to hear what can be done about our connection.
Sometime during our flight the flight attendant came on the PA - "Those passengers connecting to Flight 71 for Manila, they WILL HOLD the flight for you. Flight 71 will depart from Gate A-36."

Woo-hoo!!! Myself, and the 4 other Flight 71 passengers on the plane I'm sure, all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

When we landed we all moved as quickly as we could up to the tram and over to Gate A-36 where a plane full of passengers were patiently waiting for us.

We all got on board and were told to prepare for departure.
10 minutes later the pilot got on and told us there was a delay -still waiting for our baggage.
This "prepare for departure" / "wait there's a delay" pattern continued for about two hours until we finally pushed off from the gate and got in place for de-icing.

6:24 PM - plane is de-iced and we're finally preparing to take off.







6:50 PM - to the sound of applause, the plane is in the air. We are finally on our way!!









January 30, 2009
7:36 AM EST
After a long, but smooth flight, we land at Nagoya airport in Japan.








8:44 AM EST
The cabin emptied out quickly and the passengers all lined up to go through security. Once through we all flooded the gate area and the nearby bathrooms.

I walked past the crowd and found an empty bathroom a few gates down. Ah... so nice. I was able to brush my teeth, freshen up a little, and change into a short-sleeve shirt. I could already start to feel how hot it would be in Manila.

I found a "WiFi Area" and tried to get on. But, it didn't work. Again, some forced rest time :)

We waited in the airport for until we were finally called to board. While waiting wasn't that fun, it felt GREAT to get out of the plane and stretch for a while.

January 30, 2009
10:51 AM EST
We take off for the last time. It was rainy at the airport and we hit the roughest air travel yet. The plane was bouncing around for quite a while before things calmed down again.

The flight from NGO to MNL was "quick" in comparison to the previous leg. A meal, a showing of Wall-E, an episode of Psych and soon we descended out of the pitch black dark sky for our first view of Manila.

2:24 PM EST
I had my first look out over Manila. The city was all lights as we flew over. As I've thought in the past about what that moment would be like, I imagined that I would have a lot of deep thoughts and strong emotions. After all, this where I'll be living for at least the next couple of years.

However, when that moment finally came and I looked out the window there were just two things that came to mind...
1 - Oh, okay... here we are...
2 - Yay! I can't wait to get out of here.

Nothing really beyond that. I was just so glad that after all that travel we were finally here!

January 30, 2009
2:28 PM EST
OR
January 31, 2009
3:28 AM (Manila time)

We make touchdown. Welcome to Manila!

When I was getting somewhat antsy in Philadelphia I was getting a little anxious thinking about my connecting flight. (And that was BEFORE I knew our flight was delayed.) I was also starting to think about the fact that I was really doing this. I was MOVING to Manila -- not a trip, not a visit -- I was moving! I asked God...Please help me to know you are with me, help me to remember that I'm not alone and help me to believe that everything will be okay.

All throughout the trip were reminders. I was reminded that I really shouldn't WORRY!!! And, God reminded me of His ability to work and of His goodness even in the midst of not so pleasant experiences. The trip wasn't exactly without its complications or hassles, but everything really was okay. A good start on this journey...

I need to learn to say "NO!" when being constantly offered food on the plane.
I feel like I need to eat whenever they come around with food. Who knows when or if they'll come around again??

Let's just say, I was not left hungry...

Lunch
January 29, 2009 - 11:00 AM EST
PHL - Burger King

My last meal in the States -- Whopper Jr. with cheese, fries and a Coke.











Dinner
January 29, 2009 - 7:47 PM EST
NWA Flight 71 - somewhere beyond Detroit

Braised beef, potatoes and vegetables served with salad with Italian dressing, bread and butter, shrimp with cocktail sauce and Oreo cookies









Mid-flight Snack
January 30, 2009 - 12:44 AM EST
NWA Flight 71 - wherever the middle of the flight puts us (we actually travelled above Alaska and over Siberia)

Ham and cheese sandwich with Dijonaisse and Toblerone candy
(yeah, I remembered to take the pic AFTER chowing down).









Breakfast
January 30, 2009 - 6:01 AM EST
NWA Flight 71 - approaching NGO (Japan)

Swiss-cheese omelet, potatoes, and sausage links served with fruit cup, blueberry muffin and orange juice









Dinner
January 30, 2009 - 11:52 AM EST
NWA Flight 71 - somewhere beyond NGO approaching Manila

Chicken with rice and vegetables served with bread and Australian (?) butter, salad with sesame dressing and a milk-cake for dessert









And yes, for those of you wondering... I pretty much finished everything you see here - minus a roll and a muffin. Yeah... won't be hungry for a while.