Comforts.

I’ve returned to all the stuff that makes life comfortable. Wide-open spaces (public and private), running water, good jobs, et cetera are just footsteps away. Yet I feel like it’s all too much. Compared to the daily challenges of the Philippines, life in the U.S. seems luxurious.
To be clear, many (though not all) people [...]

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First day in Chicago.

Driving down the Kennedy at 7:45PM last night, I discovered that I know that I no longer belong in Chicago. I belong in the Philippines.

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Last night in Manila.

I hope I never forget what it felt like to be here in the Philippines. It’s strange how ten weeks can go by in the blink of an eye.

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There are so many of them.

After the graduation ceremonies I hung out with Deng, my cousin the high school teacher, in the Faculty office. One by one the students came in to turn in caps and gowns. It was a sight that many of us have been part of in the U.S. There were the expressions we’ve all had: relief, [...]

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Last day in Libmanan.

My cousin, Deng, invited me to attend the graduation ceremonies of the grammar school / high school where she teaches. Oddly enough, I felt it rather serendipitous (sp?) that the graduation fell on my last day in Bicol. I felt like I was graduating in a manner of speaking.
I’ve learned quite a [...]

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"Are you crazy?!"

That’s one thought I’m going to have to deal with quite a bit when other Filipinos learn of my intention to settle down here. I know I’m going to get that look from the human resource directors at Philippine hospitals where I apply for employment.
One thing I’ve noticed though. When I take the [...]

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If I had my way.

I want my kids to speak Tagalog better than I can. Even better, I want them to be able to speak Bicol too! I want them to attend grammar school and high school here in the Philippines. I want them to walk hand-in-hand with their friends to school or wherever. That’s [...]

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Not such a bad idea after all.

I distinctly remember thinking early in January, “While I may have the guts to go overseas for 10 weeks I can’t imagine moving overseas.”
Well, I seem to have sold myself on starting a life here because I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to figure out the logistics. My dad has seen this look [...]

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Enough already.

I never thought I would say this but I’m really getting sick and tired of bribing the police. I got pulled over again today. It was all a bunch of crap. The street signs are all messed up!

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Pyramid scheme.

I hope the U.S. state department doesn’t read this entry before I have a chance to implement The Plan I came up with earlier today.
Fact: Any child of mine, regardless of birthplace, is a U.S. citizen by virtue of the fact that I am a U.S. citizen.
Plan: If I have 10 children here in the [...]

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