First Day on the Job

Friday was my first day at the St. Mark's Foundation. I arrived promptly at 8am to my new desk. I haven't yet explained how tall I am compared to Filipino standards. Yes, there are tall Filipinos but I'm still usually taller. Therefore, even with my chair lowered completely my knees barely fit underneath my desk! Fortunately, I did not spend really any time at my desk on the first day.

Me at my desk on the first day. I apologize for the blurriness and low quality of the photo.

New Home

Here is a tour of my new living space and home for a year! It is the perfect little studio. It is located on the compound and only about 200 yards away from the office. The staff stocked up the place with pots, pans, mugs, glasses, plates and basics of a kitchen. They newly renovated the bathroom or as Filipinos say, “CR” for comfort room. My comfort room actually doubles as cooking area with a hot plate, toaster, and rice cooker, which I’m sad to say I don’t know how to use. Everyone looked at me with confusion when I said I’ve never used a rice cooker before as rice is a staple with every meal.

The place even feels homey with fresh flowers, a welcome banner on the wall, and frames from home. It’s better than I could have imagined and it will work out splendidly for the year! Also, I cannot wait to get to know my neighbors better who are members of the staff. I told them I love to cook and someone suggested we will have to have cooking parties where they teach me how to make traditional Filipino foods!

View of my little bedroom from standing by the fridge in the corner.

Welcome to the Team

Wednesday morning after driving 9 hours on Tuesday, I arrived to the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago compound where I was welcomed in the best way possible by the whole staff! First we had Morning Prayer, which is usually on Monday mornings but they changed it this week for my arrival. Then, they sung me a beautiful song. If you did not know Filipinos love karaoke and it seems as though they are all musically talented. I’ve posted a short video below of them singing to me in Ilocano.

Rained Out

On Sunday, Margaret, Andrew and I joined Floyd, the Provincial Secretary, and his family for breakfast before church. We then attended the 9am service at the National Cathedral, which was a typical Episcopal Service. They even sang similar hymns.

Andrew walking with Floyd's son, Norlan

The bulletin

Processing

 A couple of days have passed since arriving in the Philippines. I'm still processing that I'm halfway across the world. Also, it's mind boggling to be texting people on the east coast and realize they are 12 hours behind. Or that I will be here for a year. There's a part of me that thinks I'll be coming home in two weeks or a month. But then again it's only been a few days.

The staff at the Episcopal Church of the Philippines and Andrew, a YASCer who has been here for 13 months and continuing for another year, were smart to let us ease into everything. Margaret, Andrew and I stayed at the guest house attached to the Episcopal Church's National Office. While there was no schedule, I still felt like a lot happened on day one, Saturday. Everything is new, the sights, sounds, and smells. The language is like nothing I've heard before. Fortunately, everyone speaks English and even though the national language is Filipino (Tagalog), all the road signs and in the stores and everything is written in English. Andrew said that's mainly though because we are in a nicer borough of Manila, Quezón City.

My room for the first couple of days.

Notice the A/C. It was a lifesaver! It is hot and humid in Manila.

Faith & Flexibility

I've made it to Manila! The journey here definitely called for some faith and flexibility. Faith because at first I wasn't sure if I was going to be allowed on the plane! And flexibility because always when traveling I've learned it's important to go with the flow, be patient and adapt to the situation.

Let me back up to the part about not being allowed on the plane. I arrived at Dulles airport and proceeded to check in and check my bags. When it came to checking my bags, the attendant at the ticket counter said, "oh you are not returning for a year? Where is your visa?" I explained how I could receive a temporary one upon arrival and then go through the process of getting a year long visa. However, the computer was telling her someone can only receive a visa for 59 days and since my return is longer than 59 days I couldn't board without a visa. I was starting to have a mini heart attack but on the outside tried to remain calm. I started to pray in my head, "Ok, God if you really want me to go to the Philippines, please let me on this plane." After the attendant talked to someone on the phone, though, she said I was good to go. Phew! All I needed was a little faith.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

I'm leaving on a jet plane! Today is the day! I'm currently sitting in Dulles airport awaiting my flight to Detroit where then I will fly from Detroit to Manila. I'm feeling anxious, nervous, and excited but also overwhelmed.

I'm overwhelmed with the love, support and prayers I've received from family, friends and the whole Diocese of Virginia community. I'm overwhelmed with the fear and excitement of the unknown of what is to come within the next 24 hours, the next week, month and year. I'm overwhelmed with the simple fact that it's here!