I've Moved!

I've been posting little previews on Instagram (here and here) but it's finally happened! I've moved! And today I'm giving you the full tour and how the move went down yesterday, February 9th.

First let me say, this was no easy feat. I couldn’t have made the move without the help of my co-workers and neighbors. Basically without the help of strong men to carry my fridge, armoire, and heavy desk, it wouldn’t have happened. I'm greatly appreciative of everyone taking time out their weekend to help me out.

{Entering through the front door}

Weekend Reading

Happy Weekend!

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend! Not much going on here which is what I love on Saturdays. I found two seasons of Vampire Diaries - that's 44 episodes - for 80 pesos in the market! Less than $2!! Ok, yes, it is pirated and totally poor quality but very much worth it. At these DVD stands you have to dig through piles and piles of DVDs but you can truly find some gems. But at the same time, it's usually a two-pack and I always want one of the movies but not the other. Like I would love to watch the Hobbit 2 but not the Filipino movie, Born to Love You. How do those go together at all??

ISEM! Smile!

Continuing with my posts about my Christmas Celebration in the Philippines, today I'm sharing the concert I attended at the Cathedral. On December 22nd, the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago hosted the Holy Guardian Angels Parish Choir from Pica, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Santa Hats & Candy Overload

Candy wrappers scattered across the ground. Excited children running and screaming round in circles. Santa hats discarded all over. It can only mean one thing…. Preschool Christmas Party!

Meet Zoe!

Meet my puppy, Zoe, everyone!

As with most things there is a story behind this. You might remember from this post that my neighbor’s dog had six puppies. I spent much time with them playing and hanging out. I got attached to one who I named Jack. I was going to take him in as my own puppy and friend, but I wanted to wait until after my travels to Hong Kong.

Weekend Reading

Happy Weekend!

I hope everyone back home in Virginia is staying warm in the snow! I'm not jealous. Actually, I was complaining alongside all the Filipinos about how hot and humid it was today! After a quick trip to Manila to accompany a visitor from ERD, I'm ready to do some weekend reading and relax. Also, only five days of work until it is Christmas break! Crazy! Can't believe the New Year is right around the corner.

Little Things

In my mind I know it’s December. Two Sundays of Advent have passed. Christmas decorations are out and I’m on the hunt for great gifts. However, it’s still strange for me to realize it is the Holiday Season. While it has gotten cooler, I’m still sweating every other day and blasting my A/C.

Christmas for me is baking in the kitchen, sipping hot cocoa underneath cozy blankets and snuggling up by a warm fire. I hate the cold but for me that is the Holiday Season.

One thing that’s helped me cope about not being around close family during this time of year is the love I’ve been receiving from home! I’ve been making quite a few trips to the Post Office recently. It’s gotten to the point where Michelle who handles the packages knows my name and got my cell number so she can text me when I get mail!

Not only is it wonderful to hear from my parents and other family members, but also a recent package was full of Christmas cards from family friends from Church and former co-workers. It’s incredible that I can receive their love halfway across the world. I almost cried when flooded with such love and support while reading the notes! I now have them hanging on my wall as a constant reminder.

{My new weekly stop}

Little Things

My life has been so crazy busy lately that I forgot to share about my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! Actually, it probably helped that I was busy. I didn't have time to dwell on missing sweet potatoes, pineapple casserole, Grandpap's homemade stuffing, pecan pie, and of course, being with my large family!

I returned to Santiago City at 3am on Wednesday morning last week from Hong Kong. Recovered a little bit during the day before going back to work. Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, celebrated a co-worker's civil wedding followed by a huge lunch, which I took as my big "thanksgiving meal." Then, Friday got up at 6am to catch a bus for a weekend in Mountain Province! Phew!

{Penny, Me, Rebecca, Charity, the bride, Dex, the groom, and Sandra together after the marriage}

Hong Kong - Birthday Celebrations

Day 2 of Hong Kong was Sara’s 23rd Birthday! It was a day full of celebration, friend time, delicious food and more sightseeing. There was only one mission for the day – giving Sara a wonderful birthday celebration!

Katie’s older sister, Caroline, arrived late Thursday night for a 10 day trip. They joined Sara and I for our tourist excursion of the day, Victoria Peak. The plan was originally to hike the 2-hour trail up to the peak, but after a late start and laziness we took the peak tram, a very steep vertical ascent up the mountain.

Weekend Reading

Happy Black Friday! 

My trip to Hong Kong currently feels like a dream. Did I really travel to mainland Asia last week and see amazing friends?

I've gotten back into the swing of things in Santiago. It's like I never left. Today, Friday, through Monday I'm off to Sagada! My co-worker is taking me with her as she has meeting up there. It's one place in the Northern Philippines I've been looking forward to visiting. Can't wait to see some hanging coffins and Echo Valley! Also, we'll be stopping in Tadian to see Andrew, another YASCer, and his farm.

Third Month's the Charm

October took forever to get through. Now all of sudden it is almost December! It’s hard to believe that I’m a quarter of the way through my YASC year! The third month was hands down the best month so far.

Weekend Reading

Happy Weekend!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend and fellow YASCer, Sara Lowery! I'm beyond excited to be in Hong Kong celebrating with her! 

Little Things

By the time you read this post, I'll be on bus to Manila to catch my flight to Hong Kong. To beat the traffic and ensure I get to the airport in time for my flight, I'm taking the 9 hour bus trip overnight. That means I'll have plenty of time to chill and read at the airport until my flight takes off. I'll be so full of excitement I don't know how I'll be able to pass the time!

The past couple of weeks have been crazy busy. I'm ready for a break and some fun with friends! However, busyness never takes me away from enjoying the little things.

{"Are you ready?" asks this bobble dashboard thing. I don't think I ever am.}

Who's on your sidewalk?

Last week, I received an email from my Mom saying my home parish’s priest, Rev. Kate, would be mentioning me in her sermon on Sunday. There were no more details. I wasn’t worried, more intrigued. Fortunately for me, St. James’ uploads audio recordings of every sermon.

I recommend to everyone to take 12 minutes and listen here. Rev. Kate makes the point that the church is not simply a building but it’s the people and community. The church is us, but not only all of us in the global community in all places but also throughout time. Rev. Kate reminds us that God is the God of the living, which means those who have come before us are still alive. And those living now and throughout time, the people of the church, our community are supporting us.

{image via}

The Linking of Two Dioceses

There is something to be said about being in a foreign country and witnessing two different cultures sharing and learning from one another. It was an out of body experience as I watched the world get smaller.  Not only am I here learning about Filipino culture but here I also had the opportunity to soak up information about Kenyan culture through song, dance, and fellowship.

Yesterday, the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago (EDS) hosted eleven visitors from Kenya’s Anglican Development Service. They included Bishop Joseph Sapit and other regional development officers. Last year, September 2012, Sir Patrick and a couple others from the Episcopal Church in the Philippines attended the Anglican Alliance Board’s Empowerment Conference. A couple of the Kenyans in attendance took interest in Sir Patrick’s presentation about St. Mark’s Foundation and EDS’s work with cooperatives and micro-lending, which led them to plan a short trip to the Philippines to learn more firsthand.

Little Things

Thank you again for all the love, support and prayers received over the weekend. Again, I am safe and perfectly fine. I feel blessed to have been in an area that suffered from only heavy rain and a cloudy day indoors. However, the area hit by the Super Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan (whichever you prefer) was greatly devastated. Reports say up to 10,000 could be dead, with homes and stores leveled to the ground. Please continue to keep all of those affected in your prayers! You can also follow this link to learn how you can help.

Of course after a heavy storm, beautiful weather follows. I spent Sunday afternoon under the shade of a tree reading, journaling, and enjoying the light breeze, sunshine and 70 degree weather. I wish winter was like this everywhere! Today, the office was abuzz preparing for our special visitors from Kenya. They've traveled all the way here to learn about the micro-lending of the foundation and cooperatives. We're excited to host them but only for one day!

Don't worry, I'm still taking time to enjoy the little things!

{My neighbor's have a pet turtle in their kitchen sink. He's been there for 8 years!}

Weekend Reading

TGIF!

I don't know about you all but I've had a crazy, busy week! We've been catching up after the long, holiday weekend and preparing for visitors next week. The staff was supposed to plant trees tomorrow as part of a development project but it seems as though one last Typhoon is going to hit the Philippines. Hopefully, it is the last for the season!

Driving 101

When learning how to drive, a part of me was thankful to learn how to navigate the craziness of aggressive, defensive, fast, stop and go traffic of Northern Virginia. I felt that if I could handle the NOVA drivers than I could drive anywhere. Well since arriving in the Philippines, I’m rethinking that theory.

There is no logical order to traffic – no passing lanes, speed limits, stop signs or traffic lights signaling when to stop and go. I’m thankful to have a driver who is familiar with the madness or else I would never go anywhere.

First, let’s talk about the various vehicles and obstacles on the road:

On top of regular cars there are trucks, who are the slowest on the road,

Puppy Therapy

Who doesn't love puppies? They are cute, cuddly, lovable, playful creatures! My neighbor's dog had six of them about a month ago. They're finally old enough to be out and around. Once I knew they were born, every morning I would look out my window waiting for the day they would finally show themselves. It may sound pathetic, but I have to admit I sometimes (read: most of the time) prefer puppies to children. The anticipation was killing me! Finally, last week the day came that six little fur balls were out exploring their new world.

Weekend Reading

Happy All Souls Day!

Today is an important family holiday to Filipinos. They spend the day cleaning their dead family's graves, sharing fellowship with one another and blessing their loved ones who passed.

I continue to be inspired, amazed, and entertained by my fellow YASCers' posts! I hope you are too, and follow the links to read only a snapshot of the adventures we are all on.