June 15, 2009 - What we will Remember

Here are only a few things that really stand out, but the list could go on, and on:

Roosters crowing every morning..and actually all day, and actually all night, and actually lots and lots of roosters...everywhere.

The workers sweeping the streets with stiff brooms creating a unique sound to accompany the roosters in the mornings.

A sweet rhythm of flip-flops, everywhere.

Wednesday morning trips to Palegnke (the farmers market). Waking up around 5am, while the rest of the city sleeps, and is completely quite, climbing into a packed jeepney with the other volunteers, watching the sunrise over the mountains, as we make our way there, and the hustle and bustle, and shouting voices of the venders and buyers when we finally arrive. Getting a weeks worth of fruit and vegetables for about 10 or 15 dollars, in about 10 or 15 mins, and then leaving our bags in the jeepney for a brisk jog home.

The laughter and songs from the social centers that seem to fill the whole valley where we live.

The tricycle drivers always asking us if we want a boat ride.

White, and oh so tasty, rice.

Everyone laughing at our English.

"Hey Joe" everywhere we go. Since that's what they call all Americans.

Tasty Halo-Halo.

All the love we received from the ever smiling Filipinos that never ceased to give us their time, or thoughtfulness.

Being immersed into a completely new culture, pushing ourselves to experience new, and sometimes very difficult things, so as to grow always as Christians, to always serve our neighbors, and to know God more fully.