Friday, July 29, 2005
I'm a celebrity..get me outta here!
Hey there,
Two weeks down already in the Philippines. After a week in Cebu, flew the half hour to Bacolod and have been doing highschool retreats here. The first batch was a bit of a learning experience for all, but the second batch flew. Just finished the second batch today. They come in for three days , leaving early on the morning of the third day so thats where we are at today, just enjoying the small bit of free time. Batch three arrives tomorrow morning.
Nonoy took us out again for the day, and brought us to the Negros Occidental museum and we bought lanzonies and relaxed in the sun for a while. It's good to get a break.
Have been hearing from the others on the other placements. Some are working in Cebu with the Badjao. They are water gypsies who have recently been burned out of their accommodation so they are temporarily placed at the side of the water next to a reclamation site. It is a strange feeling to walk out of there feeling good, as these people are so friendly and welcoming and delighted to see us. The kids grabbed our hands the moment we walked in and had trouble leaving go when we left. It's only when you stop to think of it that you truly realise the injustice of the living conditions of these people. It is said that their livelihood is 'above the dead but below the living'.
Some of the Irish group are in there helping to build the new development on the island they have been "kindly" granted by the government, while others are helping, working in the school with the Badjao kids. They are really doing great work. It looks like I will be in Manila for my second placement.
We are all celebrities here; stared at going down the street, and signing "autographs" for the kids after the retreats. The retreats are nothing like I have ever experienced, the openness, the sharing; it's great.
Well, gotta run.
Later!
David
Two weeks down already in the Philippines. After a week in Cebu, flew the half hour to Bacolod and have been doing highschool retreats here. The first batch was a bit of a learning experience for all, but the second batch flew. Just finished the second batch today. They come in for three days , leaving early on the morning of the third day so thats where we are at today, just enjoying the small bit of free time. Batch three arrives tomorrow morning.
Nonoy took us out again for the day, and brought us to the Negros Occidental museum and we bought lanzonies and relaxed in the sun for a while. It's good to get a break.
Have been hearing from the others on the other placements. Some are working in Cebu with the Badjao. They are water gypsies who have recently been burned out of their accommodation so they are temporarily placed at the side of the water next to a reclamation site. It is a strange feeling to walk out of there feeling good, as these people are so friendly and welcoming and delighted to see us. The kids grabbed our hands the moment we walked in and had trouble leaving go when we left. It's only when you stop to think of it that you truly realise the injustice of the living conditions of these people. It is said that their livelihood is 'above the dead but below the living'.
Some of the Irish group are in there helping to build the new development on the island they have been "kindly" granted by the government, while others are helping, working in the school with the Badjao kids. They are really doing great work. It looks like I will be in Manila for my second placement.
We are all celebrities here; stared at going down the street, and signing "autographs" for the kids after the retreats. The retreats are nothing like I have ever experienced, the openness, the sharing; it's great.
Well, gotta run.
Later!
David
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