So it's my last week in Dumaguete. On Friday I have my LPI (Language Proficiency Interview) and then next Friday I become a Volunteer!! An actual PCV!!! So exciting! In the past couple of weeks I have attended the Buglasan Festival, watched cultural dances, went shopping in a ukay-ukay, and went to Siquijor Island for Halloween! Siquijor was soooooo much fun! We decided to go to this island, because there are supposed to be lots of practicing witches, voodoo, and medicine-men there, so we thought it would be cool to spend the day there. I was kinda hoping there would be trick-or-treaters or decorations or something, but wala (none). LOL. We had a blast. We had no idea what we wanted to do, so when we got there a tryke driver followed us around until we decided to let him drive us around. First we went to a park, where we climbed up a mountain, and then a tower, and got to see a panoramic view of the island. Breathtaking! Then we went to a cave. It was so much fun. We had to crawl, squat, trudge through water, swim, and climb to get through the cave. It was so cool. We were lead by two 16 yr old girls; they were so much fun! We talked them into turning off the lights for a few mins so it was completely dark, scary!! We didn't see any creepy-crawlers, which was nice. Then we went back to the city, ate, shopped, and hung out at the beach! It was an amazing day, and our company was great too! Here are some pics, enjoy! Take care and until next time...

So we are now into week 10 going on 11!!!! CRAZY!!! That's all I can say. Time has flown by. I think it's mainly because they keep us so busy. We have been going to class from 8AM-5PM, or later some days, for 10 weeks now. Man I am tired. It's nice when we get a free afternoon every once in a while to just go lay down in my bed and do nothing! I think I'm picking up the language pretty well and am excited to keep using it once I get to Hilongos. It's crazy to think that in two weeks I will be at my permanent site for 2 years! I am excited about going, but sad, worried, and relieved all at the same time. I am sad to leave my cluster, whom I really like. I'm sad to be leaving some people behind and moving so far away. But I'm also glad to be leaving, because Dumaguete is big and it will be nice to go to a smaller town, with less traffic, congestion, noise, trash, etc. I am also worried, because now we start all over with a new host family. New diets, new routines, new everything. I think we will be fine. We will be living with an older woman in her 70's and her one house keeper. We will also have several dogs, one of which is named "Loverboy" She seemed very nice when we were there for one night. We also got to meet a relative of hers and the lady's son. They were also nice, which is comforting. I am hoping and praying that we will have more freedom to cook our own food. We won't have a t.v. in our room anymore, nor an a/c, but we will have a fan and a t.v. in the living room. The bed is nice and the house is out in the country, so that will be nice. We are close to the beach again, but this time the beach is nicer, so we might actually go down there to hang out and possibly swim. We when visited we went down to the beach and there was a whole other village down there, which will be nice to get to know. There were several kids, which is always fun! I am also relieved to be leaving, because I know we are going to Hilongos for a reason, and I am excited to get to know my "new home" and all the people that live there. But for now I have a week and a half left here in Dumaguete, so I am going to make the most of it. This Sunday we are going to an Island called Siquior. It is said to have "witches and voodoo", so we thought it would be fun to go there during the day for Halloween! Which by the way is crazy, because it still feels like summer here, so to think it's almost November is crazy! Well that's all for know. Hope all is well and until next time...
Here are some new pics for you to enjoy! Love and miss y'all!!!!

Teaching at LCP

My friend, Babe, in a tiny alley

Evelyn and I at her host sister's wedding

For this blog I just wanted to let you know some of my thoughts and reactions to some things I have experienced. I’m not complaining I am just making some observations and giving my thoughts on the subjects. I really don’t have any answers to these issues; I just wanted to put them out there. Hope you enjoy reading them.
The reason why I started thinking about all these things are because today I was riding a tryke home with an older white man. He asked me why I was here and I told him I was with the Peace Corps. He said he didn’t know that was still around and told me he was living here, and had been since he had retired. He worked for an international organization out of California and hadn’t been to the states in some 20-odd years. It got me thinking why would someone want to live abroad for the rest of their lives? Is it because they can live more comfortably with the conversion of American dollars, are they running away from something, did something happen back in the states that was so bad they didn’t want to come back? The answer I don’t know, but I do know that living overseas was one of the main reasons I joined PC, but I could never see it leading to me not returning to the states. Sure I love traveling and I love learning about other cultures, and seeing amazing sights in other places, but I will always return “home.” I love the U.S. too much to stay away forever. Texas is my culture and I could never turn my back on it forever. I have too much worth living for in the states, and I would hate to miss out on all of it. Of course I have my complaints, but I love our freedom, the way things are run, our food, etc.

I also wanted to talk about was a student’s story. I have been co-teaching off and on during training and was able to hear one of my student’s life-story. She is either 11 or 12 years old and is living with her grandma, whom she doesn’t like because she is “too strict.” I don’t remember where she said her mom is, but she is not around and her dad works overseas so he can provide money to their family. She was telling me how she missed her dad terribly and how she hardly ever gets to see him because he is always working. He works in New Zealand, doing what I’m not sure and it’s really not important, but the fact that he would work overseas is admirable. I like the fact that he would sacrifice so that he can provide for his family, but at what costs is he doing that? He practically never gets to see his family. I know he is probably making more over there than he would here, but is it really worth it??? I don’t have an answer, and I don’t have any kids so I don’t know what I would do in that situation, but it just got me thinking.

Something else I have observed is how there are so many interruptions in the school day and in the classrooms. I have only been at the school a few times, but seriously every time I go to my classroom I never know what’s going to be thrown at me. Sometimes I have a lesson prepared and we don’t end up doing it because the class is not ready, which is the most logical and settling reason, but when you don’t get to do a lesson because more than half of your class has been pulled out for a girls scouts meeting or because the teachers have a meeting during class time or there is some type of assembly, it’s a little frustrating. I know in the states we have interruptions in the classroom, but there is no comparison to what I have seen here. I have noticed that ANYTIME students can put on a performance they will. It’s nice being able to see their culture and how creative they can be, but when it is taking away from class time its kind of annoying. I believe that when a student is in school they should be learning, and I can appreciate breaks from time to time as I think anyone does, but it doesn’t seem like to me that the majority of the time here is spent on teaching/learning. I know the students are learning, but it could be so much more. Whenever I am in the classroom the students are really attentive and it seems like the classroom runs smoothly, but I always wonder, what is it like when I’m not here? I was not able to visit the school for a couple of weeks, because of other training requirements, but when I returned it didn’t seem like the students had moved on much.
On a happier note, while I have been here I have been able to make some amazing friends, and hopefully they will be life-long friends. Several of us PCTs have been able to take trips together and have had plenty of time to bond with one another. I have really, really enjoyed my language classes and really enjoy my cluster’s company. Last week I was feeling under the weather and I really appreciated my cluster being there for me and providing me with a laugh or two.
I have also been thinking a lot about our permanent site. The more I reflect and think back on my site, the more I start to like it. To be honest I was not impressed at first. I wasn’t feeling good and I was having a hard time staying positive. I am feeling all better now and have been able to really think about our site. We are going to be living in a small rural town, but I am excited about that. We are only an hour or so away from a city with a mall and a cinema, which is important to me, and a bigger grocery store. I like how convenient bigger towns/cities are, but sometimes I want to be in a smaller place. I want to be where there is less noise, traffic, congestion, etc. I will be able to experience that at my site. I am also really excited about where Ryan and I will live once we are able to move out on our own. Our supervisors have already picked a place out for us, and showed the outside of it to us when we arrived at our site. It looks like a brand new house on the outside and I am sure the inside is just as nice. We will find out more once we get there, but for now I am pretty stoked about that!

Lastly, I would like to comment on how hospitable Filipinos are. Anytime I am in a new place, or traveling somewhere I don’t have to be stressed out because anytime I get lost, confused, or go the wrong way, I know a Filipino will help me out. They are always willing to give you directions, or help you get a tryke. It is such a nice and welcoming feeling.

Hilongos, Leyte!!!! This is where we will be placed for 2 years. But more on that in a minute. Let me start where I left of last time.
So Apo Island was AMAZING!!!!! I was kinda nervous at first, because if you remember last time I tried snorkeling I hyperventilated. But I was determined this time. There was a group of 14 of us. We went to a resort off the coast of Negros, and then took a 30-40 min boat ride to the island. The first sight of the island and the water was picturesque. The water was so blue, turquoise, and beautiful. I was so excited to snorkel and I really wanted to see some sea turtles. So I hoped in the water and had trouble right away. The current was very strong and I couldn't catch my breath AGAIN :( Also some of the volunteers said "Oh there's a turtle" and when I looked it was gone. So I was growing very tried so I got back in the boat to rest, plus I was upset that I was having trouble again. So later we had lunch and my breathing calmed down. While we were hanging out on the shore I practiced snorkeling and finally got the hang of it in shallow water. A group of us then jumped off of some rocks and had fun being daring. LOL. So at this point I was very determined to snorkel and see these amazing things. So this time I got in very slow and was able to snorkel the whole time with the group. WOW! That's all I can say, it was so cool. It was like I was in an aquarium; it was so unreal and exciting. I can't wait to do it again. One thing I also want to say is that the sun is dangerous here. It is so close to us, that even putting on sunblock 5 times, I still got sunburned. Crazy!
So the next day we woke up at 3AM to be picked up in the rain to go to the bus station. We rode a bus for almost 6 hours to Bacolod for our supervisor's conference. I got to meet Ryan's and my supervisor and both of them are really nice and excited to work with us! We had lots of classes and learned a lot of new things. But the most important thing about the conference was finding out our site. Ryan and I thought we were going to be placed in Bohol (a different island) but this turned out to be wrong and we will be going to Hilongos, Leyte! So on Thursday morning we traveled with our supervisors to see our site. Because our site is far from Dumaguete and we had to return there by Sunday we only had the evening on Thursday and all day Friday to see our site. It was a very whirl-wind trip, but nice because we got to see our whole town, which is very small (and were excited about that, less pollution) On Saturday we had to go to Cebu island so we could catch a 6AM boat ride back to Dumaguete. So the trip, traveling, and meeting lots of new people was kinda stressful so I ended up catching a cold.
I returned back home on Sunday, alone, because Ryan had to stay in Cebu for his training for an extra week, and I felt awful. I called our medical officers and they brought me some antibiotics right away. I only had a cold and feel 100% better now, so don't worry. I also started to get homesick, because I just wanted to be sick at home with nothing but normal things. This soon passed and I was back to my normal self. So this week I had training as normal and worked on planning trips that Ryan and I want to take. Also I figured out times for family to come and visit us, and what we can possibly do. Ryan and I are really excited about our new site, and can't wait to start working with the people of Hilongos.
I have posted new pics on Flicker so please take a look.
Thanks for reading and until next time... Take care and I love and miss you all!!!!! :)

OOOOOOHHHHHHHH
P.S. Alyssa and Josh are the winners from the contest! We will have to mail them a prize when we get to our site. Here was everyone's guesses. Enjoy.

Alyssa Reiley and Josh Span- Leyte
Sherly and Clifton Cowey- Del Gallego, Luzon
Jeff and Tamra Howe- Luzon
Kathy Morgan- Isabella, Luzon
Chelsea Carter- Lucena, Luzon
Jeff Gravett and Rose Richerson- Altavas, Panay & Pinakpuk, Luzon
Korey and Carley Patek- Polillo Island, Luzon
Hank and Virgina Coor- San Fernando, Luzon
Kristy Carlile- San Fernando, Luzon
Mom- Naga, Luzon
Amy Lynn- Naga, Luzon
Rusty and Kathy Kroboth- Quezon City, Luzon
Margaret and Francisco Torres- Manila, Luzon
Trisha Patek- Bacolod, Negros
Ann Patek- Negros
Debbie Downs- Dagohoy, Bohol
Gary Weddle and Annette Reiley- Bohol
Tammy Burns- Antique, Panay
Lillian Patterson- Roxas, Panay
Daniel and Debby Robinson- Panay
Jordan Gunter- Panay
Debbie Todd- Panay
Kim McSweeney- Guagua
Mike Rodriguez- Buhi
Meredith Patterson- Mindanao
Leslie Patterson- Malaybalay, Mindanao

So sorry for the delay in posting, but things have been SOOOO crazy and for the next week or so it will only get crazier! So bring it on :)
Ok so the last time I was on here we had went to sa dagat (the beach). The following week we had school as usual, but this week I got to do my first team-teachings! The kids were so great and I had a blast being there with them. My Counterpart is an amazing teacher and has some great ideas for her students; I can't wait to learn more from her. We won't be back at the school for two weeks so it will be neat to see where the students are at when I get back.
On Wed, week 4, I also started volunteering at LCP (Little Children of the Philippines); it's a shelter that helps sponsor students to go to school. I went for a total of 6 days and had a BLAST. I worked mainly with two boys on math everyday, and yes I had fun doing math, but altogether there were around 10 trainees and 30 boys. We had so much fun and it was so hard to leave on the last day. The boys warmed up to us all so quickly and we were able to have so much fun with them while teaching them a thing or to. I really felt like this is the reason I am here, and it all made since; our purpose in being here. Don't get me wrong we have had so much fun already, but being there with those boys made sense to me and the experience made me love being here even more. (Sorry mom, I know you want me to come home)
On Friday my technical cluster got together and had some great food and ice cream at a restaurant called Gabby's. It was a nice treat.
Saturday I went to a concert, Bob Fitts, with my host family and had a great time worshipping and experiencing Filipinos in a church concert setting.
The Sunday, WOW, we went to Casaroro Falls. Let me tell you it was AMAZING!!!!! This is by far the biggest waterfall I have ever seen and it was so beautiful. We had to hike up to the falls, but it felt so good because it was cooler and then when we got to the falls we went for a swim and the water felt so wonderful!!! Ryan and I are definitely going back there at least two more times before we leave Dumaguete!
So the sunod semana (next week, week 5) we had classes again, but we also got to meet with two PCVs. They were able to give us so much great information. I also got to meet a volunteer that I have been reading her blog since before we left and now I finally got to talk with her in person, which was neat.
Then one night Ryan and I were able to cook for our host family. That was so much fun!!! We made home-made flour tortillas (yeah thats right showing my mexican side) and then we had tacos, rice, and salsa. Our family loved it, which I was nervous about but they had 2nd and 3rd helpings! It was so interesting to show them how to make some of our food and it was delicious.
Later in the week we had an important meeting at the college to decide on a community project we are going to do. That was an interesting exchange of ideas and a new way of seeing how meetings are conducted.
We also met up with some returned PCVs who are from Dallas, Texas (aw, Texas how I love thee) and had dinner with them. They were so nice. They are a wonderful couple doing some wonderful things here in the Philippines.
Finally it's today and I am beat. Tomorrow a group of us are going to Apo Island to go snorkeling!!! I am so excited and want to see some sea turtles. Then EARLY, like 3AM early, Monday morning we take a trip to Bacolod City to have a conference to meet our supervisors and find out where we will live for the 2 yrs!!! Sooooo excited! We have a hunch where we are going, but we won't say until we know for sure. If we are right there will be 2 winners from the party, so be on the look-out :)
Ryan and I are doing great, magtuon mi kaayong Cebuano (learning a lot of Cebuano), and staying safe. We try new things everyday and think of everyone always. Take care and until next time. Love ya!!

Well we have official finished our third week in the Philippines and already making our way into the fourth!! I can't believe this much time has gone by already. Time goes so fast and slow at the same time. Our days here are intense and long, but once they are over your like wow, the day is over already?!
We have four hours of language class, which is tiring in itself, followed by an hour long lunch, and then four or more hours of technical training. Twice a week I go into the High School and tomorrow I will start co-teaching with the teacher. My first task isn't anything big, but it's a start. Last week I observed twice in the classroom, which was a lot of fun! The students are 1st year high school students, which is like our 7th graders. And they are so interested in me...LOL! They are great kids and it seems like they love to learn, which is great! I had one girl tell me here current situation and it just broke my heart. She is so nice, energetic, and positive that I never would have guessed what she is going through. Although I shouldn't be too surprised coming from a social work background. Some days I feel like I have the wrong job here, teaching, but I just remind myself that this is something new and with time I will get better. We shall see tomorrow how well it goes. All I know is that when I'm with the kids I have a great day, but when it's just a lot of jargon and theory I feel like I'm in the wrong profession.
We got to go to a beautiful beach yesterday and swim in crystal clear water. The water looked green if you looked at it from an angle, but when you were in the water you could see all the way to the bottom! A little fish, similar to Nemo, was also following me around and freaking me out! Ryan was having fun laughing at me. Now I'm wondering if I really can go snorkeling, let alone swimming with the sharks. I mean if a little fish scares me and then I see big ones who knows!! LOL!!
This weekend we were also invited to a "Debut", which is similar to a "15" in the states. It was really nice and a great cultural experience. There was a lot of dancing, presenting, and food! It was a lot of fun and really exciting to be a part of! I have pics but they aren't very good quality, but maybe I will post a few.
Ryan and I have also found some pretty cool stuff to buy as far as souvenirs go. I will probably go shopping this weekend for some things. That will be fun!
Well I think I'm going to go study now. Everyone take care, and until next time! Love you! Nahigugma ko nimo!!

Question: Kumusta Ka?

Answer: Maayo Kaayo!

I asked how are you doing, and I answered very good! This is how I am feeling right now. There are many things that I miss a lot back home, (Panda Express, Izze’s, making my own food, and of course family/friends), but I am beginning to feel at home here in Dumaguete City. Nagpuyo ko sa siyudad sa Dumaguete. (I live in the city of Dumaguete) If you haven’t noticed I am having a blast learning the language. Whenever you use it in town people laugh and are excited because you can speak some of their language. It is a lot to learn and is hard, as any language is, but I think it’s fun ☺ Yesterday when I was walking to language class and I was waiting for some fellow PCTs (Peace Corps Trainees) I realized how beautiful it is here. Yes it’s hot, and we sweat a lot, but the scenery is amazing!! When I look to my left I see the water, and when I look to my right I see beautiful mountains! I can’t wait to go snorkeling, hiking, and exploring more of Negros Oriental. (I will be doing all those things…woohoo) The food is kinda hard for me to get used too; lots of seafood- yuck! and fried foods all the time!! The plain white rice at every meal (and I mean EVERY meal) doesn’t bother me because at least I have something I will like. By no means am I starving, most of the time I am so full the sight of food makes me uneasy. And I think that’s what it is, we eat so much that I’m like argh not more food! Taking Malaria medicine has not been fun as well, but each time the side effects are less and less so soon it shouldn’t bother me at all. I just don’t like taking medicine, you know this. We are lucky to have a very nice family, that is very laid back and out-going. And as time goes on we are becoming more and more comfortable with them. I am getting used to hand-washing clothes and learning my way around the town. The city we’re in has about 115,000 people that reside here, but during the day there can be as many as 600,000 people in the city because they are coming from smaller more rural towns to gather materials or they work here, which is quite interesting! Yesterday we also talked with our host-family about witchcraft and folklores. It was very interesting to hear what Filipinos have stories about and tales that they pass down to their children. I now have a favorite new song, which hopefully will post to photobucket. Hope you enjoy!!! Everyone take care, and I love and miss you all VERY much! Ayo-ayo!

P.S. So photobucket is STUPID, so I am now adding a link to Flicker. This is where I will post all pics from now on. Enjoy!