Today was mostly satisfying. Note to self: learn to start blog posts in different and actual interesting ways.
So I’m 24. Kind of. I don’t consider myself 24 until the clock strikes 4:03am here, since I was born 1:03 pm pacific time. Either way logic suggests that I should be more mature. Experience begs to differ. I don’t feel any different. Heck, I don’t feel any different than I do when I turned 21. I still don’t drink. Nothing has changed.
I used to be really bummed out when I was young. Because I had a June birthday it was always summer, and that means I didn’t get to celebrate my birthday with all my friends at school. Who knew the first time I’d be somewhere special to celebrate my birthday it’d be overseas.
Today is actually the day where I’ve missed home the most. If I was back in the States I would be in Southern California. I’d be passing out in a guest of room of Andy or Steve’s. Those are the people I have chosen to spend my birthdays with the last few years. I still would make that choice. I just don’t have that option. I really cherish them as two people who support me. Two people who share similar tastes and types of humor. Two Christians and both brothers to me. Although today was great, it’s just not the same without my buds. Last night I watched this video I sneakily shot of Steve playing Back to December by Tay Swift. Over the last couple of months we’ve spent many a hour listening to Tay and belting out her songs. She’s my imagined future fiancé, and Steve is a one man band in the only officially sanction Taylor Swift cover band. Our delusions aside, I sneakily shot a video of ‘us’ singing…it was mostly him since I knew if I sang I’d ruin the video. He adds a little twist to it. It cracks me up every time. I watched that about half a dozen times last night. Each time brings me back to a time when I was with friends. In the background I see the room where we spent a lot of time playing video games and Steve jamming out on the guitar. I miss all the good times bud. I really do. You were my family before I thought I could reconcile with my blood family. I’m praying for you, and I hope that all those questions you have God answers.
I feel so old here. It’s not that I am. But those older than me actually have lives and responsibilities. Those that don’t are the ones younger than me. I mean I like them all well enough, but I spent half of yesterday with two fourteen year olds. As of today they are officially ten years my junior. Man. What an alarming way to think about it.
It’s weird. Random thing I noticed today, most of the youth are single. But those aren’t have been in long relationships, as in years long. Good for them. Interesting though…seems like among the Christ followers there are less casual relationships, which is quite the contrast to the American dating scene where we treating dating as a way to screen future spouses, instead of actually taking a long time finding the right girl to date. They also are a lot less…hmmm, there’s less pda. But it’s more than that, there’s very little physical intimacy of any kind to indicate a standing romantic relationship. It took me a while to figure jen and Edmond were dating. It was confirmed when I saw the background picture on one of their phones. The only other indicator was seeing them sit together in church two consecutive Sundays and once he put his hand on her knee for half a second. Other than that there was little to indicate more than just good friends. No hand holding, no sweet nothings being whispered, no coy giggling or any other sign of affection. It is quite different from America. But maybe it’s how things should be. Maybe not. To be honest I like the physical intimacy. But one might argue that as Christians we should be THAT much different from everyone else, that we shouldn’t flaunt our relationships nor turn it into anything but a growing deepness between two people with Christ at the center.
As the new kid on the block they made a big deal about it being my birthday today. Kuya Roman shared during testimony time and said I was a blessing to him and mentioned it was my birthday to which I was called up to speak. I gave a short thank you for the warm welcome and the hospitality since I had arrived. They also mentioned at the end of the service. I feel like I’m on display sometimes. But it is difficult when you are on display and there is no one here you are close to just yet.
So interesting thing about the Philippines: when it’s your birthday you still get all the attention as you do in the States, but instead of everyone treating you, you are expected to treat everyone else. Everyone kept bringing it up. They kept asking what my plans were for my birthday. All week I was asked this question. It made me uneasy since I didn’t know the norm for such a thing. I wanted to be a good sport but didn’t want to flaunt my wealth. I wanted to figure how far treating people would go…buying everyone a soda? A movie ticket? So when asked I just said, my plans were church of course. After church at around 2:30 we went to the Fairview school and spent hours moving dirt, leveling the dirt sidewalk, cutting grass and plants. It was tiring work. But it felt good. There are many times were I was just in the way. It’s annoying to keep asking, so what now? And since my tagalog isn’t up to par yet I was usually out of the loop, but I got my fair share of work in. it was so satisfying to be working under the sun, being physical and doing something worthwhile with my time. It was probably one of the most satisfying birthdays I can remember, minus the whole friends thing.
On the way home we stopped for ice cream. I treated. There was this beautiful moment the day I got commissioned at San Lorenzo Japanese Church. After the service I was approached and given a check for 30 dollars. I was told it wasn’t much, but she wanted to help. She then then prayed for me. It really meant a lot to me. I’d like to think that money went on to make 15 people very happy tonight. With us were Ate Millet wife of Pastor Jun, Meh-an and Marfei. But other than that all fathers who had kids in King Solomon who spent all afternoon helping the school out. They all deserved to be treated. I don’t recall such selfless use of time and energy for such grueling work often back in the States. Not to say it doesn’t happen, but not often enough that I remember. The church here is very involved in the lives of their members, trying to help with money if needed or even trying to help provide jobs when needed. And the members are very invested in the church. It’s as it should be. And when I think about it a grin spreads across my face.
Oh. So I’ve had corned beef here. It was beef of sorts. But I saw an ad while on the way back from Fairview for corned tuna. I’m not sure what to think…
We came back and I played basketball with some of the young guys around. It was a very dissatisfying way to end a good day. The ball was good. It was the ball I had bought and donated to the church. I figured it was a good investment for myself but also for the youth who are always looking for a ball.
Seriously no one plays defense. People would let there guy past them I would have to collapse and then another guy would cut back door. I was always playing one on two or three. Meh. They also get annoying about their ticky tack fouls. Seriously. You are men. Get a little dirty fellas.
I’m not going to rant. I want to. But I won’t. It’s not in a good spirit and I don’t want to be like that.
Differences in Philippines basketball:
They like to play zone
They play to 16
You don’t have to take the ball back outside if there is a change of possession in a half court game
Thought of the day: maybe my purpose here, my role isn’t to be some great agent of change, since it’s apparent that they don’t’ need me for that. Maybe I’m just here to learn. Maybe to just understand the poor. But more than just wisdom. But how can I change myself to be a better person. What can I learn from these urban poor that can make me a better person? To learn hope. To learn joy. To learn love. To learn simplicity. To learn passion. Maybe. I’m hoping God lets me know J
sem título by Carina Santos. on Flickr.
(L): Cousin Eric (R): Dongwoo of Infinite
does anyone else see this or is it just me?
Tarsier Posing.
All my cousins in Samar! :’)
i think the kid at the bottom and a couple girls on the side might be the neighbors..
y0ooO 1M sTr@1gHT uP j3J3m0n!!!
Hi there, I just signed the online petition to save Palawan’s forests from mining and thought you might want to sign as well. You can sign it here: http://no2mininginpalawan.com National Geographic named Palawan as one of its top-20 destinations for 2011. It has 17 Key Biodiversity Areas and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are at risk from mining. If we don’t do anything, the future for Palawan’s indigenous people and rare endemic species is bleak. Please sign the petition, then forward this email to some friends and ask them to do the same. We know the strength of People Power, now it’s time for Palawan Power! Thanks!
Caramoan, Philippines. I’ll see you next summer?
LUNAR ECLIPSE GOES TO GOOGLE!!!
