As many of you know, when I came back from the Philippines, I made the decision to move to Portland, OR. Hawaii's been my base of operations for the past three and a half years, but it's never felt like home the way other places have. Home is where the heart is; and with my closest friends in Portland, New York, and DC, home felt elsewhere. As I've said before (see blog entry "A Turning Point"), my time in the Philippines taught me to be better at connecting with people. That improved ability helped me build stronger relationships with the people I knew in Hawaii--deeper friendships.
I spent much more time in Waikiki upon my return, which showed me that I'm a city person. I need to live where the action is. Mililani wasn't cutting it. Also, having seen a few international cities, I know how rare it is to find a major metropolis lined with pristine beaches; and this one has green mountains on its other side, just to rub it in. I fell in love with Honolulu.
After volunteering in Baguio, I saw how much I enjoy working in the child welfare field and that I'm suited to it. The past two years I've been here, I've built relationships and connections with the who's who in Oahu's child welfare sector. Without a relevant degree or specialized training, these relationships will be invaluable for providing me with at least a chance to prove myself in that field. Anywhere else, I'd have a much harder time of it and would likely still rely on my Hawaii network and their connections to open doors for me.
When I made my decision to move to Portland, I was sure it was the right one; but in the following month, my assuredness was shaken until it crumbled. There's much more of my heart in Hawaii than I thought. I'll begin my search for long-term employment and a Waikiki apartment when I come home in July.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Finally Philippines Photos!
They're almost all uploaded. I still have one more week's worth to go, but they're coming. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to publicly post the faces of the girls I worked with at the Consuelo Home, but I'm working on creating some email-able album of sorts for those of you interested.
Each photo album is listed separately under "My Philippine Photos" on the right-hand side of this blog page (under the survey question of the week). I'm pretty sure you can navigate from one photo album to the next without having to come back here.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The Beauty of the Bump
I arrived at the gate just as they were about to start boarding. I was removing my shoes again for the extra-anal security check (not literally, thankfully) when I heard a request for volunteers to be bumped off the flight. I froze. Of course I wanted to stay longer in the Philippines, but I didn't want to undo all the checking in I just endured and have to do it all again tomorrow. Maybe better to just say goodbye once and be done with it. But the thought left me in a daze of doubt: one more day... why not?... they'll give me a voucher and hotel... I don't want to leave. But when they asked again, I was at the counter before the announcement was finished to find out what I'd get for my "troubles." Apparently, it was an update call to Hawaii, transportation from and back to the airport, a $400 Continental Airlines voucher, and a night in the Manila Hotel including three full meals from one of its fine restaurants... or from room service if I felt especially lazy. I learned that the Manila Hotel, built in 1912 is the oldest hotel in Manila; I was told it was a five-star resort. (Just thought I'd let you know that we're not messing around here.) So on Saturday when I wasn't enjoying a gourmet meal, I was by or in the pool with its swim-up bar. Life's tough for the lone traveler with no deadlines. My advice: get bumped.
Some of you experiencing jealousy pangs, may take satisfaction in knowing that my pool-side relaxation has resulted in a fascinating and somewhat horrifying new shade of pink for my stomach and shoulders. Yes, I used sunscreen but was hoping the Manila smog would filter enough UV rays, so I wouldn't have to reapply. However, it seems the smog was useless. Why do they even keep it, I wonder... Joke Lang!
Some of you experiencing jealousy pangs, may take satisfaction in knowing that my pool-side relaxation has resulted in a fascinating and somewhat horrifying new shade of pink for my stomach and shoulders. Yes, I used sunscreen but was hoping the Manila smog would filter enough UV rays, so I wouldn't have to reapply. However, it seems the smog was useless. Why do they even keep it, I wonder... Joke Lang!
A Turning Point
There are a few new habits that I've taken back with me from my trip: eating with a fork and spoon, saying "joke lang" after one of my deadpan deliveries, singing no matter who's around, and hopefully the most permanent will be the way I see the world.
Previously, when I spoke of visiting a country, it was about exploring its natural beauty. I traveled as if going through a museum, and the people I met there were part of the exhibit--members of a collective culture. I was guarded and suspicious of those who'd stare, smile at, or approach me (almost everyone when I'm one of the only white people around). I assumed they wanted to take advantage of me as a "rich" foreigner or as a woman, and I would respond with one word answers and quick glances. But having lived in a country where a simple wave or smile causes most people to light up, my perspective's changed; like a camera lens adjusting, the mountains are now the backdrop to my new focus: the people.
The Filipino openness was contagious. They just wanted to help, and by simply smiling at them, traveling became more fun and easy. The nicer I was to them, the more helpful they were to me. This hardly sounds like the stuff of grand epiphanies, but I didn't get it before. Now, traveling isn't about protecting myself; it's about connecting. Of course, I will still be cautious, but it will no longer block me from really seeing the world.
I don't expect that all countries' people will be as friendly and genuine as Filipinos, but at least I'll give myself the chance to find out. A nervous energy that used to propel me through foreign countries and out of my comfort zone has given way to a relaxed anticipation.
My time in the Philippines was invaluable in countless ways... but I feel this change is going to make the biggest difference in how I live my life.
While I don't want to get all Academy Awards, I do feel compelled to extend a special salamat-po to Danny Urquico, Becky Wells, Patti Lyons, Liza Benter, and all my friends in the Philippines for everything you've taught me. I look forward to our next meeting and hope it's soon.
Previously, when I spoke of visiting a country, it was about exploring its natural beauty. I traveled as if going through a museum, and the people I met there were part of the exhibit--members of a collective culture. I was guarded and suspicious of those who'd stare, smile at, or approach me (almost everyone when I'm one of the only white people around). I assumed they wanted to take advantage of me as a "rich" foreigner or as a woman, and I would respond with one word answers and quick glances. But having lived in a country where a simple wave or smile causes most people to light up, my perspective's changed; like a camera lens adjusting, the mountains are now the backdrop to my new focus: the people.
The Filipino openness was contagious. They just wanted to help, and by simply smiling at them, traveling became more fun and easy. The nicer I was to them, the more helpful they were to me. This hardly sounds like the stuff of grand epiphanies, but I didn't get it before. Now, traveling isn't about protecting myself; it's about connecting. Of course, I will still be cautious, but it will no longer block me from really seeing the world.
I don't expect that all countries' people will be as friendly and genuine as Filipinos, but at least I'll give myself the chance to find out. A nervous energy that used to propel me through foreign countries and out of my comfort zone has given way to a relaxed anticipation.
My time in the Philippines was invaluable in countless ways... but I feel this change is going to make the biggest difference in how I live my life.
While I don't want to get all Academy Awards, I do feel compelled to extend a special salamat-po to Danny Urquico, Becky Wells, Patti Lyons, Liza Benter, and all my friends in the Philippines for everything you've taught me. I look forward to our next meeting and hope it's soon.
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