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Trip Start May 27, 2008 Previous
Entry Trip End Jul 31, 2008

  Cornfield, Ohio
Monday, June 1, 2009

Sometimes when I'm bored (especially in class) I like to let my mind wander to what I was doing at that very moment 365 days earlier.  I've been blessed with an incredible memory, yet as I sit and think tonight, I'm nearly fearful that for the next two months I'll never be able to remember everything that I want to.  365 days ago this night, I sat in the peace chapel of the temple and was reaffirmed that our prayers had been heard, and our placement was not simply a placement-we were called to the people of the Philippines.  I had NO idea that it would be me who would board the plane two months later and be the one who was blessed beyond measure.  I had NO idea that my summer would cultivate into a lifetime love and calling.  And a constant struggle to juggle that with life back home, full of its precedent expectations not accounting for the extraordinary transformation that would take place.  Sometimes I can physically ache with longings of returning-thank God for even the smallest things like Asian festivals that could atleast supply me with some Boy Bawang (Filipino corn snacks) to fulfill my pulutan cravings! :) Best 75 cents I've ever spent.
 
I would have never imagined that some of the most unforgettable moments were the small ones.  The ones where it was simply me and those who I was sharing with, stripped down to the bare core of our common humanity.  No castes, no labels-just laughing and loving without reservation; finding commonality in our addictions to kape (coffee), our hatred of math, and love for life. The times that Cesar took the time to teach me how to ask Myles in Ilokano "agdigoska?!" which means "are you going to take a bath?!"  The times that Chito would joke about making tea with his "sacks" (socks).  The times that I would call out to Aryannah and she would respond with identical inflection "Tita Alicia".  The times that Ate Cor and I would share our hopes and dreams together strolling down Sabayang Rd. And EVERYTIME we would arrive at a new village and spend entire afternoons sharing in each home.
 
It changed me.
 
I am so grateful for the way technology has facilitated continued relationship with my brothers and sisters on the other side of the world.  Making funny faces with the kids at Sta Fe via skype can literally brighten my entire week.  Sharing e-mails even with friends from remote villages can be two-way reminders of the way relationships continue to flow through our thoughts and prayers.  And of course nearly daily chats with my Tagalog guru help me slowly crawl towards my ultimate goal of being fluent within the next couple of years. Hah-tingnan natin (we'll see).
 
I was a bit at a loss when we returned and part of the debriefing was what our commitments would be now.  I continue to struggle with tangible ways to support my friends there-but without a doubt, my prayers and plans for the future continue to hold them in the forefront of my consciousness.  As we tearfully exchanged our goodbyes in Diffun and I said "see you later" ... that was not a cliché farewell, that was a promise.
 
And now in this night, I pray a (slightly (ok, ridiculously) nostalgic) prayer for all of the 2009 WSC volunteers embarking on their own journeys in just a few short hours.  A prayer of safe travels, of open eyes and hearts to allow the one whose name in which they journey to weave through their relationships, and food that does not require the use of any Cipro! Amen.
 
p.s. I would have to say that one of my proudest accomplishments this summer was to not have a SINGLE bout of intestinal distress! Shuing! Top that! Stomach of steel! (or maybe just well-timed preventative pill-popping!)

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