A little spare time

Soooooooo, I have about an hour before I have to be somewhere...and for some reason I feel that I have nothing better to do. I could be reading, reflecting, drawing, sleeping, playing, etc. So what I really mean to say is, I'm too lazy to do anything else.

I really don't have much new to say, but it's nice to update regularly while I still get the chance to do so.

So some things I've learned about the Philippines from our site meeting Q&A last night...

The first that stands out is the note on how we will be received. Apparently white skin is considered beautiful there. Where as we Americans value tanning oils and beds, some Filipinos will try to bleach their skin, and those that can't afford the expense creams use actual bleach, which burns. Sadly, they believe the white circles left on their arms are more beautiful than an arm full of color. This means a lot of different things, ranging from being stared at a lot and being touched, etc. to expecting to be "hit on" a lot. That's something I really not used to, so it will be interesting for myself to see how I react to it.

There will be some language learning when we get to the Philippines, but no immersion or extensive lessons like some of the other YAV sites have. We can however, option to take lessons. I'm thinking I would really enjoy to learn Tagalog (ta-GAH-log) (which by the way is one of the two official languages of the Philippines, the other being English, however, English is spoken fluently primarily by those who are able to receive higher education). I realize, however, that Tagolog is specific to the Philippines alone, and outside of living/service/travel there, I won't really be given the opportunity to use it. I think it would mean a lot, however, to be able to better converse with the Filipino people in their language; it would mean a lot more. I've always loved languages (not as if I've ever learned more than one besides English, and not fluently). A little known fact about me is that one of my life goals is to become semi-fluent in French and learn Gaelic and American Sign Language. Sounds strange I'm sure, just an interesting little side note.

When we get to the Philippines on Tuesday, we will be starting a six week cultural immersion program. I don't know too much about it, but I know that we will be immersed into different areas of different social and economic standings. I wish I could remember the language used in reference to this, but alas, that is my best paraphrasing attempt.

On a lighter note, I did discover that CSI shows new episodes in Manila on cable. I'm not planning on being able to watch them constantly, or saying I'm making it a goal (since it does separate me from my task and role there), but it's a nice comfort and I can't lie and say that I'm not a huge CSI fan and that it makes me a little giddy.

Also the Philippines are big into texting. A single text costs around one piso (there are about 55-56 pisos per American dollar). I haven't really figured out if that means international texts as well or if not how much those are, or even if most American phones can receive them without SIM cards (I don't think they can). But on the off chance they can, and on the off chance it's cheap (don't hold your breath) some friends may expect to get strange texts at odd times of the day.

Which reminds me, if you ever want to know what time it is in the Philippines, take the time it is here (if you're on EST) and switch the am to pm and vise-versa. They don't do DST, so sometimes its an hour different, but I don't know if that means now or later, or if you subtract or add an hour, but it's a good reference to have.

And seeing as this is QUITE the random entry...in reference to one of my earlier posts on getting in that last little bit of American culture...some of the other YAVs and myself watched some good ol' Strong Bad e-mail from homestarrunner.com last night. If you understand that reference, it's a nice thought. If not, I would recommend checking it out, but it might confuse you to the point of...um...confusion.

On a more serious note, I'm enjoying the conversations here. We're discussing a lot on "being" rather than "doing" as a model for mission and the "ministry of presence" which I feel very strongly about these days. I really enjoy what an ELCA speaker said the other day on the idea of an "accompaniment" model for mission. Usually we place God on our side of mission, making God a part of our story and placing the other on the opposite side. This follows a general stereotype of missionaries who bring a message that includes Americanized values and customs along with God. For example, taking out a cultures emphasis on dance and song and indigenous musical traditions for our traditional, conservative, "frozen chosen" worship services. The speaker spoke to learning the other's story to go along with yours and finding God in both of them. I think that has to be the most exciting part of my expectations (which are probably mostly wrong): learning and hearing people's stories. We've been talking about our own personal stories here, and I've actually been having a little bit of a time really finding mine. I have pieces and images, but I haven't yet been able to really get a distinctive, fluid picture down of what mine is.

When I find it, I will be sure to write it as a blog. So look forward to it, just maybe not any time soon.

Well this post has turned a little lengthy so I will say goodbye for now, even though there are so many thoughts, feelings, and information bits I could still share.

I wanted to end with something funny and lighthearted here, but I think my imagination's busted (and I hope someone catches that reference).

Peace, I hope