Real Life

Hello Everyone!

I've written a story about an bar raid that took place a few weeks ago. It is being featured on the IJM Institute blog. Check it out at the link below if you get a chance!

http://www.ijminstitute.org/index.php/site/comments/rescue_operation_in_cebu_philippines/

Christmas and the holidays are fast approaching. Filipinos love Christmas and everything that goes along with it. For instance, there are nativity scenes and other ornaments made out of reclyed objects placed all over town (which surprisingly, look quite festive) as well as songs such as Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" and "Away in a Manger" artistically mixed together (yes, it is just as awful as it sounds!)

My five month mark is also coming up soon (Seriously? Where did the time go?) And honestly, Cebu is starting to feel very much like real life. When you travel to a new or different culture, there are times when it feels like it could be just a game, or just a phase, like you keep waiting to wake up and go back to real life. But I've settled in quite nicely and Cebu does feels like real life. I still love Filipinos, mangoes and hot weather. I still hate sitting in really bad traffic, being shouted at by strangers and seeing naked babies who live on the streets. But, overall, it's just become part of life. Life in the Philippines. And overall, I'm loving it.

The work is good. I've implemented some training programs to various staff and partners and been able to see those trainings be used effectively, which is both exciting and encouraging! I've even been able to interview some clients using my limited Cebuano skills (which are, sadly, still limited). And every day our office staff meet together and pray for the court cases and investigations and police trainings and victims in aftercare and outreach in the community that happen every day around me. And it's exciting and encouraging to be part of such a magnificent team.

My only wish for Christmas... Eggnog Chai. But that might have to wait until next year, because although there are Starbucks here, there is a severe shortage of Eggnog in the country! :)
Merry Christmas Everyone!