I Don't Know Why You Say Good-Bye, I Say Hello

The weeks are flying by, and before you know it, May will be here.

Typically, May is not a major landmark of any kind. But this year is different. For me, personally, and for My Refuge House, May is going to bring a number of changes. Good changes, but changes nonetheless. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

TIA-- This is Asia :)
Photo Credit: Amy Collins

My Refuge House recently promoted me to Executive Director! I will be moving to California on April 28th to begin working with the US side of our organization. Creating awareness, building partnerships and working to ensure that the work we do in the Philippines can continue. And not just continue... we want it to grow! There is still so much need for quality aftercare. And My Refuge House can provide quality aftercare to more girls! But, of course, we need funds first. Hence, the reason I am moving stateside.

We've hired a new Program Director for our facility in Cebu, Nicole Leblanc, and she will be arriving on April 4th for a month of training before I head over to California. I'm very excited about Nicole, and can't wait to work with her more. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about/from her in the future.

I'm really excited about my new role. It will give me the opportunity to advocate and educate everyone on the great work we have been and will continue to do on the ground. And, because I'm still overseeing the project, I will be able to return a couple of times a year to keep tabs on everything.

But I'm also sad to leave and a bit nervous. It will be so hard to say good bye to all the girls, and all the staff, and everyone else I've learned to love over the past three years of living in Cebu (and the ones I was able to rekindle relationships with, from when I lived here in 2002-2004!). I feel so, so overwhelmed with gratefulness for the experiences I've had in this wonderful place, and it will be sad to say goodbye. But, at least it's only a "see you later."

So, for those on the other side of the pond... see you soon! And for those on this side... well, it's not good-bye quite yet. Philippines, you can't get rid of me that easy. I'll be back :)

How could you not love these faces?
Photo Credit: Chris Lee