my last few days(i know a couple... let me say FEW)

Before I left home to come here I remember being excited because the place I would be staying had electricity and running water. Looking back over my 2 months I realize that the running water was turned off many times and the electricity went out at least once everyday for a significant amount of time… but I guess what matters is that it existed. I put in perspective with my showerhead… at least I have one to look at. J People teased me about my headlamp at first but now they are all wishing they would have one. My room doesn’t have any windows so when the electricity goes out it is deadly hot, full of mice, cockroaches and darkness. Until I put my headlamp on. Glorious. There was a massive downpour all day again yesterday and everything flooded once again. It is amazing how fast the weather can change. I didn’t bring my umbrella with me because it was very hot and clear skies in the morning. I was getting too proud to think that I could judge the weather by now. Needless to say I was soaking wet by the time I got home. Tonight is my Despiteda( going away party). One of the staff of VFV who I have become very close with is going out of town for two nights so we moved my party so she could attend. It was important to both of us. Apparently I get to share my going away party with the French volunteer. I feel their mindset behind that went something like this… “Hey. We should have Toni and Donon’s party together since she doesn’t drink at all and he is an alcoholic. That way we will spend the normal amount on alcohol.” Just kidding… but he does drink A LOT! He is a good guy. I have also found that I am eating WAY more banana’s than mangos lately… if you know what I mean. In my process of preparing myself mentally for heading home have made a couple lists:

Things I am ready to go home for:

Fresh air

Lack of Cockroaches

See Jackson and hear him talk!

Things I can live without but am ready to have again:

My family and friends (JK that should go in my first list.)

Snow

Cheese

Ice cream

Broccoli

Driving

A comfortable pillow

Unlimited access to real chocolate

Being able to Chanda anytime I think it is necessary.

Reasons I will come back:

I have fallen in love with the kids here.

The oppression needs to end ASAP within the Deaf culture

The relationships with many of the Filipinos here have changed who I am put a new perspective on many things.

I like to “shower” with a bucket and freezing cold water… it really wakes you up. I don’t drink coffee in the morning anymore!

I want to bring my friends to experience this!

This is going to be my last post until I get home. I will try to write as soon as I can to let you know about my time in Manila as well as the flight. I will wait to post more pictures until I get back. It will be easier to go through them all. LOVE~