Update 32
First I need to make a correction: a friend was curious about the bible being recognized in the Philippine constitution, so he did some research and found there was nothing about the bible in their constitution--so slash that info thanks to Dan! Certainly don't ever consider me a totally reliable source as I only write what I hear from locals, I see and what I feel. I welcome corrections & comments & other perspectives!!!
Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the gov't facility for street kids, petty crimes & abused girls. Again we took a huge pot of some type of porridge that was quickly gobbled up. They still did not have propane so rice was being cooked--really burned--on an outside burner using wood.
As I entered the gates, a couple young boys raced toward me, grabbed my hand & held it to their foreheads (a very common form of respect that the CG boys show us everyday)...and then both tried to kiss me on the lips...I let them kiss me on the cheek and they said, "I love you. You are my best friend." They were well versed in what pulls the heart strings. We played games again...the CG teacher asked me to show her different ones from last week so she could learn them also...so we played London Bridges, 7 Up and Balloon Volleyball (good thing I usually have several balloons in my pocket!) The kids roll with laughter & though hard to control...it was a great time! Nardeth again read them a story while the kids gave her 100% attention. A color page and a piece of candy added to the joy of their day. Throughout, the time, I had to avoid lip kisses, ignore leg rubbing and my lap was always full. So was my heart.
Rog has been working on putting sliding doors under the counter in the kitchen...they said they needed it to pass a kitchen inspection. He also fixed a bad electric plug ...he is often interrupted by a boy asking for some help on their school work. I spent time with the two people here who tutor...showing them websites to use...the kids love playing on them and that's what I spend most of my days doing...sitting next to them reading aloud what is on the computer as they don't have it hooked to a speaker. Also working on math facts with many. They love the multiplication 9 trick! The cook told me that to get most any job, you needed a college education...even to work at McD or as a janitor...and college is not cheap!
A funny thing happened as the cook & I walked to buy some watermelon--I took her to negotiate the price & pick the best ones...she told that her son had won a "spitting" contest. I repeated "spitting" trying to act it out...and she said yes and he will be in another and if he wins, he will get to go to England...again I said, "spitting?"...she said, "Yes, he spit very good English!" Smile!!
Finally met an American who lives in the area here. He has a business in town. He asked how long we'd been in the Philippines and when I said 3 week, he asked if I was in culture shock...he said it took him 3 months before he would come out of his house!
