Therapeutic Lists- Philippines

In effort to start letting go of the Philippines and getting ready for America: I've started making lists.  I did this exact thing when I was on the other side trying to let go of America and embrace the Philippines. It was good therapy. Let's hope it works.

Things I will miss about Baguio:

Cheap Travel- whether its across town or across the country travel is relatively cheap here.  We've been blessed with many opportunities to travel with school, friends and on our own.  We weren't able to save up much for travel but we made what we had go far- with a little help from Mom and Dad ;).  We've been to the mountains, the beach, and tropical islands for minimal amounts.  In town a taxi home runs about $1.50 and a taxi across town is about $3.  A jeepney ride is about 20 cents and a bus down the mountain to the beach is about $7.  You can't complain about these prices.
Jeepneys- such fun and bonding along with sweat and maybe a little nausea.
Maria Basa- our quaint little neighborhood.  I love it here. Waving and saying good morning to neighbors and jeep drivers is the best. We may not know anyone's names or have deep conversations with them- but it is an honor to feel accepted here.
Cheap produce- I can buy a week's worth of good quality and variety of produce for about $5. It's so fun to shop in the market.
Our cat Phil- I won't dwell on this to avoid tears but he was really special to us and God definitely used him to help us through a difficult time this year with not being able to adopt or begin the process while here.
Rain Storm- I love a good rain storm and there are plenty of them here.
Fresh Buko (coconut)  There are buko venders that come to our neighborhood and will chop the top right off a coconut and stick a straw in it for just 75 cents.  The malls also has coconut water vendors. So good and so good for you!
Yellow Cab Pizza- #4 cheese- oh how I'll miss you.
The beautiful Cordillera Mountains- They are So incredibly tall and beautiful.  Being in Baguio is like being up on the pedestal of the country up in the clouds. Perfect weather and blue skies (when its not rainy season).  Just so beautiful.
Tropical beaches:  teal, crystal clear waters- you just can't beat it.
Working with my hubby every day.  We've made it 10 months being together almost all day every day. We've really enjoyed it and it's been great!
Lower Rock Quarry- This neighborhood has captured my heart.  When we first started going, we did not feel safe and the kids were very shy.  Now I feel much more comfortable (still not 100% but much improvement) and the kids love us. They talk, play, hug, climb, and love us.  We love them and its been amazing to get to know some of these precious children better over the time we've been there.  We didn't lead the ministry, we didn't do anything fancy. We just silently prayed over these children during the weekly children's programs and loved them and it formed a great bond. I will continue to pray against the negative effects of poverty and for them to know and serve the Lord.
SHIP- This orphanage is very special. It is full of beautiful children many of which will some day be adopted.  I have really loved visiting and building relationships with the children here, especially with my husband. Seeing him bonding with the kids- young and old- melts my heart in a good and painful way.  He will be such a good father when God blesses us with this responsibility.
Family- We have so many types of friendship-families here. I won't even list all the names- but you know who you are and it has been a blessing to be friends and family with so many people.  In fact you are one of the things we most looked forward to before coming.  We knew that we would bond closely with people and while it is terribly hard to let that go- it has been a blessing.
Being able to afford eating out:  When Craig and I can both get a good tasty meal for under $7- that works for our budget!  And meals here are a normal size- so you can eat it without leftovers or feeling like you are going to die! It will be hard to go back to eating out only once or twice a month.
Tuesday Family Night:  Every Tuesday We go out to eat with our "immediate family"- aka Sara and Lindsey.  We enjoy dinner together then go grocery shopping. It is a great mid-week fun bonding night that we all looked forward to and cherished. Tuesday nights will never be the same. :(
Tea- I'm not sure the official name for these places but they sell milk tea, fruit tea and other stuff- The drinks have "sinkers" and you can choose different kinds- usually the milk tea comes with tapioca balls called "pearls" I like the fruit tea with lychee flavor and aloe vera chunks or coconut jelly for sinkers. Yum! :)

Things I will NOT miss about Baguio:

Diesel fumes

Garbage and sewage smells
Being stared at, pointed at and laughed at because you are white
Being asked "What are you doing here?"
Having to watch where you step all the time so you don't step in dog poop or into a hole.
Bleaching produce to prevent getting a parasite.
Brushing teeth with bottled water to prevent getting a parasite.
Not eating salads at restaurants to prevent getting a parasite.
Wondering if you have a parasite or worms.
Difficulty finding a good doctor.
Waiting in long lines at SM during tourist season.
People cutting in the long taxi line at SM.
Knowing that people WILL go through your trash.