Fun

So the last two days have been filled with non stop fun and bonding with the members of the Digos community. Even before we got to Mergrande, the destination of our outing, we had other errands that we had to run first. We first went to a farewell party at this house that use to belong to the Brothers. I do not know all the information about this house, but from what I do know it used to be for abused women. Some of the volunteers are leaving and they are not renewing their contracts. I also attended my first wake here in the Philippines. It just so happened to be for two people. One was an 80 year old man who passed away, his daughter works at the school, so we went and paid our respects to him. The other one really caught me off guard. The other person we saw was an 8 year old girl who attended the school. I had no idea that this had happened and was really sad. I hate seeing young people die. Come to find out she died from a mosquito bite that was infected with malaria. However, they do not call it malaria here, but something like 'dingy'. The girl had a really high fever, but I think the fever broke. As that was happening her blood platelets were dropping which ended up being why she passed. Whenever I heard that it made me a little worried about my own health. Br. Eli said that he had been here for years and has never gotten it, so that was a relief. One observation I made about the Filipino culture is the casket they use. It is a deep casket that has a glass cover over the body of the person. In the states you can usually touch the person and see them really well. Well you have to get really close to actually see the person because they are in there deep, but then there is the cover, so there is no touching.

On the way to Mergrande, we got caught up in really bad traffic. I have yet to see an interstate system here, so it is like driving on all backroads. So with road construction and big trucks trying to pass it can get very slow. To break myself out of the mood I was in because of the little girl, I started to entertain myself. With the windows open and the traffic hardly moving I would wave to the people next to us passing by, actually carried a conversation with a guy. It was a lot of fun. Saw another white guy, which always catches my attention. Once we got Mergrande we got settled in our rooms and went and got some drinks and some chips. We got some beer and we were having a great time, then they said the "B" word. No not the cuss word, but BALUT! This is what wikipedia has to say about balut: A balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. They actually take it out of the shell though. From day one the Brothers have been wanting me to eat it, but I was extremely nervous and scared to do it. At least I had a few drinks in my system. To say the least we filmed the entire thing and I am going to post it. My balut just happened to be a bit more developed, my egg had its fur and it was a blue color. I just shoved the whole thing in my mouth. Now I can say that I tried balut! I thought I was going to be able to sleep in a little today, but that was interrupted by some of the Brothers wanting to go swim in the sea, I stayed in bed for a little while longer. I was able to swim in the sea and in a pool today. Got a little sunburned, but nothing too bad. However, the slide at the pool was really hot and I burned my leg.

The afternoon started off with lunch with the Brothers. What made this day really special not just for me, but more for the Filipino people was the inauguration of there brand new president, President Aquino. Now I don't know much about the guy, but he is making history. His mom was the first president after Ferdinand Marcos who declared martial law on the Philippines. His family is pretty famous here. I am not going to lie, I really dislike our president, I think he is an evil man, and I really have hopes that President Aquino will do a great job as president. Just from what I saw of the inauguration, the ceremony was really peaceful. It seemed like the entire nation was happy, unlike the U.S. during our last inauguration, I wanted to be sick. After that we went to the SM mall, which was fun. I saw a movie, got a new shirt, got lost from one of the Brothers, and sang. Now I have to mention the singing. I was outside of a store where the Brothers were shopping and on the floor beneath me there was a cd store. At the front of the store they had videoke going and one of the employees started singing, she did a great job. Once she saw me she hid, I think she was embarrassed that I was watching. Br. Roger showed up and ended up right in front of this store. I went down and then they wanted me to sing, so I sang Dani California. Many people passed by and some actually stayed and watched me sing. I want to go back and do it again.

How can this be a reflection without mentioning prayer. Prayer is very important for the community I live with. One of there favorite forms of prayer is praying the rosary. We prayed it on our way to Davao yesterday, we prayed it on our way back to Digos. When we left Mergrande, we prayed an Our Father, three Hail Mary's, and one Glory Be for a safe trip. It is times like this that I want to take some of these examples and use them in my own life and bring them back to my community. A community that prays together stays together. Even when I was at the mall and lost for a little while, I turned inwards. Sometimes if I am around a lot of people that is when I really start to reflect I tend to just start thinking about life and my challenges. I can see how prayer is really affecting my life. It helps me open up different thoughts to want to better myself and better the community and outside communities.

Noynoy Day

So tomorrow is Noynoy Day, which is also the day the new president Noynoy Aquino is inaugurated. There is no school tomorrow and no school on Thursday since it is Davao del Sur day. The Brothers and I will be heading off to Davao for an overnight for a community outing. It should be fun, we will have a pool and a beach to swim at as well as videoke. It will be our first community outing since I have arrived, so I am really looking forward to it.

Not too much happened yesterday. Since the fiesta is over, things are slowing down, so I have been able to take some much needed time for myself. Come to find out the Filipinos sometimes have a hard time trying to quiet themselves down, so at least we are in the same boat. I am in the process of getting some things made for me. Like some shirts for the school, an actual school ID as well as other things that require a tailor. I also like to visit some of the offices around the campus, my favorite being the Student Development Center, I will go daily to say hello to them. They are a great group of women. I have also started going to say hello to the security guards that are at the front gate. They are really super people. Today they put me in handcuffs for fun, it was awesome. One of the guys is much taller than me, which I do not see many tall Filipino's. However, he doesn't know english to well, but we can work on that.

This morning was very busy. It started out going over the evaluation each of us in Campus Ministry had put together regarding the fiesta. We had other duties as well. I presided at the blessing of the new Educational Technology center. It was really nice, but really hot. Some people might be reading this and be like oh you can't do blessings. Anybody can do a blessing if the water is already holy water. I was glad that I was able to help in the blessing. Then it was back to the evaluation, but as we were discussing some emotions started to dwell in me that really touched me during the fiesta. The main one was during the fiesta Mass. I told them that while I was standing on the stage right before communion and heard everyone singing, I wanted to cry. The feeling that I got from hearing all the voices was extremely overwhelming. Never have I had a feeling like this. The Holy Spirit was really present and I was so glad I was able to experience it. Music is very important here and music is important to me. For me it acts as a tool to cleanse my mind and to help me concentrate better. Sometimes the things you really need to know are playing on the radio as we speak.

LSU

You might be wondering why I titled this post 'LSU', well this is why. Today I went to one of the malls in Davao City called SM. As I am walking across the street the guy in front of me was wearing an LSU shirt. That put a huge smile on my face. I tapped him on the shoulder and told him that I was from Louisiana, but I don't think he could understand me. I then realized that I probably just made a big fool out of myself, but it is a small world to see an LSU shirt all the way over here in the Philippines. Another great thing today, I ate at McDonald's for the first time in a long and the first time here. It tasted just like it does in the states, heavenly! You might say why am I eating fast food, well it was a change of what I usually eat. I have been very conscious of my intake and watching my portions. I have lost weight, but not sure how much.

What wasn't so great today was waking up to no electricity and with no electricity there was no water to take a shower. Plus I had many comments on my video that posted on facebook. So I roughed it today. We were getting water in one place and that was outside and I wasn't going to go outside to take a shower. So Br. Poloy got two buckets of water for me and brought them to the upstairs shower. So I have two very cold buckets of water and a smaller bucket with a handle to pour the water, I was able to get a shower. After spending most of my day in Davao with the Brothers, we arrived back here in Digos to electricity, which is nice. I dropped by a party going on here at the school and was shocked at what was going on, but I am going to keep that to myself.

I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to make it to Mass today, but we managed. We went to San Pablo, which is the parish of the Matina community.

Something that really brought joy to my heart today was when we were heading back to Digos. I was sitting in the front of the vehicle, which sits really high. A jeepney is right next to us and I look at the people in the jeepney and smile, they all start to smile back, then the next thing I know a girl either 3 or 4 years old pops her head up and begins to smile and laugh. It was really touching. So I reached my hand out of the window, the dad of the little girl helped her get her hand out and we gave each other a high five. Although it might not mean a lot for some, but it was really touching. If we passed them or they passed us, I would wave to them. My philosophy is simple, just smile.

Fever

Well I haven't been feeling good all today and when I took my temperature, I had a fever of 100 degrees, a little over 37 degrees in Celsius. I have been pretty exhausted because of that. It is a combination of events from the Fiesta of the Sacred Heart that Cor Jesu College celebrated.

The celebrations started with a school wide Mass from the Basic Education Department all the way to college. Some of the Brothers from Matina came to celebrate with us. It was a wonderful Mass. However, it was raining cats and dogs outside. That wasn't going to stop everyone from having a good time. The faculty and staff of the school had an acquaintance party. Each department had to come up with a creative way to introduce themselves. Well we Brothers wanted to do something for ourselves. We danced!!!! It was a whole lot of fun, the compliments that we received were tremendous. I would definitely do it again. I really am considering zumba classes now when I get back to the states because dancing is such a workout.

Check it out for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h_2GClTfNA

The Digos community headed to Matina to celebrate Br. Dennis' birthday. I started to feel really bad on the way over there and just frustrated with some things. I am lucky that there are those that I can relate to more here than in the states. I want to thank those Brothers that sat with me last night for listening to me, sometimes it is good to just get things off your chest. We also performed the dance for that community. One lady, who was there, asked me if I had ever had any formal dance training, I said no. I think she was just being really nice to me. I just try to do the best that I can. When I got home last night, I worked on a power point presentation for my presentation today on Br. Polycarp. So going to bed after 11 p.m. and waking up around 5 a.m. is not a great combination.

Today I presented to some of the National Service Training Program classes a historical background of Br. Polycarp. I was really nervous and what was a challenge for me is trying to talk slow so that they can understand the material. So the best way I found to accomplish this was to read and talk about what I had on paper. I also provided a power point of pictures of certain in places that pertain to the life of Br. Polycarp. After the presentations we left it open for questions and that is when I fizzle out. It's like I am having to beg the students for questions because the room gets really quiet. Well at the start of the program, I taught them the heart clap, which is to clap your hands three times, then your feet three times, and then trace a heart on your chest while saying heart. I also taught them, I'm a little tea pot. So the best way that I can break the shy people out of there shell, which seems to be all of them is by entertaining them. I think I do a pretty good job at that. For my first presentation here, I think I did relatively well.

Loss, but a gain

I am not going to lie, I am kind of sad today. Tomorrow will make 2 years that my friend Paul was lost at sea and was never found. I haven't had to deal with loss to much in my life, but to lose a friend is enough loss. I can't imagine what it has been like for the Callais family. Let me start from the beginning though. Back in February of 2007, I received an email from Paul regarding sponsoring me while I was in seminary. He had never met me before, but he saw my picture on the seminarian poster and I was the closest seminarian to his home parish so he got in contact with me. My philosophy was if somebody is willing to help me, then I need to take the time to meet them and I did just that. I took the time to go to Paul's work to introduce myself. Time to time we would get together and during these get togethers I got to meet more of the family. What a family! They are all super nice, super generous, and some of the most faithful people in the world. I feel like I am part of there family from all the interaction I have had with them, even after Paul's passing. The day I got the email and voicemail, my heart sank, I thought this couldn't be, but indeed it was. Attending the memorial service for Paul was one of the hardest things I have had to face, I cried my eyes out. I have never lost someone so close to me before in my life. Although I can't explain what goes on in the mind of God, everything happens for a reason, I am still trying to figure that out. However, I still pray for Paul every night, it's a way that I can always keep a piece of such an honest, generous man part of my life. I might have lost a friend, but heaven definitely gained a new angel with Paul.

Wow today was super busy. I was present at a Eucharistic vigil from 7:30 to about 11:50 today. I thought this would give me an opportunity to read and pray on my own. Nope...I was in charge of helping with the prayer session during each hour for the classes that were going on. I was nice. This afternoon though was great, well other than my mishap of washing a green shirt with whites. We had a procession around the neighborhood of the school. It was really great and I was happy to be apart of the procession. This gave me time to reflect, I got to walk behind the caro that was holding the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue. I really thought a lot about Paul and almost teared, but I held it together. We also had our last novena and the piazza was full, it was really super. It makes me really excited about the festivities going on tomorrow. It is also nice to see some of the work that I have helped put into this celebration come to fruition. It is an awarding experience.

Well I have dance practice tonight for the fiesta. Had it last night and learned the rest of the dance. I am placed in the center, I think because I remember the steps and well they think I am a great dancer. I try. Dancing is a workout, I was sweating bullets, it doesn't help that the room was hot. Zumba in the future once back in the states, maybe! Also I get praised on how good of a singing voice I have. I am going to head back to the states with all this singing confidence and lose it immediately after I begin to sing.

I like to believe that smiling and making someone laugh is the best form of medicine. Well it does work. One of the girls here at the school is always so positive was really sad, she didn't have her smile on. I started to sing, she sang along and it made her feel much better. I'm glad that I could contribute in anyway that I could. Maybe that is one of the gifts God has blessed me with, helping people to get there smile back.

I got a fun email last night my time from my parish pastor back in good ole' French Settlement, Louisiana. He likes my blog so much that he is going to publish it in the church bulletin. Thanks Father, you rock!

Gotta love it...

Well today was a relatively slow day today because the guy directing me went to an administration meeting, so I really had nothing to research today. It did give me a chance to work on my Br. Polycarp presentation which I have to present on Saturday. Br. Poloy and I did talk the P.E. teacher into teaching all the Brothers how to do dance for Friday's fiesta. Let's just say the dance isn't too hard, but the moves are tricky. We have practice again tomorrow. After lunch today, my stomach was messed up. So I kind of took a rest in the early afternoon just to be on the safe side. I have to say that we have a super awesome cook here at Digos, but I feel like I need to cut my portions down. It seems that at all meals, there are two main dishes like pork and fish, rice, and some soup. It is always really good.

This afternoon was an exhibit of all the clubs here at Cor Jesu. They had to put together a booth that was creative. Some of the booths were really cool, then some were not so cool. They are given a score based on the requirements. While I was at this event one girl that usually talks to me came up to me and said that someone thinks you are handsome. I get that alot, I also got a you're sexy tonight walking back from the school. I am still taken back by all of this and I blush when it is said. I also sat in on Br. Poloy's 1st year high school class. He is a really fun teacher and really energetic he had the students laughing and me laughing as well. I look forward to going to visit his other classes.

I also finished a book today that I have been reading. It is called "Thoughts Matter", a dear friend of mine had sent it to me when I was still in Syracuse. The final chapter had to deal with pride. What struck me the most was this little section regarding carnal pride. What makes carnal pride different from spiritual pride is that the self takes precedence over God. I give thanks to God for letting me read this today. I have had a lot of negative thoughts going on in my mind and I feel that they have been in more control than me letting God be in control. Especially now more than anything on this experience I am on, I need to keep God first in my life and not let my worries and thoughts get the best of me. How easy it is to be distracted by worldly things. I feel that the more I realize God's presence in my life, the happier I am especially being able to see God in others. Thanks monk for the book, I think it might be something I turn to again in the future.

Alone

So yesterday started off with me kind of stressing. The novena for Sunday was going to be held at 7 a.m., but I found out the night before it was moved to 7:30, but when 7:30 came around, I had no musician, no readings, and freaking out because I didn't know what to do. We had to tweek things around to make them work, but everything was okay. Br. Poloy wanted me to go with him to visit his family. Just recently his baby nephew passed away, but I had other things that I had to do so I couldn't attend. He mentioned to me that he doesn't want me to feel alone here when I am home by myself. I told him, that I never feel alone here because they make me feel welcomed and ask me how I am doing. I guess you can say people in the states are so self-sufficient that they don't bother to ask. I also went to Davao, it was the first time back to Davao since moving to Digos and the first time I was able to go to SM mall. I wanted to get some Filipino shirts, which I did and I also met a big group of Americans who have been in the Philippines for 7 years. They were missionaries and they were about to start an orphanage on an island that I just so happened to have been too. They were pretty nice. I also had Pizza Hut, I know you are probably thinking they have that here in the Philippines, yes they do. Then the Brothers and I made our way to Catalunan Grande for a birthday celebration as well as a goodbye party to the other group. Simply put it, bye! I was happy that I was able to see the other Brothers that I got to know my first week here. I sure do miss joking with them. It was also good to see Br. Dan, I think he is enjoying himself because he will be teaching a class to the Formation Institute of Religious. Plus he has helped me by sending information for my presentation.

Today was a busy day. Since the fiesta is at the end of the week, I have so much to do plus put together a presentation for Saturday. So it is like I have work on top of work to do. Fortunately I was able to get a lot of stuff done today. I get worried about how well I am doing the work and if I am doing it right. Fortunately the director is very nice and gives me great remarks when I do something, which makes me feel like I did it the way he wanted it. Besides doing more research and then coming up with captions, I got a lot done. I also went out of the school property by myself to the store for the first time. Usually I have been nervous about it, but I survived. However, I wouldn't go at night. The thought that goes through my mind when I am doing the work is don't forget to take some time for yourself remember you are still a novice. I did take some time today before lunch and then right before prayer. Then it doesn't help that my mind is wondering. Let me just say me + choreography = challenge/scary. Hopefully we can learn something by Friday. Today I just felt sort of like blah, not as cheery as usual, well I was by myself too, so my thoughts were wondering. I wish I could forget certain things and just move on, that is what I find the most challenging about spending time alone, facing your past and trying to not let it bother you. I just hope that can happen for me.

Who Knew?

Who knew that once school really got into the swing here at Cor Jesu College that my Saturday would be really busy. Today was the first Saturday I was able to make it to the Benedictine monastery for Mass. It was really nice and I am looking forward to going back there again soon. After that I washed clothes, which took me almost 2 hours, but I had to hurry since the novena was this morning. I am in charge of making sure the candles are lit and such around the altar where the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue is located, so I had to be there before the novena to make sure the candles were good to go. It is so nice to be at school where things such as a novena or the Angelus mean so much. They do play the Angelus at noon and 6 p.m. everyday.

I was at the education technology building attending an orientation for student assistants. These are the students that work in the school. Now anytime I attend some kind of function, I am always acknowledged. Well the guy that acknowledged me is a little bit on the feminine side. I was sitting in the back on the table when this guy asked me if I was comfortable from the microphone, so the entire hall can hear it. Then he said if you aren't I can be your comforter. The entire room lit up in laughter and I just put my hands to my face and shook my head no, thinking to myself " I can't believe he said that." I didn't let it bother me.

I also attended the meeting of the Hummingbirds Liturgical Club as they planned out different things for the year. It was a long meeting but I think they got everything accomplished that they needed. Miguel, who works in campus ministry, addressed the group before the meeting saying how much of an inspiration they are. Migs had me follow up and I agreed with him, which is only appropriate since last night the first part of my blog was a dedication to them. Some greatly appreciated that gesture and one girl almost was in tears. They truly are an inspiration and I am glad I get to work with them.

Went to Mass this evening, finally met the white Irish priest who celebrates Mass. Seems like a nice guy. Then went to Rizal Park where the fountain was lit up very pretty. Well tomorrow might be another busy day.

Hummingbirds

I want to give props to the Hummingbirds Liturgical Club here at Cor Jesu College, they have been a source of inspiration to me as they perform their ministry for the school. I really see most of them as future leaders. They are all talented, most of them can play instruments as well as they all can sing. They are just very gifted and I always appreciate all the times they ask me to sing with them. Thanks Hummingbirds!

Also I have to give acknowledgment to my friend Kathrina for having made a very nice comment to me regarding my blog. For her my blog has been a source of inspiration for her. It is a comment I appreciated because at times I feel like I am just saying what my dad consisted of, which is the point of the blog, but to know that someone is gaining something from it makes me glad that I do this.

This morning I went to the Freshman Formation Program just for a little while. I really think it is a great class for the freshman because it gives them a chance to meet other people as well as grow more confident about college life. However, I had to cut it short because other priorities that I have came up. We have set up an altar in the middle of the school with the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue on it. There are some candles and it is my job to make sure to check the candles periodically. I got caught up in the canteen with a large group of students watching the final game of the NBA. I was going for Boston, I think the Lakers are overrated, just like the Yankees in baseball. Well the Celtics lost and students let me know that.

One of the challenges I am facing is finding time for me to settle down and quiet myself. What's hard about this week and next week is that I have lots of things that need to get done for the fiesta. With the novena being prayed at a different time each day, my mind gets caught up on being where I need to be. Every day is nice because part of the Brothers prayer schedule is a 40 minute meditation prior to Evening Prayer. However, today the novena was later so I was able to go take some time. I spent it reading a section of our Rule of Life as well as a book called "Thoughts Matter." It is really helping me to look at different virtues as well as the vices they entail. Sometimes I can relate to exactly what the book is saying, but then there are those times where I really have to think about it. Today's topic was on vainglory, where one might make the assumption that they are better than someone else. I don't want my religious life to be like that. The challenge here in the Philippines is that religious and priests are so highly regarded that sometimes I feel like it is too much for me to handle. When the kids take my hand for a blessing or when the sports teams bow to me when I walk into the gym. I am definitely not letting this get to my head. Since I am in a different culture it is something I am just going to have to accept. When I am in the states I don't try to put myself higher than others, I see myself as there equals. For example, today I had one of the students give me a blessing and she was kind of shocked by it, like that doesn't happen often. It will take some time getting use to.

Played basketball tonight. My shoulder hurts, my shins hurt, my ankles hurt, gosh I am just one sore person.

Another Day

So I have already received feedback regarding the new design for my blog and it is definitely a keeper. Today we had the Holy Spirit Mass for the Basic Education Department, it was nice and the priest that celebrated the Mass was quite a young priest. I tried to follow his homily as best as I could, he was going in and out of English. One thing I am also having to get use to is wearing the black cassock often. It seems that for Mass and/or blessings, or anything important it needs to be worn. It gets a little hot, I'm not going to lie.

Who knew campus ministry work would be so busy. I don't want to say that I am swamped since I am trying to adjust to working like this, but golly I have a lot on my plate for the next week. I just hope I can get everything done and done in a way that is very productive. I am in charge of certain activities for the school celebration next week.

This afternoon the other group and I played the varsity volleyball team in a friendly match. Well we did okay, they beat us in sets, at least we won at least one of them. I think they secretly let us beat them. I enjoy being able to block some of the spikes, they were honestly afraid to spike because we were so tall. However, a game like this can also be a learning experience. When I play pick up games like this I play to have fun, but when it turns into a way of people trying to be the coach and wanting us to play like professionals that's when it no longer becomes fun. So we don't set it up, it's not the end of the world.

One of the things I had to adjust to was how the 'Our Father' is prayed because the Filipinos say it completely different then we do in the states. So I thought I would show it so everyone can see how we pray the Lord's Prayer.

How we pray it in the States:

Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

How it is prayed in the Philippines:

Our Father, in Heaven,

Holy be your name,

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

As we forgive those who sinned against us.

And do not bring us to the test,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hey Benjie

I changed the design of the blog because one of the readers of it thought that the black background makes it really hard to read. I like the new design especially the map at the top. It is only perfect since this blog is to record my experience in another place.

Also this blog is dedicated to Benjie Espinosa, the student worker here at the Brothers place in Digos as well as a student at Cor Jesu College. Benjie, I hope you are enjoying reading my blog.

Today turned into a really busy day. Originally I was going to go with Br. Chris and there group, but with the fiesta only next week and the novena starting this week, I had too much work that needed to be done. One of the things the Campus Ministry Office is doing is putting together an historical sheet with information regarding the Sacred Heart. Miguel and I worked on putting all the information together today for students in the Basic Education Department. I also had to count novena sheets and put them into folders to be distributed to classrooms in the Basic Education Department.

Monster shrimp at lunch today, they were fantastic. Enough said!

The afternoon was spent prepping for the start of the novena. In between the busy moments I have been taking much needed time on reading the Brothers Rule of Life. Trying to apply them to my life. One of the things I enjoy about working in the CMO, are the students that frequent the office. They are all talented, musicians and singers. There has not been a day that I have not been singing in the office, which is a great thing for me to work on my voice. For the novena, the hymn I selected is the hymn that we are using for the novena. So at first I thought they wanted me to go out and sing it in front of everyone, which would of freaked me out, but everyone would have enjoyed it. The students here ask me constantly if I can sing or dance, I dabble at both. I did sing the hymn with a few students, but in an office since we could not bring those microphones out. So everyone could hear us on the speakers, but not see us, they knew it was me though. Who knows I might try to sing in front of them during the novenas.

Went out with two of the Brothers this evening to the pharmacy to get some items. There pharmacy is like an outdoor pharmacy, you tell them what you need and they will get it for you. One of the challenges I am facing being that I am American is all the beggars coming to me for money. I hate that I can't do more to help them. Certain situations and depending on where I am going, I will not bring my wallet with me. I know it might be kind of selfish, but if I start handing out money, I could be bombarded with more people asking me for money and could possibly put my life in danger and I don't want that to happen. Even just walking with the Brothers at night makes me really nervous because one never knows if something could happen. That's why I will never walk around Digos by myself.

First Day

So today was the first day for the Basic Education Department. They had a flag ceremony this morning with all the students there. It was hot, but that is Filipino weather for you. I really enjoy listening to the national anthem of the Philippines because they played it at the ceremony. However, I do not know what it means because it is in another language. I also went to the Campus Ministry Office (CMO) to start some work. What we are in the process of doing right now is planning for the big fiesta we are having for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Yes yes I know it was this past Friday, but the school celebrates it on the last Friday of June so all the students will be in attendance. What my job sort of consisted of today was trying to come up with the theme for the fiesta as well as the Novena hymn, which I was successful at doing both. What a feeling to have when you know that you really had a hand to play in something for the entire campus community. Now it is important for me to teach the hymn to the Hummingbirds, the campus ministry choir. They are really good, so it shouldn't take anytime, but we have to practice soon since the novena starts tomorrow.

The afternoon was also great. I got to be the leader for the blessing of the renovated canteen at the school. It was great! Before the celebration even began, I got one of the campus ministry guitars and went around to some of the groups of students. I would ask them if they thought I could play the guitar by answering either yes or no. It was a lot of fun. One group I did it too actually wanted me to sing Journey. Well I sang part of "Open Arms", which I do have to say was probably the best I have ever sang it. I also played around with the microphone. I certainly can keep a group of people entertained. Started singing into the microphone but then realized it was distracting a class.

I spent some much needed time reflecting. I just have a lot going through my mind. I just pray that all the negative things running through my head will go away so I can really enjoy all the positive experiences God is blessing me with. I just have to remember to give Him thanks!

Also I am receiving some great feedback regarding my blog, by Americans and by some of the Filipinos. I appreciate everything you all say.

I'll settle for ideal

I am going to be honest, my reflections have been killing me. I'm finding that the community I am living with in the Philippines is perfect for me, but it is hard to say perfect only for the reason that I have been here for only a week now. I am, however, going to call it ideal for me. Let me explain the make up of the community I am in. I live with two Brothers in there 40's, then 3 Brothers in their early 30's. Finally you have me at the age of 23. They all get along and really enjoy each others company. I have not heard them complain about Mass or prayers are anything like that, so it has been quite nice. They are all super positive and very encouraging. Since I am such an extravert, usually when someone is being negative, it really brings me down. I hate that! I like it so much, it scares me already for the day when I have to say goodbye to such a positive and wonderful community, even though it is more than two months away. I guess you can say the Filipino mindset is one set to the positive mode, and the U.S. mindset is not always so positive.

Today was an interesting day. With the other group, we went to a mango factory in this little area around Digos. It was really small and it is all women that work in the factory. They had dried mango pieces which were absolutely incredible. They were really addicting. Then in the afternoon we went to the sea coast to where we met members of the community working to better the community as well as the education for the children. We went inside one of the houses where it was really tiny, yet accommodated over 15 people. They were so nice and this was also our first encounter with Muslims as well. The children were funny and clapped our hands as we were leaving.

I have a new goal while I am here in Digos. One of the Brothers vehicles is an automatic, and he doesn't know how to drive it, so I am going to teach him. Are at least I hope so.

School starts tomorrow for the Basic Education Department, so it should be a fun and exciting day.

Filipino Time

I got my first experience of what a weekend is like here at Cor Jesu College and to my surprise it is quite busy. They actually have classes on Saturday's and Sunday's here. On Saturday morning I accidentally overslept and happened to miss Mass and Morning Prayer. All the freshmen had to be on campus for an orientation for NSTP, which stands for National Service Training Program. It is a class they have to take in order to graduate in the future. Programs for NSTP include ROTC as well as a literacy program. Even before the orientation began they played Chris Brown's "Forever" and it brought back memories of my time with the FrancisCorp volunteers and the many times we danced to that song. I got up and started to dance and those there really enjoyed it. I like to have fun, but I am also respectful when someone is speaking. I had the hardest time trying to pay attention to the speaker because the students were talking. I guess you can say it is the disciplinarian side of me coming out.

Besides attending the orientation I started to do my work in preparation for the big fiesta here at Cor Jesu. I went by the Campus Ministry Office where I found it packed on a Saturday afternoon. It was the Hummingbirds Liturgical Club rehearsing a piece that they were singing later on that afternoon. Gosh can they sing, I am highly impressed with all the students when they sing. When I hear them sing it really puts me in a meditative mood. I wish I had a CD of them singing. Well like the title says, Filipino time is crazy time. Things here never start on time. The HLC were singing at 4, but actually didn't sing till 4:45. I am learning that I have to be very patient. After that went to the videoke with Br. Poloy and Br. Kokok. This time it was more crowded, but they were happy to see an American there and even if I did bad they would cheer for me. I also went to Mass last night so I can sleep in, which I have the hardest time staying focused. Most of the Masses in the parish are Cebuano, which is the dialect here. I am going to get a book to help me with the translations so I can participate.

Sunday was just a very slow day. Did my laundry in the morning and went to another orientation this evening with Br. Chris and the other group for the work we will be doing this week. I might not be able to join them for everything since I have responsibilities in the Campus Ministry Office, but we will see.

Happy Feast Day!!!!

The past two days have really been amazing and have truly been blessings. I am really enjoying it here in the Philippines regardless of the heat, the people are absolutely amazing. Yesterday the school had an academic assembly, which ran for about two hours, but hey the intermission during the program was dancing, I enjoyed it. Some of the staff here are really great people. I thoroughly enjoy going into there offices and just visit. In this one office, one of the workers kept on calling me handsome, which makes me blush. Besides that I had a brief orientation in the Campus Ministry Office on some of the programs that I will be helping out with. I just hope that three months, well less than three months now will provide me enough time to really immerse myself into experiencing campus ministry. What I do enjoy about the office is that even though it is small there are always students in there, usually playing music and singing. They have some incredible voices and when put together it is absolutely amazing. I wanted to film it, but was too late. I also helped in the gymnasium setting up for the Holy Spirit Mass and there were a whole bunch of students in there and a microphone. Well they wanted me to sing, but I was really nervous and they also wanted me to dance. Even when I started to dance a little the crowd went into a roar. We had the Holy Spirit Mass which was really amazing. All the students were there and the priest gave an excellent homily. I also got introduced again to the school community, now everyone knows who I am. We didn't play basketball last night, but I did go watch the volleyball teams practice, but I also got to experience what major sport badminton is and I think I know how to play it properly now. However, just watching them practice brought back all the memories of when I was growing up and my entire family would play badminton in our backyard. It was games like that that really brought us together. I finished off the night with the Brothers with the last prayer of the novena, then afterwards we kind of celebrated. Br. Poloy and I provided the entertainment by dancing to Jai Ho, which is the music of Slumdog Millionaire. It was a blast and great exercise.

Happy Feast Day to all my Brothers around the world! Today is the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart. I started my day with the Freshman Formation Program. It is a program for incoming freshman of the college that gives them a chance to know there fellow classmates as well as what it is like to be a college student. This program is a class that they have to take in order to take religious studies, it's a must. We also celebrated at lunch with some of the faculty at our place for a big lunch. The afternoon had me in my cassock helping to bless the basic education departments new classrooms since the high school and elementary school start next week. I hung out in the campus ministry office and did some reading then went to a meeting for when the school celebrates the Feast of the Sacred Heart. They celebrate it on the last Friday of June since not everyone is in school yet and it is a big deal for the school. I provided a lot of ideas for the planning. I am starting to see how I can contribute to the Campus Ministry Office. I can now tell you I am going to be busy researching and working on getting things ready for the fiesta. Tonight we went to a Mass that culminated the end of the year of the priests. Afterwards there was a nice meal and like all situations I am in, I have a blast. I really like it here!

Ametur Cor Jesu!!! Ametur Cor Mariae!!!

Compassion

The picture I have provided is the house that I am living in while here at Cor Jesu College in Digos City.

I first have to mention what happened tonight when Br. Poloy and I went out for a walk after dinner tonight. As we were walking around the campus, we got the usual "Hello Brothers" from the college students, but it was when we got to the basketball court that really showed me how great the students are here at Cor Jesu. Two different activities were going on on the basketball court, one was Taekwondo and the other was girls volleyball. Once the Taekwondo coach saw us, he made the entire team stop what they were to face us and bow to us. I was completely taken back by this action because it is something I am not really use to. Then the volleyball team did the exactly same thing. Br. Poloy expressed to me that the students here are very compassionate and caring. I just felt very humbled by there actions, which makes me really excited about serving this school community.

I received another tour of the school today, but to different offices. One of the offices I visited was the counseling center, which I got to meet the ladies in there and they are all a hoot. One of the ladies kept on telling me that I was handsome, which really made me blush because every time she said it I would put my hands to my face. As part of my job here at the school in the campus ministry office I have to visit offices to help create small christian communities among the offices here and so I have the feeling I will be in the counseling center to start that one.

Had a meeting at campus ministry regarding some of the possible things I will be helping with. They include helping to plan some liturgies as well as work with different classes on days of recollection, outreach programs to the indigenous people which I am excited about, and also teaching. Since this is the beginning as time goes on the work will develop for me. A great opportunity for me to learn.

Went to the tailor today to get sized for cassock shirts. You might ask what kind of shirt that is, well it is a button down shirt that has the ten pleats on it like our cassocks do. They are really nice and the material is light for the heat here.

Happy Over the Hump!

Light a Fire

Today is my second day here in Digos City, more importantly it is my second day on the campus of Cor Jesu College. However, I have not really started what I came here to do and that is to work in the campus ministry office. Br. Poloy and I went out to run some errands, but as we were walking through the school we stopped by Br. Kokok's office to see him and then the campus ministry office where Br. Dan was having a meeting with the head guy in the office. As Br. Poloy and I ran some errands we made a pit stop, which was to Jolliebee, which is a fast food place, I know I know, I shouldn't have gone, but by golly they had cheeseburgers and I wanted one real bad, hehe. Br. Dan was still in the meeting once we made it back.

I had a quick little orientation in the campus ministry office today. I was shown a slide show displaying there mission statement and some of the programs that they sponsor. My nerves started to kick in because I am nervous and really doubting my ability in what I can actually bring to campus ministry here at Cor Jesu College. I felt this way because the Filipinos have such a deep spirituality. The head guy believes that there is something I will be able to offer. He wants me to write down some of the areas where I might be able to contribute. In one area I feel like I can contribute some what to the worship and animation of the college as well as the religious formation that students go through. One thing that has been mentioned to me is to go talk to students about our two founders and there history, which I would love to do. I am also very limited in a work day though because Br. Dan is only giving me 3 hours to actually work in the school day, so I really need to use that time wisely. I know it might be rough for me at first, but I think the Holy Spirit will be guiding me in this process. I will keep you all updated on this.

This afternoon Br. Poloy had a really great time just sitting down and chatting. He asked me what drew me to the Brothers and then he told me how he was drawn to them. I also expressed to him some of the challenges that I face in community back in the states. One of the things I learned about Cor Jesu College is that the teachers are not mean, but speak out of compassion, so if they kick you out of class it is out of compassion, they might ask you to go to the library. So maybe that is the answer, to speak to one another with compassion. Br. Poloy also expressed to me that he was nervous when he found out that an American was coming to stay here. He was afraid that I wouldn't be very personable, well I am and he is really glad. After Br. Poloy and I chatted, I went and played with one of the puppies the Brothers have here. They have 6 puppies, all adorable, and all named by me. My favorite one, which happens to be the shyest one and the one that is scared all the time is named Socks, only because the rest of his fur is brown and black mix, but his front paws are white like he is wearing socks. I am trying to teach him his name and try to make him not as nervous.

I also went to the store with Br. Kokok today to pick up some supplies. While we were there, I was stared at and heard two different people say "Hey Joe!" So when Filipinos see white men, they say "Hey Joe" because of how the U.S. came to the Philippines during WWII. So Joe actually comes from G.I. Joe. Go figure huh! I made a lot of the employees laugh because I had no idea what they were saying.

Today we also had Mass in the Brothers chapel. The priest had a really great homily. One thing that struck me when he was talking about is that we have to be the living flame to light the world and to spread the Gospel. Afterwards I was talking with Br. Poloy and we both agreed at what he said, it really is by being who we are that we can make a difference in the world. I think we are both really comfortable coming out of our comfort zones that we have no problem facing new challenges.

I went out again tonight with Br. Roger and Br. Eli to play basketball. Let's just say I am hoping that I soon can keep up with the students. They do enjoy playing with me, so much so that more showed up tonight.

Till next time, God Bless!

Philippines

Well I have finally been able to set up my computer in Digos City here in the Philippines and thought it would be a great time to begin my blog from all the journal entries I have done my first week here in the Philippines. I do hope you will enjoy reading this. I have a twofold purpose for this blog, one is for me to use to remember everything that I am doing and two for those who aren't with me to know what I am doing.

Journal entry for May 29, 2010

First and foremost I want to thank God for keeping me safe throughout all my flights. As I write this, I have been up for almost 48 hours. I received my second wind when I arrived, but I am slowly crashing.

Here are some of my first impressions of the Philippines once I arrived. I was scared, almost doubting myself on whether or not I could handle this. This feeling came about because I am in a new country, I do not speak the language, and I was lost. All that nervousness changed once I made it to Davao City. I finally had the opportunity to meet Br. Luc, who I have been in contact with since August 2008. Usually in new situations for me, I am shy, and that was the side they were seeing. As we made our way through Davao to the Matina community, we passed numerous places that really show this country is a developing country, such as houses with only one room made of only wood and slums. What really tugged at my heart was seeing small children digging through garbage bags most probably for food. It makes me appreciate what I have.

When we made it to the Matina community, we received a tour of the compound. They have about 5 dogs, but then I saw a cage and wondered what was in the cage. To my astonishment, I discovered that it was a freaking monkey. The Brothers have a monkey.

Journal entry for May 31, 2010

On my second day in the Philippines, I got up at 2:50 a.m. to attend a street market with two of the Brothers. It was also the first time I took one of the many public transportation services. This one is called a "jeepney", which is an old jeep that the U.S. military had here that the Filipinos restored and now use them for public service. Let me just say when many of the Filipino's see a foreigner, they will try to sale their product. On the way back to the house we took a tricycle, which is a motorcycle with a cart on the side and seats on the back.

I also had the opportunity to attend Mass at San Pedro Cathedral, which looks like a giant ship. All the churches here in the Philippines are not closed in, but opened. They have grills on them to let the outside air in since it gets so hot. This particular Mass I attended was in a different language. I do not want to hear any priests back home to complain about how many Masses they might celebrate in a given weekend because the Cathedral here has over 8 Masses on Sunday and they are all usually packed.

After lunch, Br. Dan, Br. Mervyn, and I went to the mall. Can we say crowded and security galore. As you walk into the mall there are security guards to pat you down. Br. Mervyn was showing us around and took us to the gaming area, where there was Dance Dance Revolution. I got a card to play and did a horrendous job as many Filipinos gathered around to watch the crazy American make a fool of himself. This girl got up right after me and did an incredible job, she rocked the game. I walked away with my head held high for trying, with Br. Mervyn laughing at me.

That evening was a giant welcoming party with all the Brothers here in the Philippines, where I got to meet more of my Brothers here in the Philippines that I will be living with, which they are a fun bunch and will make this an enjoyable time for me.

Third day started me off on the Brothers prayer schedule with morning prayer at 5:25 a.m. and Mass at 6 a.m. The sun is already out by those times. After breakfast, we headed to the Brothers spirituality center in Catalunan Grande for an orientation regarding the work the Brothers do here in the Philippines. After the orientation, we were given a Filipino partner for a scavenger hunt in Davao. The purpose was not for competition, but a chance to know the city. We were given 1,000 pesos, that's less than fifty American dollars, to get certain items that should last for three weeks. (No lie as I am writing this journal entry down we just had an earthquake, I was wondering why the pew I am sitting was rocking.) Back to what I was saying, we also had to take photos of various locations in Davao. It turned out to be a really fun day. Besides riding a jeepney and a tricycle today, I got to ride on a motorcycle, which was fun.

One thing I am getting used to is being stared at. I've started to smile at those that stare. Today I had these two ladies in another jeepney smiling at me. Later on in the day I ran into them again and they were smiling at me again. As they rode away in a taxi, they waved at me and I waved back. As I made my way back to Matina from Catalunan Grande, I noticed this little girl sitting in a back of this truck. As I began to smile at her, her little eyes lit up. It was an incredible feeling to know that I can bring some smiles to the Philippines.

Back to talking about the earthquake. After the pew started to rock, I thought it was Br. Dennis moving in the pew, but when I looked him he was discussing with another Brother and then they look at me and tell me that we just had an earthquake. I then looked at the sanctuary lamp hanging from the ceiling and notice it rocking back and forth. After dinner Br. Dennis went online and discovered that an earthquake hit off the coast of Mindanao, which is the island I am on, with no damage reported, thank God. It was cool that I have already experienced something like that.

Journal entry June 1st

How come everytime I seem to travel to another country famous people die? Last summer it was Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, this time it was Gary Coleman.

Well today I got my first taste of a slum here in the Philippines. I was nervous about what I would possibly see. I walked from Matina to Isla Suerte, a squatter area, where myself and some of the others as well as Br. Chris's group were going to gather in a small chapel with some of the locals. What I saw were wooden shacks that were so tiny that accomodated the huge families, kids being bathed out of buckets of water, and then those that just go jump into the sea. I asked one of my fellow novices if these kids go to school, and he replied that only some of them do. When I arrived at the chapel, I was greeted by some of the local teens and a seminarian who volunteers there. As a sign of a blessing and a prayer, the Filipinos will take your hand and place there forehead on the back of your hand. That was what I was greeted with. When our activities began we started with introductions, all of our group seemed to sit on one side while the natives sat on the other. Through the introductions it was easy to see which kids could speak english better. We then learned songs that required dancing which gave us time to interact with those that were present. After all of this we broke up into small groups, where the kids and teenagers could ask us questions. As we talked, I wanted to learn more about their dreams and aspirations based off of their living situations. One guy aspires to be a priest, one girl an elementary teacher, and another a chef. I'm praying that their dreams and wishes come true. As we were about to leave one of the older native men addressed our group saying that it makes him want to work harder at living a Christian life. This guy was on the liturgy committee for his community.

Other than that activity, the rest of the day was spent hanging with the novices and postulants. They crack me up as I crack them up. Three of us went to the mall, my third time since I have been here. They made the joke that they would leave me on my own, which is a big NO NO because I could be kidnapped and I am not allowed to go off by myself, however, chances of being kidnapped are unlikely. They wanted to see me play the Dance Dance Revolution game, but unfortunately, I was not able too since their were already people playing. I know that when I finally move to Digos, I am going to miss the daily interaction with everyone here at Matina.

Aww, Rogelio, long story, but a great memory!

Journal entry for June 2nd

Wow what day! It has probably been one of my most busiest days thus far here in the Philippines. Went back to Isla Suerte to be with the kids. From the time we got there to when the other group arrived, it was about thirty minutes, so we had thirty minutes with the kids. Instead of just sitting around, me being the extravert that I am, I decided to find ways to entertain the children. Come to find out they had never heard of the "Hokey Pokey". They absolutely loved it and we did it many time with them. We broke into two groups and with the aid of the children, they walked us through where they live. What brought me joy was seeing all the smiles beeming from there faces as well as the looks of the onlookers. We walked along dirt paths and the beach, then we played games to finish the time. It really made me start reflecting on children in the U.S. and these children and how the Filipino children are so much more appreciative of everything they have. They do not seem to take anything for granted because they live such a simple life. You can definitely say that these kids are not spoiled. Family and community are very much important to them.

What was a great morning turned into hell in the afternoon thanks to Br. Mervyn. Today I learned how to wash clothes with my barehands. I do have video to prove it. The novies and others in formation have to do it, so I have to do it as well. It took me forever because Br. Mervyn likes it to be super clean, but gosh I thought it was clean. I have cuts on my knuckles scrubbing, not fun. I dread the next time I have to wash clothes again.

I went with one of the Brothers to meet up with the other group for a game of basketball at San Pedro College. Originally I thought it would simply be us playing a pick-up game, no we were playing against there team, with referees. They were shorter compared to us, but a lot quicker. I do not like to brag, but for someone who hasn't played in a while finishing off the game with 14 points and a pretty awesome steal goes to show that I still have it. We did win, however, they kept on fouling us at the end just to try to come back. I sweated my butt off and will most likely be sore tomorrow. They want to play again, however, I will be in Digos by then.

Today also started the Novena to the Sacred Heart, but we also celebrated over the hump day activities which included beers, chips, and various games. I played "Sorry" with three others and I won. That's two things I've won today.

Journal entry for June 3rd

Well last night was the first night here that I had the hardest time trying to get some sleep. Regardless of that, today was a new day and a new adventure. Like I predicted though I woke up this morning completely sore from playing basketball. Today was day 3 at Isla Suerte with some of the poor here in the Philippines. What was different about today was that we had an opportunity to visit some of those in the area. They were very small, some owned there place and others rented. I wondered how they could fit so many people in one room with such a huge family. In one house, I am pretty sure if I had held my arms out I would be able to touch two different walls. Nevertheless, the people were happy. One girl started singing Taylor Swift and I joined her in the singing.

This afternoon went to the mall with another novice. When I say the mall, the department store is in the mall. I was there at 3 p.m., Divince Mercy hour, well over the speaker system came a meditation, which is something you would never hear in the states because somebody would be offended. After that some of the employees lined up across the front of the store and began to dance. If only I had my camera, I was smiling at them and they were smiling back. I think some were really shy and embarrassed about it.

I went with Br. Luc to the airport to pick up the Brothers that live in Manilla. They were coming in for the profession ceremony this weekend.

One thing I am learning about the Filipinos is there deep sense of spirituality that is far beyond what I am use to in the states. The Angelus is also prayed everyday, people will stop what they are doing for the prayer.

Journal entry for June 4th

Gosh I am tired and it doesn't help that I'm also not feeling very well. Today was the culmination program at Isla Suerte. The children and the teenagers danced for us and some even sang songs for us. One girl gave a declaration to the whole group and she did a great job. At the end, we gave them treats, which I am sure they enjoyed. Poor Jeff kept on getting sacked by all the Filipino women. They all enjoyed taking pictures with him. I am going to miss those kids. By the way they really love Taylor Swift. Also they love being in pictures and cameras.

I washed clothes by hand again today, enough said.

We had "First Friday Brotherhood" at the Matina community where we had an hour adoration, prayer, and Mass. It was open to guests and many came to participate. There was also a meal served afterwards. However, I was not able to finish mine since I was feeling terrible. The other group was set to go out and try balut tonight. I told them that the balut cart goes by the house so we waited till we heard the bell. Now balut is a 17-21 day old duck egg. The others tried it, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. They said it was really good. Well good for them because I am not ready to try it. After they left I went straight to bed.

Journal entry for June 5th - June 7th

Saturday was the first profession ceremony for three of the novices here in the Philippines. I was so happy that I was able to be attendance here for this special celebration in there lives. Earlier in the week they had asked me to read the prayers of the faithful, which I was honored to do. Being able to witness them taking vows gives me something to look forward too. Out of the three one got emotional and I know when my profession comes up, I will most likely be emotional myself since it is such an awesome ceremony and an amazing sign of consecrating oneself to Christ.

After that we all went to Samal, which is the Brothers beach house on an island here in the Philippines. To get there it requires a boat ride and if you are lucky and amazing motorcycle ride through the country, which was incredible. Walking down the path to the beach house and seeing the incredible view was breathe taking. If you are looking across the water you see other islands and huge mountains in the background. One of the first things we did, we went swimming of course. I have never seen coral reefs before and the patterns they were growing in. It was incredible. I also got to see starfish that were everywhere, it was pretty amazing. Now the house itself has no electricity and if you want water you have to pump it. Also to use the bathroom you have to feel the back of the bowl up with water so that it will flush. I was still feeling very bad and by 7:30 I was already laying on the ground trying to sleep, while they were having a good ole time on the floor below me. I was exhausted, my stomach was hurting.

We all pretty much got up early on Sunday to watch the sunrise which was incredible. I was feeling a little better, so some of us went back in the water before breakfast for a morning dip. The water felt really good. I went back in the water after I ate, which the others came out later. We started to collect all the starfish we could find and tried to put them in the same spot, we had like 50 starfish, some blue ones, some with spikes, it was cool. In total I was in the water for over two hours, which means major sunburn. I don't think I have ever been this sunburned before in my life. When we left, we traveled the same way we got there, motorcycles. On the ferry boat across, some Filipinos made room for me to sit and started to ask me questions, one being whether or not my wife was here. I've gotten that a few times.

Once I made it back to Matina I had three hours to spare before I headed to Mass. Once Mass arrived I started to feel bad again. When the Eucharistic prayer started, I thought I was going to pass out. Let me just say I arrived home at like 7:10 p.m. and went straight to bed. I think I was dehydrated. I had a great night sleep and woke up feeling a little better

I started drinking more water and I think that is helping. On Monday June 7th I finally moved to Digos City where the Brothers run the school Cor Jesu College, which is a school that goes from Kindegarten all the way to college. It's a nice place and the community here is a amazing. One of the things I will be doing here is working in campus ministry and possibly helping to teach one of the classes. The first meal I had here was fantastic, it looked like giant shrimp, which has a special name that I don't know, but it was great. I got a tour of Digos and of the school and went to a Mass with some of the Brothers and members of the school community in the Brothers chapel. After dinner I went and played basketball with some of the Brothers and some students. I am happy to finally be at Digos and what the next three months will bring for me.