Filipino Funnies

On our way home from Migrante a couple days ago we got out of the jeepney to a blocked off road. Sueña informed us it was a shooting. So we shuffled past the crowd with our heads down kind of concerned that she was not more concerned about it. I mean there were cameras and a bunch of cars all stopped there. And when we got to the other side we asked if it was really a shooting. "Yeah. Movie shooting." Ohhhhhhhhhhh.

Today we went to Baseco, another urban poor community by the sea. We went to teach the kids and sing with them. After trudging through the mud, which contained a lot worse than just dirt and water, we waited for the kids to gather. As they rolled in we made a circle and prayed to open. We sang some Tagalog songs with actions but I had to do it with one hand because my other hand was firmly grasped by a little boy's hand. We split up into groups and I took the third and fourth graders. It was an interesting experience trying to occupy them for 45 minutes. We learned names and went around saying what animal they would want to be. Then we sang a song that the lovely Paige taught me during training. They really enjoyed that. I read from a storybook about Noah's Ark. I was impressed by a couple of them who wanted to read with me. Besides having a strong accent they got most of he words right on their own. They loved the pictures too. We played some games and finally colored pictures of animals. They were so sweet. And the thing I saw the most was that they were all looking out for each other. They shared their snacks and took care of each other. They were fun to work with. I get to do the same thing again next week but at Paranaque. Hopefully it will go a bit smoother and be just as fun.

I bought a mini Tagalog bible the other day. I started to read out of it in my best Filipino impression. All it brought was laughter from Sueña. Apparently I butcher the language. But I'm working on it!

Sueña spent the night earlier this week and so I offered to make her the same dinner I was having, grilled cheese with pepperoni. Never before have I seen a grilled cheese sandwich eaten with a fork and a spoon. The sandwich is easily finger food yet it's just the custom here to eat with your spoon and fork. So that's what she did!

I'm enjoying assimilating into the culture but sometimes it is hard when everyone stare at you. I've never been in a culture where I clearly stood out. Everyone always notices my eyes because no one has blue eyes here. It's a bit uncomfortable but if I notice a stare I try to return it with a "hello".  After all it's only a friendly gesture.

I'm at church from 8:30-4:00 tomorrow. Should be fun!