Getting Used to a New Home

Wow, how time flies! I can't believe that I have been here for 2 1/2 weeks already! Manila has proven to be a city of new things and fun times. I have been spending a lot of time at school during new staff orientation and also getting my classroom ready. It has been a lot of work and I have been extremely busy. Although it has been a lot to take on, I am loving the preparation I get to do and I can't wait to have my students in my classroom on Thursday for our first day of school! I find myself daydreaming about teaching and seeing little hearts come to know the Lord better. What an honor to be their teacher :)

Along with the work there has been plenty of play! My roommates and I are having a great time and there is a group of us "singles" that have been able to spend a lot of time together. I am already being blessed by this community. God is so good!

Manila's culture is more westernized than I was expecting, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of differences! Here are some things that I am getting used to in my new home:

1. Pulling out in front of oncoming traffic. Very normal here :)

2. Falling asleep with a fan on and no blankets.

3. Locals calling you "sir ma'am."

4. Not picking up your trash at any sort of restaurant... or even Starbucks!

5. A few stares from locals while out in public.

6. Pretty green mountains! Well to me they are mountains, but to others they might be large hills :)

7. Dr. Pepper is nowhere to be found.

8. Lots of rain and "flash flooding" along the streets. I personally enjoy it because it takes the temperature and humidity down quite a bit :)

9. Smiling and friendly workers! The Filipinos are so happy to serve you and will always offer a "good morning."

10. Lots of rooster crows in the wee hours of the morning.

11. Only talking to friends and family back home at night and in the mornings.

12. Using pesos instead of dollars.

13. Little lizards crawling on the walls. :)

14. Being a minority.

15. Seeing cows, chickens, goats, water buffalo, lots of dogs, and a ton of people on the sides of roads. :)

Well, that will be my list for now. Thank you for your continued prayers. :) They are so appreciated!!