I’ve debated the very existence of this blog for a long
time, roughly three months now. I’ve struggled with how to capture and express my
Peace Corps experience in a manner that does justice and shows respect for the
people and culture of the Philippines. I’m not sure I’ve quite figured it out
yet, but I’m willing now to take the plunge and give it a shot. Many thanks are
in order for my good friend Caroline Genco who has inspired me to kick off this blog.
I shall write once a month, expressing deep cultural
insights, or if nothing else, posting something that elicits a smile or a laugh.
I’ll stay away from an account of daily activities here in an effort to get at
the larger picture and to offer a broader view of both Peace Corps and Filipino
culture. In order to achieve this, these are the rules I have devised for
myself:
- Minimum of one blog entry per month, to be completed by the end of each month.
- Minimum of one photo per blog post, which visually encapsulates the theme and emotional truth of the entry.
- Inclusion of one brief, personal story in each post to illustrate the theme or insight for the month.
- Inherent mindfulness in every post -- always thinking, “Would my Nanay approve of this message?”
- Have fun.
I have high hopes for this blog, but perhaps unjustifiably so. Let’s lower our expectations people. Buckle up, strap in, rub that lucky rabbit foot one last time and prepare for the ride of a lifetime…PEACE CORPS PHILIPPINES.
Now, just wait 3 weeks for my first real post. Maraming salamat po!
