Palo, Leyte

I moved in with my host family last week. My Nanay (mom) has a nice house and with her lives with Roger, her 50 year old son, Christine here 17 year old grand niece who is in high school and has been very helpful in teaching me Waray ( I think she knows more about the English language that I do) ( Not saying much I know). Francis, her 24 year old grand nephew. A small group of people come and go, most of which are family that live nearby.

My days are pretty slow. When there is nothing going on, I play my guitar, or read. I'm really enjoying the slow pace. It's too hot to go any faster. It's hot and humid, but definitely tolerable. It's been fun walking around town. There are 4 other women in my Peace Corps group. They are the only other white people in town. I feel like Owen Wilson! Everybody that we see is very friendly and interested in us. Especially the kids. There was a small posse that followed us home tonight from the market. I'm super impressed with their English skills. I'll find out more soon when I start working in the schools.

Language training started today. I'm learning Waray-Waray. This translates to Nothing-Nothing. So what am I learning. . . It's actually coming along pretty well. Our instructor is doing a great job. I think Aaron Santi has been talking to her about posting objectives. We are working in a small room with pretty tile, and about 4 fans going all the time. It's a very intimate setting.

Thanks for all your comments and emails. I appreciate the thoughtful words. It helps!

Love ya 'all

Siget, tubtub sonub

Kelly

ps - I heard from one of the Peace Corps volunteers that her daughter was able to see her house on Google Earth. I'll find out more details, and get you in on the loop.

20 hours later!

I made it safe and sound! There was a short meeting in Philadelphia for a day, and then a 20 hour flight to Manila. There was a short and much needed layover at Narita (Tokyo). Everybody I have met so far is absolutely great! Even the people I haven't met are nice. This week we are staying at a resort just outside of Manile. It's got an animal area with monkeys and aligators (great combo), there is a water park, amazing food, music, and karaoke. At the end of the week I go somewhere to meet my host family and start the language training. Tonight while I was out for a walk, I saw hundreds of large toads, fruit bats, gecko like lizards, and trumpet fish. Most of the water where we are at is very polluted, and there is a lot of garbage on the streets. It's mostly shanty towns surrounding our resort area. Despite the impoverished area, people seem to have good spirits, and are very friendly towards Americans.
At this point internet access is pretty spotty, and I don't imagine it getting any better, but we'll see. I'll also try hard to get some pictures up soon. I haven't been very good about taking pictures, but I will get better.

I miss you all very much, and you're on my mind. Take care and I'll look forward to hearing from you.

See ya,
Kelly