What will we miss? Here is a top ten list.
1. Mangoes. And fabulous tropical fruit. Lucy doesn't remember life without mangoes...
2. Country pride. Like you have never seen or heard. It might be a good lesson for us, actually, how much pride Filipinos take in their country.
3. People who are not in a hurry. Like Hawaii and Mexico, life here goes at a different pace. And people don't worry about time so much. It can be aggravating until you realize that 4 means 3 or 4 or 5. But for the most part, I have enjoyed not being in such a hurry.
4. Expressive Body Language. Every country, every family uses different amounts of communication - words, body language, tone. Here, everyone always uses a kind voice. And words must never embarrass those around you, even if it is a total lie. But body language is the real mode of communication. Lips especially, are good for pointing to what you need. I have been rather fascinated watching everyone use their gestures, eyebrows and faces to tell the real story. Of course, it also is because I don't speak much tagalog!
5. "Climbing the trees" says Jeffrey. We have fantastic trees in our "garden" or backyard as we would call it.
6. "The friendly people" says Laird. We make friends everywhere we go. Truly a very kind, friendly people.
7. "Jeepneys" says Laird. We love Jeepneys, even if we aren't usually allowed to ride them :) They make driving very entertaining.
8. A high value on old and young. I think this is an Asian value, that the very old are to be respected. "Po" is like "Usted" in Spanish or "Sir" in English and used so much every day. Babies are to be loved. My father also noticed how much people love babies here.
9. Correct people in private. Also called "saving face" and is super important here. Not a bad lesson for us all.
10. Our friends. Of course! We love you all, God bless you until we meet again.
What great memories your children will have of growing up in such amazing places! Best of luck with everything!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful family picture! I know you will miss everything that you have experienced in Manila. Have a great trip home. Hopefully you won't be delayed by Hurricane Earl. We will be praying for your safe arrival back to Virginia.
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip back!
ReplyDeleteOff you go indeed! Don't you just love living abroad? I can't wait to do it again. It's very humbling to look around and really notice all the people in this world. It gave us a different perspective on God's love for all His children. Have a safe trip home!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely sentiments. Your family picture is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck! What a fabulous adventure - and a wonderful culture. You appreciate all the right things.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are darling. Love to you all. . .
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ReplyDeleteI love this post -- it sounds like you've had an amazing adventure in the Philippines, and you'll always have a piece of it in your hearts.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move, and with all your adventures ahead!
And may your journey be very very happy and quick. What each child says they will miss is SO indicative of their personality, at least as I imagine their personalities to be. Good luck my dear dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed visiting your family in the Philippines, and I was hoping to have to take one more trip there before you left. Oh well. Thanks for being such great hosts and for being my favorite Manila bookstore. Happy transitioning to your next assignment.
ReplyDelete--Jared