Dear World!
Today I write to you from the Philippines. It has taken me a little over four weeks to finally write a post. To say that I have been adjusting would be an understatement, but as of now it is the only word that comes to mind. As a self-proclaimed diva who enjoys massages and long telephone conversations on the phone, coming to the rural town of Angat, Bulacan has been quite the experience. I spent the first week crying and jumping at every gecko, frog, stray cat and dog. I also came to the realization those wedge heels, I brought with me would be of no use here! haha 🙂
The first week was the toughest. I picked chili peppers, pulled weeds in the mud (from which I had to through away my favorite pair of purple plush flip flops… I’m still a little upset about this one!), worked in the kitchen and helped clean. While I enjoyed meeting the people here, I did not care for the work. The latter two activities were okay though. In this week, I leaned on my support system for well support, haha! I talked to God, my professors, friends, and my mom. Without them and without faith, I am positive I would have been back on a plane to the States enjoying all of the comforts I am accustomed to.
I had to remind myself why I wanted to come to the Philippines in the first place. I wanted to discover the “genius of the poor” and embrace a culture different than my own. So here I am, taking it day by day. I’d be lying, if I said every day is easy for me, because it’s not. I still struggle at times, but I believe it will all be worth it by the end of the summer.
It is here, in the Philippines, I have begun to rediscover myself as well. Before embarking on this adventure, I could never imagine learning this much about myself. I am testing my beliefs and becoming a more confident woman.
I have learned  …
To Appreciate. Appreciate. Appreciate.
Being raised in the US, I thought very little or perhaps none at all about the privileges we are afforded like air conditioning, the ability to flush toilet tissue down the toilet, sinks in the bathroom, homes with plumbing to source washing machines and stoves, or the access we have to sanitation services(garbage pickup), Â and efficient transportation systems. I have quickly become aware and have gained a greater appreciation for life I have in the States.
Patience.
I am not one much for kids. I find much more comfort when interacting with the elderly. Most families average between 3-5 children on the farm. So there are A LOT of children. To give some context the Enchanted Farm was built around an existing Gawad Kalinga community, so the children interact daily with the staff and interns of the Enchanted Farm. The amount of children wanting to talk to me and play was quite overwhelming, but I have learned how to interact with children and enjoy it! They alone have taught me how to be patient.
True Kindness… Altruism
I have met some of the most wonderful people here in the community. The women or the Titas/Nannays (Aunts/Mothers) are beautiful people both inside and out! Though they have very little they share so much. They have welcomed me into their homes, fed me, and treated me like family. To them, I am forever grateful for helping make this experience a more enjoyable one. Their kindness and warmth has no end.
To Embrace the Skin and Hair I’m in Even More
This last lesson is by far the most important. Before coming I considered myself to be a pretty confident woman, but it was easier to be confident when I was surrounded with other beautiful Black women with natural hair. But In a country where I can count the number of Black people I have seen on one hand, my confidence was tested. I questioned how I was being perceived with darker skin and courser hair because the Philippines is one of the top consumers for skin whitener. It can be found in almost all of the beauty products and soaps sold here.
When people first see me they stare, and some even ask to take pictures. I did not understand why and felt uncomfortable walking down the street. When they tell me I am beautiful, it is mostly conditional like “you are a black beauty”, instead of “you are beautiful”.
I am learning to become comfortable even when people stare and just embrace who I am because it isn’t going to change. I have also become quite articulate at explaining what some of the phrases I use mean and at answering questions about my hair! Haha 🙂
My original purpose for wanting to visit GK and the Philippines was because I have a passion for social justice and I thought I’d be able to give something to an underprivileged community, I am learning this is a shared process.
I will end with a quote that has stuck with me since arriving to GK. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow” Mary Anne Radmacher. Every day I have committed myself to trying again and finding something positive about days. The Enchanted Farm is not quite what I expected, but that is okay I am learning a lot and I really appreciate that!
jazmynekellogg 