Today we had a very busy day, which I was so thankful for. I appreciate a change of pace from the very slow lifestyle we experience most days. When we took the elementary kids to school this morning they pulled on our arms to get us to come into the school with them. Angel explained as well as she could that today was “Elementary Day” and we could watch. We weren’t too sure what we were in for, but we stayed for the show. It turned out to be a parade and was so super cute. It was very much like a homecoming parade complete with a float at the end holding the princes and princesses. We heard later on from Bert that is was a simultaneous annual even across the country. It was fun to get to experience this.
When we got home we talked to Nanay (Miss Ray) about going to the market to shop for some special events we have coming up. Tomorrow night we have a bon fire and will definitely be enjoying s’mores! Then we will be having a small Valentine’s Day party on Monday and Emily and I will be in charge of breakfast and lunch that day too. On the way to the Market I realized that a few uninvited guests had accompanied me from America: Katy Perry and Ke$ha. (AND, Blythe, I saw 2 black pick-up trucks. Today.) The market was very similar to all of my previous Filipino Market experiences. Very hot and busy and I’m still not a fan of the meat market. The dusty roads were all lined with motor-tricycles and excited owners hoping to give us a ride. We were able to find everything we need except for jelly for our heart-shaped pb&js for V-day. We may try to make it to Marbel (the next city) to get some; otherwise we will make do without it. Em and I also picked up a little “American” snack for ourselves. She chose some fry type things and after trying one she offered me one while exclaiming, “You’ll think you done gone ta Wendy’s!” Man that Mississippi charm just oozes from her. J
We got home and had about an hour or so before it was time to help the third and fourth year kids get ready for prom! We were informed earlier that day that we were invited as well. Emily and I were both very excited, but it turned out to be not quite what we expected. If fact it was more like the festivities we would expect to see at a graduation. Everyone got SUPER dolled-up and they all looked so great (see pictures below). We arrived at the tarp-covered, dirt floor “gymnasium” at 4:00pm and watched other fancy Filipinos arrive for the nest hour as Vivaldi blared out of the speakers behind us. Right around the time that the thunder clouds started rolling in the TIC (teacher in charge) got up to welcome the students, teachers and “guests from America.” We just can’t go anywhere in this country without causing a fuss. Anyway, after that the kids all entered very fancily to the same classical music we were listening to before. The musical choices of the night were very confusing. We started out with the lovely classical genre and moved from there to two of the students singing a “Prayer Song” which ended up being “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns. After that we had a choral rendition of a Backstreet Boys song and then a medley of Martina McBride and the Jonas Brother’s during the Candle Lighting Ceremony with a few American and Filipino inspirational tunes interspersed. During that part of the program the TIC would turn down the music every minute or and quote a poem or Bible verse or inspirational line including an oddly placed reading on John 3:16 followed by an unfortunately worded line, “let’s make love and give God the glory.” We’re always happy to hear things in English, but in times like that you can’t help but wonder if it would have made more sense in Ilonggo. J The rest of the night included an inspirational speech, the classes ‘Last will and Testament’, the class prophesy and an honorary dance that several of our kids have been practicing for all week long. It was a very elegant waltz and I must say our kids did the best job. However, the next thing was not expected. Em and I assumed we were there to watch and photograph until we all of a sudden had Filipino hands extended toward us asking for a dance. We honestly didn’t know what to do and so to not offend, we accepted. It was hilarious. In the maybe 2 minutes that the dance continued I danced with about 9 different people. Someone would see their friend dancing with an Americana and would yell “SWAP” and I’d be almost launched to my next partner. Emily on the other hand seemed to be the hit of the night for the teachers, one especially who described her as his “unforgettable woman.” Oh, the things that happen in the Philippines.
After all of the many, many festivities the actual prom started and renditions and remixes of Justin Beiber, Katy Perry, The Black-Eyed Peas, and Ke$ha boomed and blared loud enough to be heard for at least a mile in any direction. (For those of you who know me at all, you know how I felt about these particular choices of ‘artists’.) We stayed for maybe an hour or so until close to 11:00pm (by far the latest we have stayed up since arriving here.) Emily and I were already so tired which became a blessing when we realized the pour down from earlier had added a new layer of moisture to our rooms and in particularly our beds. Soggy clothes, sheets, pillow cases etc. are becoming the norm but are not exactly comfortable. However, I slept through the night and did not even hear the evil roosters, dogs or the breakfast bell. Emily woke me up to eat and I dragged my still exhausted body over for some rice and mangos. J
This post is dedicated to my sister, Sarah. Happy (24th?) birthday!! I love you!
The whole gang!
Sweet Rosela!
Rosela, Brindy and Mary Joy
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