Monday, April 11- An anniversary, I guess

Yet again a large Filipino event is planned and I’m given no warning.  Today was Nanay and Tatay’s 41^st anniversary.  A large gathering of people from their congregation were at the function hall with a feast prepared for dinner and I had no idea about it until I heard wedding music all the way over in my room.  Now had I known about this, it could have been really fun.  However, instead I was summoned to come and join the party (for which I was still unaware of the occasion) right after I had done Tae Bo AND realized that there was no water so I couldn’t shower.  Having not received any information on what was really going on I assumed it wasn’t a big deal and told the messenger that I’d be around shortly.  I put on an episode of Friends and sat in front of my fan hoping that I could escape the small gathering and just meet up with them for dinner.  About 10 minutes went by and then I heard Jestoni’s voice outside my window.  I opened it and he informed me that he was going to wait for me to come out and then escort me to the function hall.  I finally realized that I wasn’t going to get out of this.  I changed and put my hair back which did little to fix the problem of my appearance (and my feeling of total discomfort) and went with Jestoni.  Upon arriving I discovered that this was a much bigger deal that I had anticipated.  The whole place was decorated with white and red ribbons and balloons and people were seated all around.  A white satin aisle led to the edge of the view where the small pavilion was strewn with tulle, ribbons and Christmas lights.  The place looked quite fit for a wedding.  The music was, as is the Filipino tradition, blaring beyond any necessary volume and the Jiji took her place as the emcee with her voice pounding on top of the already crazy loud music.  I won’t go into much more detail as it is already quite late (I had to stay up and wait for the water to come in), but you can know the night went on with a ceremony and a whole lotta Ilonggo.  I’d share pictures with you, but as I was not informed of the event I was not able to arrange going into town to get batteries. The last thing I’ll mention about the night is something that happened and has happened at every event that I’ve been present for.  After the meal was beautifully set out and the ceremony was already underway, Jennifer and Indi (the cook) came out and started setting up a place setting for me at the head of the table, even though everything was buffet-style.  My same white plate and little glass and fancy napkin and shiny silverware were being set out while everyone else started passing around the stack of green plastic plates.  I can’t explain how awful this makes me feel.  I immediately got Jennifer’s attention and told her to just leave the stuff there and I’d take care of it.  She looked concerned and turned to Indi who both looked panicked like they had displeased me.  I got them both over and using as much Ilonggo as I could tried to explain to them that I don’t want to sit at the front of the room alone when everyone else is out in the chairs.  I feel like everyone looks at me and thinks that the plates they use and the food they eat isn’t good enough for me.  I hate this.  I wanted to just get up and run out of the hall.  I can’t win because if I tell Indi not to worry she thinks that I don’t appreciate how hard she works for me (and I really, really do), but if I go along with her entirely then I look like a spoiled princess and have dozens of people staring at me while I eat my fancy food on my fancy plate with my fancy silverware.   Even with me taking my setting back to my chair and eating there, half the room gawked at me mercilessly.  I don’t want to take away their hospitality because I know they love doing things for me but it makes things so much harder when I feel like a spectacle rather than someone who loves these kids and is here to help. 

Okay, now I really need to go to bed.  Please pray for Angel.  She has been gone for a few days and I finally found out it is because she has a UTI.  She had one right before I arrived as well.  Pray for fast healing. 

I really, really love you all.  If you promise not to stare at me, I’ll be home in 32 days.  J

This is for all of the kids that I miss so terribly from NBBC.  So many of the children here remind me of you.  Just like you, they make everything worth it. Love you guys! (Especially Easley children, Amaya children, Sauer children and Boyd children since I think you are the once whose parents will see this.)