I’m still really taken aback by the lifestyle here and the impoverished state of the country, so there’s a lot going through my mind everyday about missing things at home, and having to adjust here. Things I didn’t think I took for granted at home, I actually do… wi-fi.. warm showers.. toilet paper.. a roof over my head.. space…

Last night, kids walked up to me asking for money and I just had to give them some.. not knowing if they’d use it for food or if they have to give it to the “Lords” they work for—to reach their quota to survive, but how can you refuse kids?! This is normal here, everyday. Kids are out on the streets almost everywhere I look and I wonder about their lives.. if they’re okay or do they get hurt and what’s gonna happen to em…. not just the kids.. but everyone else out here who’s homeless. Right now, there are rain storms in the Philippines. My power shut off twice since I’ve been here—took a shower in the dark even, and the thunder really rumbles. What happens to the multitudes of people who are stuck with nowhere to go?! There are SO MANY people. I’m getting used to seeing it everyday but I’m still really bothered by the thought of it.  I wish and pray that things would change here.

I’m just opening my eyes to see the vast differences between my two homes—the Philippines and America.   Some people in America be complainin about shit in their lives… I know I have. Having seen what I’ve seen here… a lot of it seems really stupid and selfish. Checked.