Week 1

I went to Subic Bay with my host family over the weekend, former site of the famous U.S. naval base during World War II. Walking on the beach, I saw a lady and her daughter sitting on the beach, and as she was white, my host sister told me to go talk to her. Turns out she was indeed American, and we got to chatting. She told me a story, which has served as my omen thus far. Her little daughter bought two mice as pets in Manila. One was tiny and sick, and died shortly after. The other was healthy and strong, but it ran away just a few days ago. It's name was Jessica.

That pretty much sums up my experience this past week. But let me back up.

I am living in Bataan Province, in a small barangay (similar to a neighborhood, but with its own school, church, and sari-sari stores on every corner). I live with my Nanay and Tatay, in a very comfortable house with running water, a shower, electricity, and even toilet paper. I am practicing using the tabo, or scoop used for the toilet instead of paper, and I am taking bucket baths despite having access to the shower. Might as well get used to it now! My Nanay and Tatay have 3 children but they are all older so they don't live at home-- quite atypical. Two daughters are still close by though; I have seen then a few times now and my nephews and neices are not as shy with me anymore. As in Dover Road time, a week feels like a life time here.

It took much repetition to explain my religion. My Nanay kept telling her friends: she is Jewish, she does not believe in god (the truth of that, well... that's another story). Each time, I would explain to her, No No we Do believe in god. So now she tells people, she is Jewish, Jesus Christ is not her god but she has a god. She's learning! My family holds very strong beliefs about Americans, on money, marriage, age, and religion. I am patient to teach them my reality, and show them the diversity that is our country. And of course, we trainees must learn that not all Filipinos believe and behave the same. That will also take patience.

That is all I can say for now, as I'm pressed for time!

Please write to me always, and get a calling card so you can call me!



Jessica Friedman
U.S. Peace Corps
PNB Financial Building, 6th Floor Bayside
Diosdado Macapagal Avenue
Pasay City 1308
Philippines