I am remembering how foreign this place felt the first day I arrived at 9 pm at night… I cannot believe I ever felt that way. For now this little place seems like a huge world full of familiar spaces. It has become my home away from home and my sister Ann Mitzi is even more amazing than I thought she would be.
I cannot help but try to imagine what this town looked like before Yolanda. Aside from some leftover devastation this place is beautiful! Gorgeous! I have begun to think about what I will animate when I return home. Will I write our story?Another story? Its important to highlight the resolve of the people here. In the face of adversity they smile, laugh and care for each other. Patrick was asking about community structure and I was trying to explain that the whole town IS community. People are outside going from here to there, working, laughing, walking, riding, talking, making, gardening, helping, selling, moving… constantly moving even through this insane heat! I have made friends with a white dog who has not been shown kindness it seems. For the past 5 days I have offered friendship & finally today he has offered it back. He has a friendly face but caution behind his eyes…
I have to say, I am truly proud of myself. This is a humbling experience and I am so very thankful for everything I am experiencing… Mitzi's favorite color is green apple and she is even more beautiful in real life. Her mommie Anita is always moving! I love how their business is run. She provides the catering space & delegates tasks including food purchased from other community members. Every event seems to take the entire village. Gina-Lynn brought her little boy today to play with Tyler Seth and he keeps looking at me and smiling when I catch his gaze. He is so adorable!!
They also just keep feeding me!! I swear I have gained 5 lbs just today!
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When we watch television and someone has to walk in front of it, they put their hand out and/or crouch and say excuse please as they pass. Some will even go out of their way to go around you in order to not disturb the viewing. The younger people greet their elders by taking the hand of the elder and bringing it to their forehead as a sign of respect. Mitzi calls it a blessing. They are all so loving and welcoming… they are my kind of people!
From a tour around Balangiga including the Balangiga Massacre Memorial - please take time to read this information about the massacre… It is extremely educational!!!
They have awesome roosters!!!!
Church in Balangiga
Town plaza with a community center to the right
Balangiga Massacre Memorial - bronze sculptures depict the attack on the Americans
According to this website, the majority of families from even the surrounding areas were involved in the attack… My opinion is that the Americans deserved to be attacked for what they did. I only wish we could have exhibited good will instead of American arrogance...
Even the Valdenor's
More memorablia
Municipal Hall
My most favorite time of the day was watching the night sky…. It brought a peace within my heart, spirit… and I felt so connected to everything… The light from the sky lit up the surrounding area of wherever I stood… It was not flooded with busy lights and bright cities, but reflected back the moonlight onto my face and the stars danced in the night sky… It has been years since I have seen the stars dance…
Continues:
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