Too Long.
Last time I wrote I was, I think, being sworn is a Peace Corps volunteer and on my way to new and brighter horizons. Now on the eve of my first month at site I am happy to report that things have gone quite smoothly.
I have settled into my new life in a fairly quick and painless manner. My host family is very nice to me always asking what I like to eat, the difference between American, Mexican and Filipino foods, and also extremely helpful when I don’t know something. Before moving in I was worried that things would be awkward and tense since I was basically coming into a set family unit and shifting the dynamics of normal life. I have found that things have worked out quite well co-existing in an easy manner, which has definitely made my integration into my new life a lot better. For my pack lunch they often throw in raw carrots, cucumbers, jicama. Which trust me when I say is not considered a normal food to consume raw and without vinegar. They have even taken me on a tour of Bohol that was a lot of fun since I got to see two types of monkeys (one being tarsiers), chocolate hills and Sagbayan Peak. I am looking forward to living here for a while seeing as how things have been going so well for me.
Working at my high school has also proven to be a good experience so far. The teachers have all been welcoming, allowing me to observe their classes and even though the language gap exists trying to include me in the daily chatter between class and of course during lunch. They also love to see me try new and adventurous foods and of course pairing me off with all the eligible bachelors they know, which has yet to get old. We recently had a teacher's day full of videoke, dancing and a lot of laughter. I would even go so far as to say it's in the running for one of the best days in the Philippines.
The students have also been very nice to me. I hear a chorus of "Good morning Ma'am Jess" the minute I walk through the school gate, which is always a pleasant greeting first thing in the morning. They love asking me questions about my personal life (always draws a chorus of screams), my family (when they hear I have a brother in their age range squeals emanate from the girls), and of course about what life in America is like. I am always willing to talk to them because to be honest it is one of the few ways even the most shy and the most rebellious students will speak to me.
Teaching itself hasn't gotten started yet for me. I've been patiently observing since I arrived almost all of the English Department and my two counterparts entire class load. Although it hasn't always been the most exciting it has definitely given me an insight into what the teachers deal with on a day to day basis. As well as what type of kids attend my school. While I am in a small town on the island of Bohol (Talibon to be exact) I am teaching at a school with 2,500+ students and a faculty of 50-60 teachers. Making it one of the larger high schools on the island. All kinds of students attend the school those from Talibon, neighboring towns and also the neighboring islands. It makes for a very interesting dynamic.
In January I will get to start Co-Teaching with my counterparts which I'm looking forward too. I would also like to point that it has officially been one month since I arrived at sight, that in and of itself is quite the milestone.
Hate to rush the post but sleep is calling my name. I will hopefully write more soon.
