I’ve been here before.
I’ve seen the puffy white clouds, the coffee spread out on the streets, and the banana trees throughout town.
I’ve heard the booming thunderstorms that echo across the sky and have heard the pouring rain that pounds on the tin roof.
I’ve felt the cold showers and have heard the Americano cat calls.
I’ve performed prenatal visits and have seen babies delivered.
I’ve dealt with no power, the many mosquito bites, the mosquito nets and the everyday malaria pill.
I’ve heard the chirping birds that wake me up in the morning and have seen the thousands of stars at night.
I’ve felt the stillness and the peace of being in God’s presence. I’ve worshiped on the patios with friends.
I’ve been here before… and I love it just the same (or even more).
K… as my grandpa would say, I’ll “get off my soapbox now.”
Now… Here are some interesting facts about Filipino culture:
- Middle names are always your mother’s maiden name. I would be Lianna Joy Deyong Tanis. Wowsers.
- They say “yes” by raising eyebrows. I’ve picked up this habit, so beware, family, when I get back ;)
- It’s actually polite to be late… 30 minutes is acceptable. (It’s not as “bad” as African time, but it’s definitely different than U.S. time)
- Pedestrians never have the right a way- no matter what. This is very different than China and I have to be careful not to just start walking in the street. In China, they’ll stop for you. Not here they won’t, not matter how white you are.
- It’s rude not to eat the food offered. Tonight, I ate goat meat mixed with all of its intestines. You can always wash it down with rice and I’ve gotten good at hiding my grossed out expressions. Eww.
- Coke is the new water. People will always offer it and serve it.
- It’s customary to remove shoes when entering a house. We have special inside slippers, outside shoes, comfort room shoes (bathroom) and birthing room shoes. Holy shoes bat man.
- It is common for Filipinos to eat with their hands. I was finally getting good at eating rice with chopsticks, and now I get to use my fingers? I feel like I’m cheating J
- Armpits are always shaved. Legs are not. (Maybe that’s why I like it here so much… I fit in well).
- Personal cleanliness is a must. Filipinos won’t leave the house unless they’re perfectly groomed. You will never meet a smelly Filipino, which is impressive especially in this heat. Also, wet hair is a sign that you’ve showered that morning, so most of the midwives go to work with wet hair.
- When entering a room with people talking, you “pass through” by clasping your hands, bending low and walking quickly through. It’s like you are parting the red sea with a shark fin in front of you.
- Jeans and an ironed shirt is fancy church clothes’
- Filipinos have a holistic perspective instead of a linear one. Example: It is normal for them to show up late to a film to watch the ending, then stay for the next showing to watch it from the beginning. They’d rather enjoy it knowing that it will end happy or sad, so there are no surprises.
- At McDonalds, they serve spaghetti as a side dish.
These are just a handful of some of the Filipino customs that we are learning while staying here. I’m sure we’ll pick up on many more with the month in a half to come.
Thanks for reading! I’ve been in a blogging mood today, so there are a couple more blogs posted below. Love you guys. Sending hugs and kisses from Tabuk.