From the Philippines with Love

And I found myself laughing really hard because I see an analogy for my mid service crisis in a certain scene. In the beginning Will Ferrell's character falls from glory and takes a job performing in an ice show for children where he skates around with a big character head and a costume on. In the beginning of the show he looks fine like everyone else. But then the crisis occurs. Everyone happily skating around is my community and I am Will Ferrell, drunk and unhappy inside a costume throwing up and fucking up the entire show. Note: I am only figuratively drunk and throwing up. I just thought it was funny since everything seems to be going wrong at once.

My weekend begins tomorrow. It was a good day.

I tried to post this yesterday but in the developing world sometimes an internet connection may not cooperate. In case you guys ever wondered what Filipino money looks like here it is. I like it because it is colorful and the backs of them have national parks and natural wonders which is different than any money I have seen before and it appeases the environmentalist in me. Anyways I feel like I have a lot because somehow I have saved last month and this month. Which is lucky because I am going to meet up with some volunteers in Dumaguete for the 3 day weekend. We get Friday off because June 12 is Philippine independence day.

Getting mail tops the list. Today I was excited to see the mailman bring me a padded envelope from my aunt Victoria. Inside was a USB full of new movies I have been wanting to see like Gone Girl, Wild and Interstellar. So excited to watch Gone Girl tonight!

I don't post enough photos. Its more fun in the Philippines!

I have now had 3 friends send me messages asking me questions about serving because they are considering it now. The most frequently asked questions have been: 1.) Can I defer my student loans? Answer: yes 2.) Do I have to speak a language already? Answer: No, not necessarily. Although for certain regions like Latin America or French speaking Africa there are requirements of about 4 semesters worth of the pertinent romance language. 3.) Do you get paid? Answer: Technically no, but kind of. You receive living allowance in the local currency which is enough to cover all your expenses. If you save this it can add up to a lot for traveling. Also when you return to the US you receive a "readjustment allowance" of approximately $8000 dollars. So if anyone sees this and wants to ask anything about the peace corps, the Philippines specifically or anything else feel free to message me. There are days when I wake up and I can't imagine not having done this. It will change your life.

me: *stutters and fucks up a 5 word sentence*

Reblogged me and wrote "Monday motivation" and I just noticed that now. Well that's cool!!