Day 30

Well alas here it is. My last day in the Philippines. As a great singer once sung "nobody told me there would be days like these!" No, not John Lennon, I mean Dave of course. I don't even know the original version of that song, I only know Dave's videoke version and a lot of us often times find ourselves just belting out those lyrics. Today was one of those days. 

Celine was up first packing and getting ready to head to the airport at 9am. We were all still cuddled up in our king down comforter bed, as she made her way collecting her things. It was a sad goodbye again, filled with long hugs and well wishes. At this point we were all awake, and eventually Sean came over to say good morning and start deciding our morning plans. We had 2 free breakfast buffets for our room, and 7 people to feed. The front desk said we could apply its worth to individual a la carte meals, but apparently the conversation got lost in translation and misinterpreted. Two of us could do the buffet while the rest would pay for a la carte. It was no big deal in the end. We gave Sean and Ashik the buffet breakfast, while we all ordered something small off the menu and they just brought back everything in sight for the table anyway. The pile of mangos weren't suspicious at all. So worth it. I got a bowl of oatmeal. I have been craving oatmeal for so long, and it was perfect. Along with French pressed coffee and cream. Delightful. We were all quite satisfied in the end. 

After breakfast we decided to spend the morning at the pool until we had to check out of our rooms at one. All of us had late flights and the hotel said they would store our bags for us until we left for the airport. The pool at the hotel is incredible! Complete with 2 deceivingly fast water slides, a waterfall, bridges to swim under and a lounging area in the middle where the pool wrapped around. The pillows and teacup like baskets that you could lay on couldn't have been anymore comfortable. The entire veranda overlooked Manila Bay, with hammocks that lined the water. It was a perfect way to spend our last morning. Sean and I particularly enjoyed the water slides. I took full advantage of that activity. 

Around 12:15 I went back up to the room with Brigitte and we were he first two to take shifts and shower one last time before departure. I made sure to make that last as well. Packing wasn't too terrible and all 4 girls managed to be completely out of the room by 1:05ish. Hey, we're girls, so this was an accomplishment. Ashik and Puspa were definitely antsy waiting in the lobby for us. We told them we'd be down by 1, and we got a phone call to our room exactly at 1 when we weren't downstairs. Haha, men. They will never understand "girl time." 

We decided to head over to the Mall of Asia for the afternoon, to walk around, see what it was all about and shop a little for Filipino handicrafts. I found 2 beautiful oil and canvas paintings of the Philippines that I purchased for my apartment, and a nice Philippines jogging jacket that could almost fool someone for mistaking me as an Olympic athlete for their country...minus the hair I suppose. The mall sat on another part of the bay, with carnival rides that lined the water. Inside they had more stores and restaurants that I have ever seem in my life, complete with a Dunkin Donuts. I felt at home when I saw that, but what really caught my eye was the ice rink they had smack dab in the middle of the mall. It made me want to put on a pair of skates and go out there right then. 

We walked around the mall and the area for quite sometime, occasionally going into stores that caught our eye. In the end, a mall is a mall no matter how big and fancy anywhere in the world. We sat outside by the bay for a bit and reflected on our trip. Discussing what we took away from it and how we have changed. I think we're all still absorbing all that we did and saw in the last month. My perspective has changed since going in the trip, and it really inspired me. I have an incredible appreciation and interest in global health, that I strive to continue to do and incorporate into my medical career. We talked about how different it will be going home and now seeing through different eyes the negativity and greed that surround the American culture. Especially after seeing those that have every reason and more to be negative turning out to be the most positive and happiest of people. Not to mention the most beautiful. It's not about what you have or don't have, it's not about where you live and who you know. Those that look for happiness in those things will never find it. What was reaffirmed for me is my absolute love and passion for medicine and for people. Knowing that I am going to get to wake up each and everyday doing what I love, is happiness. 

After we took the time to enjoy reflecting on our trip, we made our way back into the mall to grab something small to eat so we wouldn't have to grab dinner before our flights. We stopped at a Mediterranean restaurant and got grilled chicken gyros. At this point we were all desiring something that wasn't Asian style cuisine, and it was perfect. Heather who got Starbucks earlier in the day, wasn't feeling well and brought her order back with us when we left. We managed to get back to the hotel around 5:30, with an hour to spare before Heather, Sean and Brigitte had to go to the airport. They are going to Thailand together, which will be without a doubt amazing. 

On another side note lets discuss the driving while in Manila. We are all quite lucky to be alive. Traffic lanes are outline but don't really exist, people just drive almost in to one another until one car gives in. It's like a constant game of chicken. Traffic lights are also optional. Our cab driver decided red meant go for him today, so they seem optional as well. Yesterday while driving through Manila, we went the wrong way down one way streets into oncoming traffic, and today apparently if your exit on a roundabout going counter clockwise is to the left of you, don't bother going all the way around. Just go into the oncoming traffic and take that left exit. I want to say we are lucky to be alive but I think they do know what they are doing despite my lack of faith in their driving abilities. 

Once back at the hotel we sat out on the lounge chairs by the bay and watched the sunset until we bid our goodbyes to the three of them. Daniella and I were now the last left. Representing FAU all the way. Sean gave me his mango as a parting gift which was much appreciated. Daniella and I hung out and walked around the hotel a bit before sitting in the sports bar, getting a mocha and a pot of tea and charging on electronics and talking before we had to leave ourselves. The can ride was again another eventful one. Children came up and pressed their faces on our cab windows begging for money (Daniella gave them some cereal bars she had), and our cab driver almost ran into a railing. Nevertheless we made it to the airport in one piece on time. 

Security was at the door and as soon as my luggage went through the scanner they stopped me, looked at me with suspicion and asked if I had large knives in my bags. Well yes, of course I did. They were my hand carved Filipino machetes. The security man tool me and brought me to another line, told me to wait there and went over to another man where he whispered amongst themselves. He came back and just told me to wait in the line to check my bag and have to safe trip. I'm glad he didn't find me to threatening. My bag was under 50lbs which was a miracle in itself and my mango wasn't taken away by the mango sniffing beagles. It was a success thus far. Well until we got to immigration and they noticed that we had overstayed our welcome and didn't have visas. They lady was just a complete moron, even after I explained how her office had told us when we came and requested visas to get them when we leave and not on arrival. She just kept repeating to me how many days I overstayed. Yeah I got it lady, and now you're charging us $30 more. It wasn't worth arguing, I didn't feel like being denied leaving the country so Daniella and I just paid the extra fee and got through to our terminal. We changed into more comfortable clothing and shopped around before heading to the gate. 

There was more security at our gate which as unexpectedly. They went through every carry on bag and opened and took everything out. I still got to keep my mango, and this was just the best thing ever. Then they sent me over to a man that had me sit down and asked me to take off my shoes. I thought we wanted my foot, so I put them up on the stand for him and Daniella burst out laughing and so did the security man. He wanted me shoes. Haha, well I could have used a foot massage. The first flight was 4 hours to Guam, and I was packed in a middle seat. Not the most comfortable but I was too tired to notice. Twenty five hours of flying until I am back in Washington, DC and all I want to do when I get there is to for a run.  As redundant as it may seem, for I go on about this in each entry, this past month was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Our clinic made an impact on well over 2000 patient lives in the month that we were here, and that feeling is unmatched to anything. Dr. Schuster and his family, the group of students from Tulane, FIU and FAU and all of the Filipino's that helped and were part of our little community that we created made it one amazing trip. We have all been discussing already our reunion to the Philippines in the future together, and our plans to continue supporting the Bicol clinic foundation. Until then, Ill miss the clinic and the patients, the procedures and experience.  I'll miss the 4th years and physicians I had as mentors that helped sculpt my clinical skills. I'll miss Mamma Tess's cooking, the sweetest fruits picked locally and nights filled singing along with one another to videoke. I'll miss waking up in a room with 4-5 other girls, getting my hair braided by Daniella or Heather, and the shrieks that would come from our bathroom when someone had a bug attack them. I'll miss the early runs filled with smiling faces shouting good morning to me while the kids try to run alongside. I'll miss the impeccable view of the mountains, rice fields, bays and ocean. I'll miss being greeted when I come home from clinic by a large group of children screaming "JACK-EE-LYN" that was shortly followed by being tackled with hugs. I'll miss the Jeepney rides on the roof and being followed by our filipino bodyguards everywhere we went. And with all the things I'll miss, I'll go back inspired and with a new perspective that will make me into that much better of a physician and person. So here it is, my last of entry as I sit on my second flight on the way to a stop in Hawaii, thinking about everything that I have done and where in the world my next trip will take me. Until then, Barbie is going to enjoy the next few weeks of summer (and get allergy tested) before second year anxiety kicks in. 

Salamat Po Philippines!

The pool

The water slide

Mall of Asia skating rink

Woo a DD!

Manila

My last Filipino mango

Day 29

Today was an early start as we all got up to get ready and packed at 5:30am.  Passport? Phone? Myself? Ok I had everything. It was a quiet morning amongst all of us. We sat and soaked in one last breakfast overlooking a glassy Sorsogon bay, only disturbed by the few fishermen who were out already starting their days work. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone, as we gave hug after hug and kisses on the cheeks, thanking the huge family we've come to love this past month. Alana and Jack Jack were there to send us off and say goodbye. Alana's mother came up to me, thanking me for being so sweet with Alana. She went on to tell me how much Alana talks about me and loves spending time with me. That meant so much. Her and Jack jack are such great kids and I loved spending so much time with them.

Once all our goodbyes were made we piled our belongings into the Jeepney and climbed onto the roof for one last adventurous ride to Legaspi. Dodging branches down the windy road we took occasionally went unseen and smacked us in the head on the way. It is always exciting riding on top of the Jeepney, and you for sure have to stay alert or will find yourself face to face with a banana tree leaf. The morning was crystal clear and perfect as we drove into Legaspi. Mayon volcano was in clear view as we got closer and closer to the domestic airport. It is one outstanding volcano, and looks so incredibly steep. Some smoke was coming out the top of it too. Apparently some German hikers who aspired to climb to the top died a few weeks ago when we were here. Seeing it in person, it looked intimidating to climb. I wouldn't be that brave. My Dante's Peak adventures will be left to my imagination where Piece Brosnon can be the hero. Ill watch from afar, or on TV. It was another impeccable sight to see though. 

We got to the airport, checked in and boarded our flight in a relatively short time. The flight was smooth and easy. Only 45 minutes long and a nice taste of what to expect when I sit on a plane for 25 hours tomorrow night. Good lord why can't I be Harry Potter and just aparate home? It's a brutal flight, and if the movies are anything like they were coming here, there isn't much to look forward to. We took a taxi to our hotel in Manila, the Sofitel and let me tell you this place is AMAZING! The lobby itself is impressive with the hanging chandeliers, spiral staircases, and orchids everywhere that fill the air with the sweetest of smells. It was like Alice and wonderland, from one extreme to another. Once we got our rooms and settled in, we went straight to the lunch buffet that they serve. A buffet is an understatement! They have foods stations with gourmet options from all types of cuisines. Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese, sushi, Thai, a gourmet cheese stand, and every dessert possible. From frozen yogurt, Ice cream, 3 fondue fountains, cakes, past dries and a candy station to name the least. I gained 20 pounds starring at all of it and it was so worth it! The French scallop with leeks that was presented in a small black iron cauldron was my favorite. Then there was all types of breads and dipping oils and hummus and a salad bar that you could only dream of. Best part yet was the froyo! I've been craving it and it was like a Filipino pinkberry! I finished off the meal with a hot cup of tea and milk. It was delightful. How I've craved and missed my daily cup of tea. My dreams came true and ended with a very full belly. That was soon to be exercised off after a day of exploring Manila!

We all dispersed for a short while after lunch, some using the free wifi in the lobby while others like me went back to the room and laid on the wonderful down comforter bed. That became more popular as Jessica, Celine, Brigitte and I cuddled and napped while we waited for everyone to be ready to go out. We all headed to the lobby to decide where we wanted to go. We were looking for a Filipino market with authentic crafts and souvenirs we could haggle for and bring home with us. The online resources we looked up previously as well as some recommendations by the concierge led us to a place called Tesoro in metro Manila. The concierge gave us a map to follow with its location circled clearly for us, (it was only a 10 minute ride from the hotel) and we proceeded to hail a taxi and make out way there. Well this turned into quite the adventure. It took 2 taxis to fit all of us and neither one of the drivers who claimed to know where they were going did. Eventually they just pulled over, told us it was right down the street and dropped us off somewhere. It was not anywhere near our destination we came to learn and good thing there are no street signs anywhere in sight. Manila is an interesting city. It is quite dirty and doesn't have the most pleasant smell. The streets are crowded, filled with trash and to say the least being the city girl that I am, I did not feel particularly safe walking around there. We went up to security guards and anyone that looked somewhat like a store owner or could speak English to ask for directions to this shop. No one knew what we were even talking about and we all started to believe this place just didn't exist. It wasn't until Dan found someone who did know that led us the way. I'm pretty sure she was a prostitute, from the way she was dressed and the amount of "nightclubs" in the area, but hey at least she got us to our destination....which was like 8 blocks the other direction from where we were dropped off. Our journey there was as interesting as our time there. We all stuck out like sore thumbs. We even past a place where a whole swat team with like giant machine guns were running out and telling us to back up as they got into their armoires vehicles. Again the safety thing was not at all felt. Getting to the shop was an accomplishment and it was definitely worth it in the end. They had a lot of great things to haggle for and buy and I got some great souvenirs. Some of the guys except Ashik left to go back to the hotel as us girls decided to explore a little more and shop around. It was quite the adventure. If you ever go to the Philippines, go outside of Manila to really get the experience and enjoy the people and culture. We went to a few more stores just browsing and enjoying ourselves before we hailed another cab to go back to the hotel. 

Once back we all took turns taking our most needed and anticipated showers. It was such a treat and I loved every minute of it. Hey it's the little things in life that your learn to appreciate. Once we were all showed and ready, we began the night's festivities. There was a small casino and sports bar in the hotel and we all spent a great amount of the night there, playing pool and foosball, enjoying each other's company for one last time as a group (until our New Orleans reunion of course). Dan had a flight at midnight to catch so we had to say our goodbyes around 9pm. Later we even got some sports bar food like mozzarella sticks and nachos to share (no one was that hungry after such a phenomenal lunch). We thought the Sofitel had a nightclub but apparently they got rid of it a few months ago so we ventured over to Le Bar across the hotel where they had a piano playing with an accompanying singer. I ordered myself a pot of tea which was delightful as we listened to one phenomenal singer belt out Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey songs all requested by ourselves. Her voice was unbelievable and it was such a fun and wonderful way to top off the night. Dr. Schuster and his family had a 6am flight and all came in around 3am to say their goodbyes. They have been absolutely wonderful, and I really can't thank him and his family enough for all that they have done for us this entire trip. He is quite an incredible physician, and I've come to believe there isn't much that he cannot do, that has been inspirational for us all.

Tomorrow we have another full day in Manila. Celine leaves in the morning, while the rest of us who are left leave in the evening. Daniella and I are the last to least the country. I can't believe it's almost over. 

Mayon volcano

The hotel

The Food....which isn't even the half of it

The nightly activities

Downtown metro Manila 

Day 28

I woke up at 6am and laid in bed for a while before getting up and putting on workout clothes to go for a run. This was my last day in the Bicol region of the Philippines and therefore my last run here. I won't say ever, because I know I'll be coming back someday. I definitely want to. I made it a meaningful one, because this may be my new favorite place to run. The beautiful contrast of the blue sky and blinding green brush is unlike anywhere else I've been. And as I ran through the streets, down my typical route the people as per usual waves hello and yelled good morning as I passed their homes. The children cheered and ran alongside me as far and fast as they could. The smiles and pure joy they showed from just seeing me run past them was unbelievable. I'm not sure a DC run can compare. No one there even makes eye contact as they walk down the streets looking at their shoes....and sadly that is what I thought was normal. At least the monuments and scenery will keep me occupied, but I'm really going to miss starting. My days off in such an uplifting way.

I almost forgot! I woke up and had little to rash! I couldn't have been happier. There is some residual hyper pigmentation on my legs but hey I'll take it over my state of being the last 2 days. Once I was done with my run and showered, I got ready to head up to clinic with everyone. I had ready packed my suitcase that would be taken by bus to Manila, and will only take a carry on with me for the domestic flight. Cleaning up clinic didn't take to long. We just sorted things, threw things away, moved all the furniture and locked up the rooms. With all of us together the process only lasted about an hour-hour and a half. It was only like 10am when we went back to the dorms so the whole day was ahead of us. We planned to go on the boat for some of the afternoon. Everyone finished packing and we got on our bathing suits to embark on one last boat ride across Sorsogon bay. It was actually the first boat ride on a perfectly blue skied day. It was fantastic. I tried to keep covered since I'm on the Prednisone. I wrapped a T-shirt around my head. I looked like a pirate. We made a pit stop in the middle of the bay to swim for a while in the salty water. I can safely make the statement that I have not been stung by a jellyfish this entire trip! As for getting everything else? Yeah, I tend to go against the norm and get some weird illness or problem. My body just can't follow he crowd and do what everyone else's does. After swimming we took a long ride around part of the bay (it's huge!) which was so relaxing. The small homes and beautiful jungle was just one more thing to absorb before leaving. It's hard to believe that I won't eat my meals anymore overlooking the incredible view of the bay, jungle mountains and volcano. I have a nice view of a CVS though back in Boca. Yeah, not at all. We were on the boat for a while before heading back to the dorms for lunch. 

We had the entire afternoon ahead of us to do whatever we pleased. Most either napped or read or just hung around so I took the opportunity to do insanity. Jack Jack joined me in the room to watch and looked so sad. I asked what was wrong and he asked "are you going back to America tomorrow?" I told him yes I was, but we would always be friends. He started to tear up. Sorry Shaun T, my water break had to be a little longer during this workout. That broke my heart. I gave him a big hug. He's a great kid and I will miss him and his sister Alana so much. 

The rest of the afternoon was pretty relaxed. I took my last bucket shower ever and look forward to a warm regular shower in Manila tomorrow. It'll be weird to have all he luxuries again when I'm home. Going to bed and watching the daddy long legs that live on the ceiling above me (I have come to an agreement with them and decided they can live) so they can eat all the bad bugs and flies that would otherwise bother me as I sleep. We need more of them in our clinic to eat the flies that like to land on my ankles and bother me. Nevertheless, I loved every minute. This is definitely the way to see a country. You need to go for a few weeks and really emerge yourself in the culture and lifestyle, breaking away from the tourist attractions and really engaging with the people and their lifestyle. Anyone can travel and see a country but their missing out on living and experiencing one. Getting away from the "American comforts" and luxuries is often times eye opening, and the people you meet and befriend are irreplaceable. I would love to do more medical trips and travel and see the world. There is so much more out there that I want to see, and I'm always welcome to having a buddy to travel with.

Later on Dr. Schuster took us girls down to the rocks during low ride on the bay to see and explore a small cave. It was fun to hike around and explore. We had a lot of the afternoon left before dinner so Daniela, Celine and I started a happy hour early around 4 and enjoyed some good girl talk...well until Sean came to join and we just continued to make his ears bleed with our nonsense. I thoroughly enjoyed that. The kids started to come over and play with all of us. I took that opportunity and played with all the kids. Jack jack, Alana, and Kayla were all jumping around and just LOVE taking pictures. I gave Alana my iPhone and now have 100 more photos from her artistic mastery of photography at the age of 5. A lot more of the kids joined and they love chasing me around and jumping on me and tickling. We have a great time. I always tell people that I don't want kids which really pushes my moms buttons and gets quite the awe factor from people....but let's face it, I really do love kids. I can't hide it. And as we were taking pictures, Jasper the 14 year old girl who is the AMAZING dancer at all the discos we've hosted was off behind the building by herself. Her friend told me to go over because she was crying. When I walked over, she gave me a huge hug and was upset about us leaving tomorrow for home. I cannot believe all the love and what a family we have all become. It was a pretty emotional day at times. Some of the kids are very young, and it will be sad to think how disappointed they'll be when they no longer see us in a few days. I wish the absolute best for all of them. I've never met such a great group of kids and I hope one day when I visit to see them again. We had a great rest of the night hanging out, getting our picture rising by Alana and laughing amongst one another.

The last dinner here was nothing less then superb, and Momma Tess even got us ice cream. Eating is another thing that will not be as good when I get home. Goodbye delicious hot meals, hello cereal and oatmeal! Dr. Schuster read us some of the poetry that he has written on his own and it was unbelievable. They were from a physicians perspective, and absolutely beautiful, it gave me chills. He should publish his work, it is that good.

The rest of the night was spent with everyone huddled into the girls room. Sean ended up being the last of us to get sick, and missed dinner. Hopefully he'll feel better tomorrow for traveling. We just talked, ate popcorn that Jessica king brought to us and enjoyed one another's company for our last night here. We leave for Manila tomorrow morning, and spend almost two days there to explore. Goodbye Bicol clinic, this trip has been nothing less then inspiring. 

The kids from my last run

Our wonderful clinic

The boat ride

Sean, Brigitte and me

Daniella, Heather and me

Brigitte and me

Daniella, Dan and me

Kayla and Alana

My favorite kids

Last night view

Day 27

Today was a beach! In every way possible. It was the first time in the past few nights that I actually slept through the whole thing which was nice. Until I woke up to look at myself in the 5x5" mirror in our bathroom. I had hives EVERYWHERE ON MY BODY! Including my face. I contemplated just sitting there and crying for a minute but decide to get dressed and do something. Dr. Schuster, Ashik and Sean saw my new worsened state and recommended that I take a steroid like Prednisone as the next step in treating this. Plus I've been taking Benadryl, I took 50mg before beds at night and bathed in hydrocortisone cream so I as hoping it would improve not worse . I couldn't just sit around so again I decided to go for a run. It was like my way of figuratively running away. That's why I love doing it, it takes my mind off things. On my cool down as I walked back to the dorms I totally cried to myself. It wasn't helping though that Puspa and Ashik were telling me hat they think this could be an autoimmune skin disease that could take 6-8 weeks to clear. 

When I finally composed myself I sat down and managed to eat something for breakfast....like a half piece of toast and not much else. I'm not taking my chances anymore. This is just ridiculous. As I sat and ate in the dining room, Dr. Schuster, Ashik and Heather all stood outside the glass doors analyzing me and discussing what it may be from and the next plan of treatment I should do. I felt like one of those aliens that was captured and analyzed by Will Smith and the President in the movie "Independence day" sitting in my glass cage. Plus when people come up to you and go "OMG WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR SKIN?" You know something is wrong.

Today we were all planning to go to the beach and we had invited all the translators, nurses and pharmacists from our clinic to join and their children as well as the children that come to our dorms to play. I had to motivate myself to go in the state I was in. It was our last day together so it didn't take really anything to convince me. Here I was with no makeup, frizzy hair, covered in a horrible red, patchy rash all over my body on a day where my inherently self conscious self had to be in a bikini and yet all the Filipino's just told me how pretty and beautiful I was. They didn't gawk and state, and after showing concern and wishing me good health and well being they forgot about it, which made me forget about it. They see beauty differently and it really made me feel better. I've learned so much from them and I to see beauty differently. The Filipino's are some of the most beautiful people I the world. I am really going to miss all of them.

We rode to the beach packed in the Jeepney. Dr. Schuster stopped at clinic to get me the Prednisone which I started taking. The ride to the beach, Alana the little girl that ways plays with me sat on my lap and we both fell asleep. Jack Jack was next to me. I blame the Benadryl, it gets to me. Once we arrived we got ourselves a few cabanas and starts the activities. I was being pretty conservative with my condition. I stayed out of the sun and didn't go in the water. I really don't need any more issues, and if doing nothing is what it takes so be it. I was a leper. It was fun regardless. The beach was breathtakingly beautiful, with mountains from another island in the distance, only breaking to open to the ocean that poured into the small inlet. I played scrabble with some of the translators for a while and walked the shoreline before lunch was ready. Tess set up a BBQ and it was delicious. I loved he grilled cabbage (probably my Polish roots shining through) and the grilled pork and bananas were fantastic. After lunch Celine, Heather and Daniella took a nap while Brigitte, Sean and Dan were playing in the water with the volleyball. I decided to do a case study on myself and submerge myself halfway in the salt water, hoping the ocean water would have a healing effect. We'll see tomorrow I suppose. My skin did start looking better. The rash was gone from my face, neck and chest but I said i thought it was improving last night and here I was this morning a puffy red mess. I'm hoping this Prednisone stuff works. I hate medications and taking them....and that Cipro (if that is the reason for all this) is a great reason to back my argument. 

We left and started heading back to the dorms as it was getting late. It was hard to think this is the last time I may see all of our wonderful staff members, as they became like family. I will just have to come back. I rode on he top of the Jeepney, soaking in the wild ride down the beautiful windy roads of the Philippines. I hope riding in my wrangler with the top down is just as exciting as it used to be when I get home to the US. When we got back to the dorms some of us relaxed while others worked out. I did insanity and a few of he kids joined in again, running and jumping and giggling all through it. How will insanity ever be the same back in the states? I should bring some of the kids home with me. Daniella braided Alana's hair and we all cleaned up before dinner. I had to pack my suitcase for tomorrow morning because some of the Filipino's will be driving all the luggage to Manila. It was bittersweet. I'm definitely going to miss the Philippines. Even with this blog, I cannot put into words what an incredible experience this has been, and all that I have learned and gained not just from a medial standpoint but from a life changing standpoint. I have a lot of their people to thank for that.

Jeepney ride with my best kids

The cabanas

Scrabble game

The iPhone doesn't pick up my hideous rash from far away! Hooray!

Slightly failed picture

Adorable child

Sleeping girls

The beautiful beach