Forte and I have fond memories of sharing our culture with our school community during International Night, and how our Lola would travel all the way from Texas to visit and help out. When our Lola passed away while I was in elementary school, we lost our connection to our Filipino culture. When I joined the Peace Corps to work in the Philippines, I was really excited because it meant that I could reconnect with my Lola's culture and our family in the Philippines.
During my three month long training for the Peace Corps, I coincidentally, was living 30 minutes away from my extended family in Bagac, Bataan. Through Facebook, I was able to connect with our relatives! They welcomed me with big smiles and open arms, and I was able to meet most of my Lola's siblings (she had 8!). One of the best days I've had in the Philippines was when my family in Bagac hosted a party to introduce me to the rest of our family. There was lots of yummy food, tons of videoke (since Filipinos love to sing) and I got to see my family's farm.
To be able to know my family in the Philippines, to understand their language, beliefs, and practices and then to continue sharing this knowledge with my family and with you means the world to me! Peace Corps provides me the opportunity to learn about different people and become a better and more patient person. There is always more to learn about the world and all the different people and cultures in it. As you go through the school years, make sure to keep an open mind, and be respectful and curious! I hope you can share your beliefs and culture with your class and your friends, just like I shared the Philippines' with you :)
Goodbye for now.
