My friend is starting a term with the Peace Corps in the summer, and found out a short time ago that he will be going somewhere in the Philippines. When he first told me, I was so excited to hear the news, not just because the Philippines now hold a special place in my heart, but for all the other reasons like the opportunities and experiences he’ll have. Hearing him talk about the excitement of going to the Philippines for the first time made me want to go back all the more.
I know that I’ll be studying and working in the US over the next year or so, for various logistic reasons, but I can’t shake the feeling that I want to go back to the Philippines. Not only do I want to return to Mindanao, but I want to be able to explore further the rest of the country, learn the language better, and see more of the people and culture in which we were more or less dumped earlier this year. I think I certainly have a much better handle on the Philippine culture than others I know, and even myself just a few months ago, I know that there is so much more that I still have yet to learn and I hope to have that opportunity in the future, and hopefully soon.
Not the last time.
The experience of preparing for, going to, and reflecting on the Mindanao trip has basically consumed my life for the past few months, and I feel a certain level of investment of which I am not yet ready to let go. I’m still on the edge of my seat about what will happen in the peace processes, the multinational corporations, the tri-people, the peace education system, and all the people of Mindanao, and – even if it doesn’t happen for some time – I’m making a point that is won’t be the only time I visit and learn about the area.