I arrive!

Last Saturday I arrived M'tarem after I finished my language course in Baguio. Between Baguio and M'tarem I was one week for sharing and information’s in Alaminos. That's the place where the Bishop is living. So I also met him several times and I was invited to go to other parishes together with him. So I learn more and more about "my" new home here. Most of the people are very nice and open. They like to share information’s about other people. Sometimes it's also difficult to have conversation without being too indiscreet.

When I came into the house - indeed it's very big - it was totally empty, except some furniture. There was neither drinking water left nor gas for cooking. Also no food in the house. So first I put down all my stuff and went to the next sari-sari store. Sari-sari means: mix-mix. They have some food and some drinks just for surviving. Of course it is also surviving of the owners! But this time it was really my survival.

After the first night in the house, I went to mass at 6 o'clock. After my breakfast in town I went to Barangay (Barrio/quarter) together with some sisters. I had to visit some patient which I have not seen 4 a long time. And I also was speaking with people around. After some hours there we went home. The sisters invited me for supper. After a prayer I went home to sleep.

The next day I had already schedules with people from social action of the parish. We went to a far Barangay to visit some tuberculosis patients. The whole family is affected. But some of them had already some treatment. Therefore we have to find solutions together and to involve the right experts.

Sometimes it's quite hard for me to understand the Pilipino way and how it works. Who is the right person for something? But after a time I will understand and also I'm much more able to give some good advises or to ask the right questions.

I really have to say, that I appreciate that country very much. I like the food, which reminds me so often to the Camino of Santiago de Compostela in Spain - because of the seafood and the way how to cook. I like maybe much more the climate here then in Switzerland. I also enjoy the new language and my first steps to speak with the people. I love the live here. I really miss all my friend abroad (in Switzerland and all over the world).

Tomorrow I'll go to an other Barangay, which I visited already three times. But it's quite far away and I need 40 minutes to go there. I'm excited to visit the people and to speak with them.

Anna @ 04.07.2007 07:01 CEST
Dear Martin!
Your story is indeed interesting and thrilling! I envy your wide life experience with new places, people, food, languages etc.
Wish i could give a look on your surroundings.
Know for sure you help people paying all your attention and they return you affection.

My best regards to you and welfare you do!

God bless you!