X-posure!

I spent the last week in Bulalacao, a small fishing village which is only 4km from Kawayan but like another world. It's beautiful little place situated in a natural cove. Their main industry there is fishing and the production of children. There are so many kids (who barely left my side) that run wild like small mammals! But I enjoyed hanging out with them: swimming in the sea and eating sea urchins, napping under the Talisay tree, general frolicking and laughter. Also we have a new youth group there (4 total now). I'm getting concerened though because we can't just keep singing God songs forever. "But how can you teach us anything if you can't speak Bisaya?" one little fellow asked me in a mixture of his and my language. Very true, wise one, very true. Most people, especially the youth, I'm finding, speak less English than I thought they would since English is no longer the medium of instruction in class. I'm getting lazy with learning the lingo, but I know I must try harder.

Anyway the people of Bulalacao are very poor. Most of the men are fishers and each morning their tiny bangkas (boats) arrive on the rocky shore filled with large beasts of the deep (see new pics). Everyone gathers around to see the catch o' the day. The way of life there is so simple, so communal. Always people around to sit and talk with. I brought Don Quioxte thinking I'd need a diversion from the boredom but I barely had time to pick it up.

For the week I stayed with "Boy Lagao" and his family. Lagao is a very common type of fish, and he earned his name from his profession: fish seller/monger. Although poor, my host family was very generous, and had a certain dignity about them despite their circumstances. With four children in the house it was lively and I really felt like I was part of the family. Overall it was a great experience. ****1/2!

In other news, we distributed 15 piglets to families in the micro-credit livlihood project I've mentioned. The process went on not without drama, but all seems to be going smoothy now.

Also, we're painting the convent. It's good to pick up the ol' brush again.

And more, so much more, but my fingers and eyes grow tired...

Love 'n blessings to you all!