I can hardly believe it. It’s been three months since we boarded a plane in little old Minnesota, sprinted through the Chicago airport with overpacked carry-ons to catch our flight to Seoul, and finally bopped on over to our temporary home for a year: Cebu, Philippines.
Three months. That’s roughly 90 days, or 2,160 hours, or 532,403,851 dog barks, depending on how much sleep I’ve gotten.
That’s one fourth of a year.
That’s crazy.
Here are some of our collective thoughts from the first quarter – mine first, Bjork’s second, written separately.
Best thing we’ve purchased: a moped/ the motorcycle. (Technically it’s called a motard. <– First and last time I’ll say that word on this blog.)
Thing that we still need to purchase: anything for the walls/ a refrigerator that works.
Thing we wish we would have brought more of: plain T-shirts/ shirts.
Thing I shouldn’t have brought: shoes with heels/ my stash of cords or an extra large bottle of fish oil pills that I haven’t taken.
Best Filipino food I’ve eaten: turron (fried banana)/ Maja (white corn dessert).
Thing that’s been the hardest: pollution and dense population/ people everywhere you go.
Thing that’s been the best: the kids/ spending time at the shelter.
Thing that’s been surprising: it’s dark by 6pm, year round/ how early people get up.
Favorite restaurant in Cebu: Maya/ Maya.
Favorite thing to do on a Friday night: sushi and Netflix/ sushi and Netflix. (This could also be classified as the only thing we do on a Friday night.)
Most heebie jeebie moment: walking through dark and dirty street water up to my calves/ a cockroach and a rat running along the curb together.
Thing I miss the most: efficient systems and long walks around the lake/ friends and family.
Thing I’m looking forward to in the next nine months: watching a few of my students meet their forever families/ getting to know the kids better.
We have so much to be thankful for. Like you! Thanks for checking in. Yummy fried potatoes comin’ up tomorrow!
I put my foot on the brake a half dozen times while watching the video. Glad you have transportation. Great choice of music for the video. I guess the family will be mailing you teeshirts for the holiday. You are just great people. Great post.
I have so loved watching your journey!! It’s pretty hard to imagine two more different places than Minnesota and Cebu! I have been meaning to write to say how much I appreciate your monthly snapshot, and the tips and resources you provide. Just in case you ever wonder if anyone uses them, I DO!!!! 🙂 In fact, you have helped SO MUCH! I pour my heart into my blog, but I am completely Amish when it comes to technology, so I pore over your links and suggestions like I’m back in college and going to be tested! Again, congratulations on 3 whole months, and hope you canfind a secondary use for those Fish Oil pills, lol!
Has it really been 3 months? I feel like you guys just left yesterday! And as for sushi and Netflix, that might be the best thing to do every night 🙂
Turon and maja blanca, cool! You should try some palitau next…
So fun hearing about your adventures in Cebu! I was highly entertained by the “motard” comment. That video is CRAZY and I’m so glad you guys are smart enough to wear helmets! Anyway, keep up the great work and I will be praying for you guys!
Seriously, who came up with that name?! 🙂 Thanks so much for your prayers! We appreciate it!
I tear up every time I read your thoughts on being in Cebu. I spent a year in Africa, and although it was incredibly trying and frustrating at times, it also holds some of my favorite memories.
I’ve loved getting to know you throughout the last 3 months… and oh boy, what an amazing journey you two are on! You’ll remember and cherish this year for a lifetime!!! 🙂 xoxo
Thanks Rachael! 🙂
I find it so inspiring that you are living in Cebu for the children!
Oh my word you guys!!! We just watched the moped video!!!! I was freaking out!! You almost got hit! How do you get used to driving a moped in the Cebu chaos??!!
Your very amazed Cambridge family,
Viesselman’s
3 months already, WOW! Great post.
Hi!
I’m so glad you are settling in.
The rat thing I couldn’t handle!
Seeing the video…… I think I would be walking everywhere. WoW.
Have a Joyful Day :~D
Charlie
Hello fellow Minnesotan! I’ve really been enjoying your new adventure abroad. I’ve been wanting to do something like that for a long time and hopefully it will manifest soon.
You forgot to add:
Thing I won’t miss most in the next nine months: SNOW & FREEZING TEMPS
Hahaha – so true! I always love the first snow but after that things go downhill quickly…
I love your blog posts. I lived in S. Korea for a year and have been in Belgium now for a little over three years. For each country I can say there are many things that are done more efficiently than the US but nothing beats home and a proper clothes dryer! P.S. Your dinner pancakes are my go-to pancake recipe! Love love love them!
Oh gosh. I would pay a lot of money to smell a fresh towel right now. And glad to hear you like the pancakes! Thanks for the comment – it’s fun to hear from people with similar experiences from around the world. 🙂
Congrats, Lindsay and Bjork, on three months. It’s so fun to read about your experiences, and scary to see that moped video. Enjoy your time over there and keep up the great blogging and photos!
Jack and the Lee family
We are at about the 3 month mark of being in the Philippines too, and I would agree with just about everything on your list! Amazing! Love it!
Haha! I forgot to say that I laughed especially hard at the total number of dog barks…I hear that! Oh dogs!