July 17, 2011 Welcome to Barangay Colo, Dinalupihan, Bataan

We pulled into another barangay, this one larger, more permanent, and it extends back into the countryside further, maybe several blocks. We are in Colo! This is where we are to serve and train for the next 2 months. We are earlier than expected, so our host families have not arrived yet, but a very nice woman greets us, explaining the situation and introducing herself as Lillian, the Barangay Captain's Secretary.

Barangay Captain: think Andy of Mayberry in the Philippines. Whenever there is a dispute, like someone steals someones fighting cock, he is called in, Lillian in tow, to work out resolution. Lillian records it: Mani stole Roni's rooster, Mani replaces the cock and promises to pay 3,000 pesos in addition or his 4 dogs will be confiscated. So Lillian is in the know, here.

She says she wishes she could offer us chairs, but they are locked in the Barangay Hall, here, and the captain hasn't arrived with the key. She looks at all these hot, sweaty, tired Americans and calmly walks over to the locked door and pries the nails out of the lock and opens the door. Doesn't that seem like something I would do?

Chairs are handed out and we sit in the shade, waiting for all the host families to arrive. Eventually, we were welcomed by representatives of the community and we formally thanked them for welcoming us into their community. Representatives from our group spoke a return thank you.

I was so exhausted, at this point, that everything seemed dreamlike. We had been through so much activity and emotion and were only now at the culminating point: I was stepping into the life of a family I had never met, in developing-world conditions. I could not fathom what this would be like. I was very grateful for the chair. And my fellow Trainees, and the shade of the tree we were under. And Lillian in charge..But I really did feel a little orphaned. And to add to that the Host Families had started to gather around us, talking to each other quietly as they looked us over. What were they seeing? Well... hot, sweaty, tired and and hungry! Americans, as it was now midday and we hadn't eaten since 6.

Finally, all Host Families had gathered.

The Barangay Captain arrived and gave a brief speech of welcome. Then our side gave a couple of speeches of gratitude. We played a matching game to pair up with our host families. I'll be with Lillian, the lock hacker!

Then, thankfully, we all had merienda, which this time was a thick rice pudding you eat with your hands. It's like a very stiff pie filling without crust.  And we had water! 
PS I will load some pics as I can. It is very difficult with the equipment and internet here. Ali

PC Trainees, waiting for our Host Families to arrive for the Welcome Ceremony.

Lucky me! Lillian Dela Cruz is my "Host Mother".