When I first decided to move to Cebu, one of my sisters was furious, kind of still is. She asked, “Why is a Jewish woman going to the Philippines?!” She made me promise not to go to Mindinao. It is now Rosh Hashanah of my second year and on some level she was right. The Philippinos are not anti-Semitic, they like the Israelis because they have helped in emergencies. What they are is clueless. Like my students that knew I was Jewish, but still gave me Christmas cards, they can’t believe someone doesn’t celebrate Christmas.
I celebrated Rosh Hashanah at Moalboal. Also staying at Cora’s Palm Court was Eshay, an Israeli man, about 50. I shared my apples and honey with him. We ate dinner together, discussing how people here don’t know about Jews, the holocaust, or understand Israel, guess that is true of many people, throughout the world. It is a bit alienating when all of that is near and dear to my heart. A few people wished me Happy New Year and I appreciate the effort and thought.
So today is Yom Kippur, I have had time to reflect. Mostly I’m thankful, grateful for the amazing life I’ve been able to live. I am thankful for what I take for granted,my freedom, my standard of living. I gave Christine a ride yesterday, she described her home, on the mountain, as peaceful, her neighbors were the birds. Looking forward to my peaceful place in Napa next new year.
At Work: I've opened the new library!
From empty to a happening place!
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I celebrated Rosh Hashanah at Moalboal. Also staying at Cora’s Palm Court was Eshay, an Israeli man, about 50. I shared my apples and honey with him. We ate dinner together, discussing how people here don’t know about Jews, the holocaust, or understand Israel, guess that is true of many people, throughout the world. It is a bit alienating when all of that is near and dear to my heart. A few people wished me Happy New Year and I appreciate the effort and thought.
So today is Yom Kippur, I have had time to reflect. Mostly I’m thankful, grateful for the amazing life I’ve been able to live. I am thankful for what I take for granted,my freedom, my standard of living. I gave Christine a ride yesterday, she described her home, on the mountain, as peaceful, her neighbors were the birds. Looking forward to my peaceful place in Napa next new year.
At Work: I've opened the new library!
From empty to a happening place!
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Well done! Knowing your magic in the library this will be a fabulous, inspirational space.
ReplyDeleteYou are making a difference in the lives of your students. It will be June soon and I can not wait to see your smiling face. Love you. Your sister (the one on some level is always right!) Serene
ReplyDeleteI'm proud to be your cousin. Love, Jacqui
ReplyDeleteLinda - your library looks beautiful. I can see in the photos that the kids like it. Enjoy the best of the Philipines this last year. Bring back some of that beautiful rain to us. Love, Deborah
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't imagine that I'm just now seeing these great photos! What a beautiful library you set up, and what lovely-looking and lucky students!
ReplyDeleteThe time has sure flown, and a lot has happened since we were in touch, but soon you'll be back in the U.S. which will make the "wise" sister very happy. It's good to see your photo, and it'll be better to see you in person one of these days! IIJY? Until then, keep happy and healthy! We send lots of love, Gail and Jeff