I arrived in Manila yesterday and despite a little jet-lagged, I am feeling ready to hit the ground running! Manila is a busy city, much different from the slow pace of California. It offers many historic sites, delicious food, and kind people willing to assist at a moment’s notice. Although we are well past New Years, it still feels like Christmas with the many nativity scenes, Christmas lights covering the cities, and the common exchange of blessings between people. There is also a buzz of excitement in anticipation of Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the country, as it seems to be all everyone is talking about.
Tomorrow I meet the team in Davao and we will begin our fieldwork in Mindanao. I am getting anxious to see the impact that this enduring conflict has had on the landscape as well as well as the population. Despite the many questions circling around my head, I am looking forward to a positive and productive course!
