life is great

Ok, i think i have gotten through the hardest part -- the first few weeks. I was really sick last week, i had a respiratory infection, thought about coming home -- but i am so glad that i stuck it out. Moving in with a host family is difficult, I have a 6:00 curfew -- which is probably safer anyways. I am only there for 2 months anyways. I got my permanent site yesterday. I am going to the island of guimaras -- which is famous for their sweet mangoes, white sand beaches and lobster. how perfect is that. I will be close to the 3 other girls that i have made friends with -- they will all be less than an hour away. I am so happy here right now. I am still bathing with a bucket of cold water, no makeup or hairdryers, and am constantly sweating -- but it really makes me so happy to be here. Sorry family, but i am not coming home just yet. We are taking lots of jeepney rides, which is so fun -- jumping into a long jeep, giving the driver a couple of piso's and jumping out whenever you are where you need to be. the hard part is trying to figure out where in the world you are going. English is spoken, but not always well -- so Ilonggo class is mostly translating phrases about directions. we never travel alone though. the 16 of us have split up into different towns -- 2-3 per town. every 10 days we come back together at Aklan State University, which is our hub site. I am here now, and get so excited to come back and see everyone. Seeing other Americans and speaking understandable English is so wonderful. I don't think that any of us would make it if we didn't get to come back for a few days and hang out. Tomorrow we go to Borocay for water safety training. Borocay is the most famous beach in the philippines, known for its white sand beaches and beautiful water and diving. So really getting excited to see it and swim. Girls here have to swim fully clothed -- such a pain in the ass!!!!! Really who wants to swim in clothes. But since Boracay is so touristy, we can wear suits. I haven't been taking pictures really, but I am going to start -- and will try to post something soon.