mass, mass, mass

ok, so this has been a very eventful week. I have been to mass 5 times -- ENOUGH -- I will never go again. I went to 2 barangay fiesta's, and before the fiesta begins, of course you have to have mass. It is the exact same every time -- songs, stand - niel - sit, stand - neil - sit. I have the songs memorized too, even though they are in illongo and i have no clue what we are singing. I just make up my own meaning. Fiesta's here are fun, and there is always one going on. These people like to party -- they celebrate everything. It is so strange to see a country and group of people that have next to nothing, but are always celebrating and gathering together with their friends and family -- oh and when i say family i mean grandparents, parents, children, cousins, aunts and uncles 3 times removed. it makes me wonder how these people have so little, but are always celebrating and sharing with others. in the same aspect, we as americans, with so much, don't celebrate and appreciate what we have like they do here. I wonder what the difference is? I have also been to a birthday party, and a wedding. The wedding of Venhart and Ella was so beautiful -- but long, 2 hour ceremony. They had mass ofcourse, and took communion before the actual marrying began. This is definately the most religious counrtry that I have ever been in. They cross themselves 30 times a day. I do have some pictures, i will be sending them home soon. i always thought that i was pretty tan until i saw the pictures of me standing next to the filippino's. I glow whiteness.