finished nipa -- finally!!!!

My nipa is finally finished and i moved in on monday nov 28th. it's the most amazing little house -- it feels like pretend. it's 6 meters wide x 7 1/2 meters long, that includes my front porch. i love it. i had the week to get settled, then on friday december 2, we had my house blessing/birthday party. i can't believe i built my own house and turned 26 in the philippines -- it doesn't seem real. the house blessing was cool, i got a local pastor to do the blessing, which consisted of praying, singing, throwing flowers, rice and coins for beauty, plenty and prosperity. it was definately interesting to have 25 - 30 people hanging out in my house praying for the walls and doors. and it was all in ilonggo, so i have to hope they were saying good things. the blessing was supposed to start at 2, at 2:30 when no one was there i started to get a little sad, but in true filippino tradition, they all showed up at 3. i cooked a bunch of food and everyone filled their plates high and ate until the food was gone. they hung out and asked me how much everything cost (it's not rude here) and had several offers for people to stay with me. they still don't understand why i would want to be alone. it was a good birthday and blessing. i had alot of fun.