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I cannot second Vicki’s comment to Jessi’s post of her first few days out of the country. Despite the Philippines being the home of my parents’, I am not fond of the thought of visiting the islands anytime soon.

What can I say? I’m American. Between my two sisters, five cousins in the area, Herschell and me, I’m the most Filipino, and that’s saying a lot. Not to put any of them down, but I’m pretty sure I’m the only one of the bunch that ever spoke Tagalog fluently or even understands much of it today. I do honestly wish I could still speak the language, but I don’t know that it would be of much use. The people that I would visit in the Philippines would all speak English, and I can understand most Tagalog. I just wouldn’t be able to speak it back to them.

If Chris and I ever visit the Philippines, we’d probably stay with Annie, one of my mom’s best friends. We’d stay with her because her and her husband Ted are well to do out there, and I’d rather not leave behind some of the comforts to which I am accustomed. Also, they’d be able to provide us with some sort of security. I am a bit paranoid of bringing Chris over because she would stick out and I’m afraid that would attract unwanted attention and maybe even prompt a kidnapping. I have been told that that sort of thing happens frequently enough to be cautious about it. So, I am not planning on making a trip out to the islands for many years, if ever again.

I will have to experience such a visit through Jessi. Frankly, I’m happier that she’s there instead of me.