Soon

With one week to go, reality is setting in. My flight itinerary places me on the plane to Vancouver at 5:30 p.m. March 13. With a short stop over in Vancouver I make my way straight to Manila. (this is way better than the London, Hong Kong, stop overs they were preparing me for.)
My first 5 weeks will be in Manila for language training and some in country training. This will give me time to get use to the climate and the culture. I hope there will be enough time to get into my job for the remaining year. I am very aware of how often I switch from thinking a year is long; to thinking it will be too short. Only time will tell.
The challenge, what to bring? What to organize for my last few days? Definitely not my strong points. I will have my "just go with it attitude" once I find out I didn't pack what I should have and I didn't organize all that needed to be organized. In the mean time any advice from seasoned travellers will be appreciated.

V for Vendetta

See the movie.
Why?
This story talks about waking up to see beyond the boundaries we build from fear. It shows how easily we can allow the outside world to dominate us through our fears.
What if I have no fear?
Perhaps it is not about being fearless, but rather it is the process of working forward even when fear wants to stop me or turn me around. To me the difference is about managed fear; vs. working past the fear. I have done a pretty good job in managing my fear (i.e. just avoiding the things that present my fears), but how often do I work through them. The moment in the movie when the lead lady chooses to stay on the path of her belief, over avoiding potential pain, is the moment I hope to master. When do I sell myself out because it is easier, because I choose to manage around the fear that controls me? The question I ask myself today is “what freedom do I give up because of a fear?”
How often do I give up saying or doing what I believe because of what “people may say”? Have I avoided outward expression of my spiritual being? The freedom I look for is the freedom to express a deep soul felt connection. When I hear a song or tune that seems to talk to my deeper self (my spirit) I feel complete, and happy. Conversation, nature, anything that takes me to a deeper connection, is what drives me. I realize that what I fear is loosing connection, and yet it is fear that disconnects my spirit, not them, the people I may offend.

I posted this picture of jumping off the cliff because it is an example in my life when I was able to “Feel the fear and do it anyways”. (I am afraid of heights). I may need to remember that I can make a leap of faith as I come to new challenges and fears in this next year.

Check the movie out for this great scene. It goes something like this:

The bad guy says "why wont you die?" and the main character replies " I am made of more than flesh and bones. I am an idea and bullets can't kill ideas!"

I love it.

countdown reflection

At this time I can’t answer how long till I go. I haven’t got the confirmation day and I am going on the last bit of information that places me on the plane mid March (?16). I am anxious to go so without a definite day I am soothing my nerves with countdowns (If not exact they are good estimates).
I anticipate 12 soccer games.
19 days of work until my leave begins.
3 weekends that aren’t committed.
1 more chance to go skiing.
20 to 25 more soaks in the hot tub.
As I reflect on the countdown I realize there is more to savour and enjoy, then to wish away. The pictures attached reflect different times in my life were I was able to enjoy the moment. I realize that moments absorbed, become the moments of a life lived.

getting ready to go

I am please to have this opportunity to prepair for my trip. As I reflect, I realize much has happened to get me to this point. I have gone through the application process, some training courses, shots (not done that yet), and I can count to 10 in Tagalog!! I am practicing computer skills (check out the blog!).
I have to say the challenge to do what I need to do with ease, has not always won over doing what is easy (see inspiration for the day). So I definitely feel like a student of the process. I have had many chances to reflect what I will miss. My family, friends, soccer, and my very comfortable life of learning about myself at a nice slow and steady pace. I also have reflected on what I will gain. This is more the unknown. I do feel strongly that I will gain an opportunity to be part of a new community. I will get to see what I can contribute. I am going to Puerto Princesa as a Physical Therapist, and yet what I hope to be is me. I hope my skills will be of value and my projects substantial to make a difference.
till next time
take care