I MISS THE PHILIPPINES

[honeybadger 0]

Arrival in a new country is an exciting, scary, frustrating, confusing and lonely thing. Although initially we are awed, amazed, amused and astonished by the new sights, different culture, different architecture, differing business practices, we soon realize that we dont easily fit in. When we come into a different country carrying the baggage of our own cultural background, we find ourselves limited by our own experience. WE dont have the freedom of transportation or communication, the language may be difficult for us, even if we understand some of the basics, collocialisms and local idioms confuse us. We are prohibited by law from finding employment so we feel non-productive, useless, lazy or dumb. We start to lose the initial glamor we saw in our first weeks and become bored and lonely for a more familiar life. We think our life will be better if only we can return to the familiar things of HOME. Every Filipino goes through this but, what I am describing is MY FIRST YEAR living in the Philippines! Hmmmmmm , you see it goes both ways. So what can you do?

1. Learn to DRIVE

2. Do some Volunteer work so u get used to the local culture and language

3. Apply for an EAD with your AOS so you can work and feel productive

4. Find local support groups

5. Familiarize with the local surroundings

6. Learn to cook and bake

7. If interested go to school to enhance your knowledge and skills

8. Because America is loaded with fast-food and lots of preservative, join an aerobics class to keep that petite figure u used to have

9. Dont forget to keep in touch with family and friends via internet, mail and phone but dont limit yourself to the past.

10. For animal lovers, get a pet, a dog or a cat, etc and teach them tricks.

The important thing is to keep moving forward, learning, challenging yourself, trying new things. Living in the past, even if that was a comfortable place limits your life. The advantage you have in the U.S is that you have the opportunities not always available elsewhere. Take advantage of them.

There is no place like the Philippines, but remember, you made a choice to live in the U.S., make the best of it and then enjoy those visits to the Philippines when you get the chance.

God Bless and Happy Holidays to all!!!!

The Badger!

[mrsartis 10]

nice post honeybadger..

sure it will be a big help to other pinays who are still in the corner sulking.. ( no offense meant) just got a lot of things to be thankful for..

[KC♥MP 0]

It seems that you are coping well there in KS .Happy Holidays!!!

[StillThePrettiest 3]

I wonder why this thread got moved from the '...your new life in America' section? the byline in that section says:

Post your experiences after arriving in America. How has your life changed? Share things like if you got work authorization; is it what you thought it would be; are you happy, etc.

so it seems the OP more than fulfilled that... could the mover please explain his/her decision?

[edp333 9]

It is only natural to become homesick. This happens on a smaller scale when/if you move out of your parent's house or to another city. Finding ways to keep yourself busy is always an excellant idea.

[Dr Mirage 0]

Great post!

My wifey is learning how to drive as we speak. LOL. She knew how to drive in Manila, yet not having it easy driving in Los Angeles.

We already finished our Interview for the Greencard and will be receiving it shortly.

We're trying to learn how to cook, bake, etc.

[njaxfl 0]

Arrival in a new country is an exciting, scary, frustrating, confusing and lonely thing. Although initially we are awed, amazed, amused and astonished by the new sights, different culture, different architecture, differing business practices, we soon realize that we dont easily fit in. When we come into a different country carrying the baggage of our own cultural background, we find ourselves limited by our own experience. WE dont have the freedom of transportation or communication, the language may be difficult for us, even if we understand some of the basics, collocialisms and local idioms confuse us. We are prohibited by law from finding employment so we feel non-productive, useless, lazy or dumb. We start to lose the initial glamor we saw in our first weeks and become bored and lonely for a more familiar life. We think our life will be better if only we can return to the familiar things of HOME. Every Filipino goes through this but, what I am describing is MY FIRST YEAR living in the Philippines! Hmmmmmm , you see it goes both ways. So what can you do?

1. Learn to DRIVE

2. Do some Volunteer work so u get used to the local culture and language

3. Apply for an EAD with your AOS so you can work and feel productive

4. Find local support groups

5. Familiarize with the local surroundings

6. Learn to cook and bake

7. If interested go to school to enhance your knowledge and skills

8. Because America is loaded with fast-food and lots of preservative, join an aerobics class to keep that petite figure u used to have

9. Dont forget to keep in touch with family and friends via internet, mail and phone but dont limit yourself to the past.

10. For animal lovers, get a pet, a dog or a cat, etc and teach them tricks.

The important thing is to keep moving forward, learning, challenging yourself, trying new things. Living in the past, even if that was a comfortable place limits your life. The advantage you have in the U.S is that you have the opportunities not always available elsewhere. Take advantage of them.

There is no place like the Philippines, but remember, you made a choice to live in the U.S., make the best of it and then enjoy those visits to the Philippines when you get the chance.

God Bless and Happy Holidays to all!!!!

The Badger!

Amen to that honeybadger...i surely trying to get my self into the American way of life..so far so good...Happy Holidays everyone!

[honeybadger 0]

nice post honeybadger..

sure it will be a big help to other pinays who are still in the corner sulking.. ( no offense meant) just got a lot of things to be thankful for..

Thanks mrsartis! I hope it sure does help!

Happy Holidays!

[honeybadger 0]

It seems that you are coping well there in KS .Happy Holidays!!!

Hi MP!

how are you? I bet you are having a GREAT Time with your family in PI! How's mom?

YES, I am doing good! thanks again and Happu Holidays!

I wonder why this thread got moved from the '...your new life in America' section? the byline in that section says:

Post your experiences after arriving in America. How has your life changed? Share things like if you got work authorization; is it what you thought it would be; are you happy, etc.

so it seems the OP more than fulfilled that... could the mover please explain his/her decision?

YEP, I agree with you! Happy Holidays!!!

[honeybadger 0]

It is only natural to become homesick. This happens on a smaller scale when/if you move out of your parent's house or to another city. Finding ways to keep yourself busy is always an excellant idea.

[KC♥MP 0]

It seems that you are coping well there in KS .Happy Holidays!!!

Hi MP!

how are you? I bet you are having a GREAT Time with your family in PI! How's mom?

YES, I am doing good! thanks again and Happu Holidays!

We're doing good here and my Mom is getting better. Enjoying too the simbang gabi with libreng pandesal and salabat . It's windy and cold esp. in the morning but it's nothing compared to the cold temperature there in KS . I'll give you a call when I get back. Maligayang Pasko!!!

[mRs StOcKwElL 1]

It is only natural to become homesick. This happens on a smaller scale when/if you move out of your parent's house or to another city. Finding ways to keep yourself busy is always an excellant idea.

[SomedaySomehow 1]

I miss the Philippines too ..... only thing is I am a US citizen

Such a beautiful country and the love of my life is still there ... so I miss it every single day

[*julez* 124]

moved back

[StillThePrettiest 3]

it's like magic

who are you, masked organizer?