New Beginnings

It's Sunday and technically the first day of my first full week in the Philippines.  I've been in country for a few days now.  Here's some random thoughts facebook status update style:

1. I love the Philippines already.  I loved it when I was here in November/December.  The people are infectiously joyful and I hear outbreaks of laughter by the hour.  
2. Tacloban got smashed by the Typhoon.  I'm fortunate to be staying in a slightly damaged hotel outside of the city, but still 2 months after the storm hit, the city and its surroundings are still pretty badly off.  Lot's of work to be done over the next few years.  
3. I still hate mosquitoes and delight in slaying every single one I can.  Maybe this time around I can avoid the mosquito spread tropical diseases.  
4. I'm kind of tired of rice already.  I've had rice every day since I arrived.  Chances are good I will eat rice every day for the next 6 months.  Get used to it I guess.  
5. Even in the midst of a disaster, beauty can still be found.   We had a tropical storm pass through the region this week bringing high-ish winds and rain.  The following morning I witnessed one of the best sunrises I have ever seen.  Coincidentally, Steph was witnessing that same sun setting on her in West Africa.  Despite the distance, we had a moment. 
6. God has blesses me abundantly and delivered me from a long period of waiting.  Each day I am joyful, grateful and appreciative of how God has brought me here.  
7. I've started running again.  Slowly and only a few days a week. 
8. I may or may not be inheriting a dog from a co-worker that is leaving soon.  He's ugly and wild and can never replace Sully but he's got 4 legs and will make me smile.  Stay tuned.  

This week I will continue to settle in, try to figure out my new job, write a few proposals, stare at a laptop for 40-60 hours, run a bit and eat some more rice.