ARAW ng KALAYAAN

I am FREE!

Happy Independence Day, people!

I had FUN today. I breathed in super fresh air, and though our lunch was way delayed, I feasted on freshly-picked fruits - just one of the many blessings that I got today. It was so nice seeing people who miss you more than you miss them. It was great dipping my clay-laden feet (err, sandals) into cool, clear waters. It was exciting to take pictures of awesome view, and innocent faces and poses. 

But just like achieving the state of freedom (?) experiencing all the heartwarming events did not come without a price. Oh well, challenges and obstacles and hardships are essential to the realization of a worthy goal. The fun did not falling upon us as naturally, as normally as raindrops would. I had to get off to de-load the trike, and push with all my might to get it out of the mud. I had to prepare myself earlier than the usual waking-up time - which meant taking tap-water bath at 4 am). I had to walk with heavy feet because of the mud stuck to my sandals and my legs were heavily decorated with lumps and specks of the sticky loam.

In the end, what I have achieved today was worth all the effort and energy spent. I saw the majestic views and captured them for life. I saw the greeneries and was refreshed. I had gallons of fresh air, enough to cleanse me whole and treat my H1N1 symptoms. I was able to bond with three beautiful people - be with them and share thoughts with them, worked for and achieved the same goal with them and learned from them. Most importantly, I saw the people of the community smile and felt their warm welcome. Their love and care which I was afraid I have already lost was readily felt. 

Words are not enough to express how grateful I am for the gift of today. I may have felt heavenly when our 7-man mission shrank to a 4-team group, but thinking of it now, I believe I am both lucky and blessed. Though it may sound a bit overrated but it was really a joy to be able to reach out to people whilst overcoming some difficulties. Ha! We (my friends and I) were not threatened by the early morning downpour of rain (correspondingly cats and dogs). This day is as liberating as independence day the first time.

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On the road (less) traveled :P

Tzi and I with our foster parents

Dressing up after the chasing game

Our little friends :)

I missed my loved ones today. I lost the chance to rest and enjoy the holiday. I missed the opportunity to be the official photographer to my bestfriend's store opening. But they did not dare disturb me while I was away. They did not make me feel like I am missing anything. I am secured that though I did not prioritize them, they will always be there to care for and support me. Now, that is another freeing feeling!