Info? Yes, Please.

So, I've had some time to let it settle. Well, enough time, you ask? You may be right. Does anything like this ever really settle until you are actually on the plane, leaving your country and those you love for two whole years? I am not sure if it does. All I know is that I've wanted this for pretty much my whole life. I've felt pulled and compelled to learn about other cultures and offer my skills in a way that would both benefit others and return benefits for myself. Selfish? Maybe. Maybe not. I think it's just a side effect of helping - anywhere. Some tidbits that I've learned about the Philippines in the last few days:

• The Philippines is the 12th most populated country in the world.
• There are over 7100 islands, and it is the only southeast Asian country to not share any land borders with its neighbors.
• Almost one-third of the Filipino population are between the ages of 15 and 30 years old.
• Sixty percent of children drop out of school when the reach the second grade.
• There are five million Filipino child laborers, one and a half million street children, and 60,000 children involved in prostitution.
• The Philippines were colonized by both the Spanish and the Americans, claiming independence on July 4, 1946.
• Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion throughout the Philippines (81%).
• Contrary to what you may think, the Philippines is spelt with only one L and a double P.
• Official languages are Filipino and English, with over 180 languages spoken throughout the islands. Tagalog is the standardized version of Filipino.
• The staple food is rice, with a lot of seafood, seafood, seafood. Fresh coconuts and bananas are everywhere.

Clearly, this does not give a clear picture of the complexities of cultures within the Philippines, but it is a general start of where I will be in 5 months. I'll be calling tomorrow to accept my invitation, and hopefully they still want me! Cross your fingers.

Love you all!