Everything, Nothing, and I'm a Middle Child

Mark is actually the only Filipino here (at the moment) who did not come directly from the Philippines. Slowly, I am picking up a little bit of Tagalog. Of course, if I'm really going to learn Tagalog I should start learning from someone other than Mark (seeing as how he only knows a phrase here and there himself). The young woman in yellow next to me, Corinne, is a good friend of mine. She and I have worked on Sisters Salon together (a forum on the equality of women and men). The lady sitting in front of me, Marcelina, was the first Filipina I met here, and is a wonderfully warm woman. I am so happy that there is a Filipino group here (this photo shows about half of them). They are definitely one of our families away from home, and I am learning more about the Philippines - the history, culture, etc.