The Philippines thus far is a very welcoming and beautiful place. The PC staff and the resource volunteers are very helpful and provide ample amounts of much needed information. The resource volunteers are all so knowledgeable and have everything figured out so well. I love the possibility that this person maybe me someday.
I have recently become much more comfortable with the site placements that we maybe receiving. The staff is looking for placements based upon what they have observed of us, and our experience. We will also have an interview time to discuss the type of settings that interest us. I am glad to know that we aren't just placed solely on the things listed on our resume! Phew.
So thus far we have been at the IIRR in Cavite City, Philippines with all 58 volunteers in my group. there is around 28 that are CYF (Children Youth and Families) volunteers. we have been here since the 1st doing Initial Orientation which consists of language training, technical training and PC info. From there IIRR we are broken into regional cluster sites of Oloangapo, La Trinidad, Baatan for the CYF volunteers. In my site (Oloangapo) there will be 15 CYF volunteers. we will be leaving tomorrow and will meet our host families and live with them for the next 8 weeks. :) then we will finally get our final placement sites in week six and move in with a new host family for three months.
All of our bodies are adjusting to the ample amount of immunizations, malaria medications and changes in food. I am so excited to meet my host family soon:)