"I Suck" :)

It's been so very long since I have blogged and I'm so very sorry to anyone in the world who is reading this. I'm sure you have been thinking: a) Janelle you suck b) Is she okay? c) She must not have internet d) Blogs suck e) you don't read this at all really and you just checked it for the first time in weeks :)
I have had internet, but haven't had the words to say. I haven't blogged since returning to Iloilo from my first trip to Cebu. There are many reasons why I haven't blogged: no words, too busy, too tired, too homesick, or simply lazy.
I have a lot to catch people up on but I feel as though I might forget things. If so, I'll write about them at a later point.

Cebu (1st time)
       This was the most amazing experience! We spent time with street kids...which were beautiful and I loved them all so much!...and we also spent a night on the street talking with prostitutes. I have an amazing story to tell about this night, but I will keep that to myself unless you ask.

Last of Training (Iloilo)
       We had a couple life skills camps that were so much fun! It was like doing YL club with the kids. So many games!! It definitely made me excited for what I will eventually do here for my work.
       We also had a community project...that was sort of thrown together last minute. We repainted the lines of a basketball court near the Brgy. Hall. We also repainted the stage and weeded like crazy! It was super frustrating, but we got it done and it looks so nice!
       The last week before we left for Bacolod was a hard time for me. We had our LPI's (language tests) that we had to pass (but not really). So I was studying for that, while thinking about how I was going to be split a part from so many wonderful friendships that I had built. "What do you mean I won't see Dallas and Danny everyday and play rummy!?" and "What am I going to do without Roli and Nelphe (our teachers)?!" And to top all of that off I was having a hard time with my host family. I cannot say exactly what was happening within the home, but let's just say that there was emotional abuse happening and I was broken hearted!

Counterparts Conf & Swearing In (Bacolod)
        This conference had it's frustrations, but it didn't matter on the whole because I was with fellow Americans having a blast, eating fabulous food, sleeping in comfy beds, and taking hot showers!!!!

First Couple Weeks in Roxas
        I was super sick...headcold...and definitely lonely because I no longer had my friends around me everyday to talk to about frustrations and such. Dealt with some cultural frustrations that broke me down for quite a few days...you can ask me about that as well if you'd like (not going to post it here). Let's just say I've never been so self conscious in my life and it was pretty sad.
    
Thanksgiving
        Best thing ever!!!!! Hung out with many PCV's, played guitar, sang, made delicious food, ate delicious food and relaxed in a beautiful place called the Philippines!!! Also had a fabulous time with a certain someone :) (you can ask me about this one as well)

Cebu (2nd time)
       This trip was overall good because I got to spend time with my counterpart and get to know her better. I think our relationship is building :) Also, I got to spend time with our PYAP pres and she's so stinkin cute and I see a friendship happening there as well. But don't get me wrong...it was a frustrating trip! So many chaotic, unorganized things happening. So much texting between Danny and I being the middle men for others. So not fun! Probably the longest trip of my life thus far. So happy to be home in Roxas!

Okay: I'm sure I have other things to say...who am I kidding, I totally have more to say about many topics, but I will save that for another day...hopefully not months from now :)

Love you all and miss all those that are reading this (well, maybe only those people that I know)