Day 194 - Merry Christmas!!!

Maligayang Pasko!!!

We woke up to J, one of the little nephews peeking over the railings of the bunk bed where we were sleeping. Cz's mom called to us to wake up for Christmas breakfast, and apparently that was his go-ahead. Cz wasn't even out of bed when J pounced on him for tickling and playing. We managed to eat breakfast relatively unmolested, safely tucked away behind a set of 'real grownups'. After that though, all bets were off. We were the 'creepy, creepy monsters' and therefore the favourite target of every light-up gun and plastic sword that had been opened the night before. There was no rest for the weary. Apparently even seated, Cz makes a fabulous jungle gym.

Soon it was time to shoehorn ourselves back into the van. To prevent squabbles, Cz wound up buried under not one, but three kids. Who would have thought Cz's bony lap would be such prime territory? The beach was lovely. As one of the little nieces put it "It's a great beach. All sand. No rocks!" The water was warm, the skies blue, and the beach was indeed 'all sand, no rocks.'

The edge of the beach was lined with open-sided bamboo huts with tables and benches. In one hut, Auntie T had laid out a Christmas feast. We stuffed ourselves, posed for a quick family photo, then headed to the water. As designated grown-up for the first wave of swimming, I had my hands full. Not only did I feel responsible for our brood, but also for the half-dozen or so extras that joined them to play (and to stare at my foreignness). One pre-teen came up and cooed "Ooooh your skin is so white." Here most girls want to be paler - everyone wears SPF45+ sunblock, and some even use whiteners. I told her that in America, most white girls want to be brown, and actually lie out in the sun in the summer. She didn't believe me. The smaller ones were all fascinated by my nose - I have gotten very used to *giggle* "Your nose is sooo big!" *giggle, giggle*

After a little while, Cz joined us, and as soon as the kids saw him, they swarmed all over him and the extras dissipated, and I was given a little respite. Not for long though. We made the mistake of introducing 'chicken' and 'whirlpool' and 'one, two, three, toss', and were kept spinning, tossing, and lifting until our hands were pruny, and every muscle sore. I am also now sporting a festive red nose, cheeks and chest. Apparently our sunblock is not completely waterproof.

This Christmas, I think, must be especially nice for Cz and his mom. This is the first holiday in a long time that Cz's mom has been able to spend with her sisters. The last time Cz was in the Philippines was 11 years ago for his grandfather's funeral. Some of the cousins with small children were not much more than children themselves then. Some aunts and uncles he hadn't seen since moving to America 22 years ago. For me this trip was all about meeting new family and trying to keep names straight. For Cz, I imagine it was a reunion or a homecoming of sorts.

We are far away from our physical homes in the States. Home though, is far more complicated than a plot of land or four walls. The feeling of being 'at home' has very little to do with geography, and very much to do with love. Of geography, we have almost nothing this Christmas, but of love, we have plenty. Santa may be riding a caribao (actually saw that one), and the tannenbaum may be palms, but comfy-cozy are we, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, lolos, lolas...

I do miss the familiar, my geographical home, and the home of family left in the States, but I also feel awfully blessed by what we have. We wish you all the very best and brightest this holiday season. May you be loved and warm and at peace. Merry Christmas!!! Maligayang Pasko!!!