Reflections on a trip now over

I'm sitting at my desk while my family sleeps.  Now to get back to normal routine.  It feels odd moving back into the roles and duties that were so commonplace just two weeks ago.  Taking the garbage out.  Having cereal instead of a Mila cooked breakfast with mango, puto and pandesal.  Having a cup of brewed coffee instead of a 3 in 1 instant packet.  Sitting here not knowing what I am doing today besides resting instead of a scheduled day of activities.

I have the LCP song going through my head as I sit here this morning.  It talks of LCP as a family.  I now fully understand that.  On our first night back, Megan broke down and cried at the slightest remembrance of her LCP family.  She was still sobbing in her bed when I called it a night.  I believe she has been changed by the trip.  I know she made quite a few new friends both from the party we went out with and from the LCP family.

Each of us on the team are now much closer.  Even those of us who are related to each other.  We've become close in just a few weeks.

Glenna, my cousin and head of LCW who was the mother of us all.  Brittany, her granddaughter and my 3rd cousin.  It was great being with you for more than a few hours during your Orlando vacations.

Janice and Bob, the grandparents.  It was great being with you more than just at a weekend board meeting.  Always friendly, willing to help and having a great sense of humor.

Diann, the nurse with a great sense of humor and a desire to always help.

Dianna, my cousin who it was nice to reconnect with.  Alexis, Dianna's granddaughter and my 3rd cousin who always haa a smile.  It was great getting to know you.  The last time I remember seeing your mom was when she was around your age.  Time sure does fly.

Brooke, the quiet and friendly college student.

Scott, the sometimes quirky but friend of all with a fondness for saying awesome.

Tate and Coda, the friendly high school young men who adopted me as dad and convinced me do a few things I shouldn't have.  Like playing basketball in the rain, barefoot.

My lovely daughter Megan.  I was touched with how close you became with your Filipino friends.

Dumaguete is a very different city from what I remember.  Few things are as they were.  The city has grown into a very busy city.  I'd be afraid to ride my bike downtown or to the beach nowadays.  Then again, the beach I used to go isn't much of a beach anymore since the airport expanded.  Dumaguete, I hardly recognize you but still love you.

LCP, you didn't exist the last time I left the Philippines.  There was a Peace Shelter with 30 kids in it.  You started after I left.  It's amazing what you have become in 25 years.

Manila, I thought you were busy and crowded 25 years ago.  You are even more so now.  I can't believe all the malls.

Faith Academy, much of you is the same but your facilities are vastly improved.  My dorm room is now a classroom.  The views of Manila look the same even if the campus looks a little different.

It's amazing how much things have changed over the last 25 years.  Then again, I've changed considerably over the past 25 years.