My Philippines Vacation 2023

I haven't posted much for a while. We are in Philippines doing research for my next novel and visiting with our children and other family. The trip has been wonderful and spending time bonding with children into a new family has been incredible. It is hard to convey what it was like to watch a group of eleven kids as they met and within moments became sisters and cousins. I've never seen anything quite like it. Literally, within minutes, the girls were holding each other's hands, walking arm in arm, and doing so in mixed combinations. Some of these kids knew each other from before but mostly not, and it didn't matter. The newest kiddo was instantly accepted and shown a level of love and support that left me with a realization that these youngsters were fundamentally different from kids in the USA. There was no clique, no shyness, no separation, just instantaneous acceptance and emotional openness. punctuated with a physical willingness to connect.

Their emotional availability was extended to Ems and me, and the closeness we experienced as a family was amazing. I wish I could bring them all back to the USA to meet the rest of our family there. Maybe someday, God willing. The girls have returned to their respective homes now, back to school and their routine, and I am left bereft and missing them so much. We will return in a year and reunite, Ems and I are already making plans.

There is another story to tell here. One day when we were in Surigao, Mindanao, I dropped my wallet in the street. A local vendor saw the person who picked it up and another guy, Raji, who frequents Andoks Fried Chicken, went after the guy and paid out of his own pocket to get my wallet back. It took us a couple of days to sort it out and he held onto the wallet until Ems went to meet him and get it back. Everything was intact. I am shocked and pleased to find such a wonderful example of honesty and trustworthiness. I am trying to reconnect with him and ask permission to use him as a character in the book I am researching.

Finally, every morning at 4am I am sitting on the lanai of our room at the resort, watching Venus rise as the Earth rotates into the dawning day. This is one of my favorite places on earth and the existential experience of realizing that each moment has never existed before, and never will be repeated, is profoundly impactful.

THANK YOU for your time reading my update articles today! if you have any ideas feel free to comments.
Your honest reviews is much appreciated.

VS Campbell
Author