A Girl Who Dreams

As a little girl, my Dad told a variety of stories about his life growing up in the Philippines. The Coconut Story is by far the most remembered. Recorded on a black, old school cassette deck one cozy winter evening, it will forever be told and retold in my family. But not because of the actual story itself. To be honest, the tape has been lost, and really, does anyone even own a cassette player anymore?

There is probably only one thing that everyone remembers about that night. Right in the middle of my dad’s story, something about climbing a palm tree to cut down a coconut, interrupts the sweet voice of three-year old…me.

“Co-co-nut?” I asked in a slow, little girl drawl, trying to sound out the syllables of that strange word.

Everyone laughed and thought I was just the cutest thing ever. Well, I still am, right? ; )

Thus began my first encounter with coconuts…and the Philippines. I never dreamed I’d actually get the chance to live there one day. But now I find myself on the verge of a new adventure – living and learning Filipino culture that, while experiencing a few things here and there, has not been a big part of my life growing up. My soon-to-be experiences in the Philippines will often be new ones, and I am excited for that.

Filipino Pride Cupcakes!

And so continues my journey. Not only will it be one where I can live out my passion of serving and empowering others, but it is also one of self discovery and connection with a culture that, although a part of me, has yet to be explored.

Mabuhay. Tumawa. Magmahal.
Live. Laugh. Love

Every moment is an opportunity to become more of who you are, to continually reach your full potential, to live a life full of love and laughter. Life is an adventure and I want to live it to its fullest.

And so my friends, I bid you farewell for now. Wish me luck as I embark on my new life adventure.

Yours truly,
a girl who dreams