How I came to date my wife again

 Lauren and I have been stationed in separate host families in neighbooring Barangays (villages within a township) in the provice of Bataan. We are separated by only about 2 miles, 5 minutes and 50 pesos, and the social norms of our host families.

After a hard night apart and a tough physical day we had the wonderful opportunity to have a date aranged by Lauren's host mother. They took a trike cab over to my Barangay and I was allowed to call on Lauren.

I walked over to the home her host mother was visiting, met her mother, and took Lauren for a walk. Having only 30 minutes we walked over to my host families house, where she was able to meet my host father and Lorna who works for my family. For our date snack we had Velveta like cheese sandwhiches and RC Cola. It was quite pleasant and nice to spend time together. All Filipino events involve food. We finished and I walked her back to drop her off.

When I returned her to the house we were rushed inside and fed a full meal with coconut water. The house was full with maybe 50 people and a priest. They were there for a wake of some sort. I met many people and saw some I knew already. We said our goodbyes and I walked home.

When we returned to our separate houses we were fed again. At least the food is good and they are very accommodating.

It's nice to see Lauren when I can. We are both busy all day with training and comunity introductions. Today I meet the Baragay Captain and the Mayor and his staff. It is already to the point that I am seeing people I know on the street.

We are both well, adjusting to the food and malaria meds, and in general very happy to be here. It is very beautiful, rural, friendly, and just plain bizare here.