Diary
Expat Life
Philippines
I Am Home
Two days in Manila catching up with family left me feeling happy. I am content as I am sitting at the boarding area waiting for our delayed flight to visit the island where our future home will be built. For the first time in many many years, I have finally felt that I am home. In this country, the Philippines.
To those who have been following the blog for a while, I have had conflicting feelings about the definition of home. I have traveled for more than a decade looking for that perfect place, partly to escape my country for greener pastures. Only to find out recently during this trip, that where I was born, is way greener than I have ever imagined. Living in a materialistic world for the last 12 years where home is translated by comfort and the size of one's TV screen, it is funny to realize I only finally felt what I have been searching for after starting to let go of most of our possessions and being almost nomads with no place of our own.
Though no situation can ever be perfect because I may have misplaced my pouch where all of my important identification cards are, I suppose I will have to just get over the annoyance and enjoy this breathtaking scenery in front of me.
Love and light,
Arni
14 comments
so lovely and so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs and thanks, Dezzy :)
DeleteSo good to read that you finally found home back at home.
ReplyDeleteI know how difficult it can be to describe the concept of home or to find that place where we belong. I have sometimes felt lost as well, especially after a couple of nomadic years changing countries every now and then. I think having found a good companion for life and feeling like we're a small family when we're together has helped me to feel grounded. And after years of moving I've also learnt to let go of material things - I still like to have nice things around but it's definitely not the most important thing in life.
Enjoy your holidays at home. Hug!
Hi Irene, you are absolutely right. Family is the most important. Home is where they are.
DeleteI am happy to know that you've come home Arni. I was just talking with a friend yesterday and I heard her enumerating about the many things that she hates about the Philippines. In fact, her ultimate plan is to leave and find the greener pasture in other countries. Then here you are, talking about coming home to the Philippines and saying that the pasture is a lot greener here, I honestly admire you for saying that. It's way easier to hate the Philippines because of the low economy, the traffic, the corrupt officials, etc. so I always find it refreshing to see people like you who choose to see the beautiful side of this place instead. Welcome home sis :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Marge, I think many years ago I was exactly like your friend. Life had a beautiful way of changing my perspective even though it took many years to make me feel this way now.
DeleteDo you feel like you're living a dream? Can't wait to see what day-to-day living is like there and hear about your many adventures to come
ReplyDeleteNot yet, but I somehow feel we are on the right track despite how scary taking a big risk entails.
Deleteoh i hope that happiness continues on and on for you arni! xx
ReplyDeleteI truly hope it does. Thanks Jane :)
DeleteSo good to hear that you are home. I have been loving your photos on Instagram. Did you find your cards?
ReplyDeleteHi Meghan, with great relief, my sister has my pouch. All IDs and cards in tact. Apparently I accidentally dropped it in her car on the way to the airport.
DeleteIt's interesting that you've been struggling to define home. I've been comfortable calling the city of my birth home, but I imagine that won;t last forever.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear that you are going to feel happy and settled back in your home country. Your photos on Instagram show such beautiful scenery.
ReplyDelete