“The heavens will not be filled with those who never made mistakes but with those who recognized that they were off course and who corrected their ways to get back in the light of gospel truth.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf
On Monday Aunt Di, Me, and Edison went to one of Aunt Di’s favorite Orphanages. It was a small place with about 5 kids and 4 babies. They were all so cute, and SO well behaved, and all of the volunteers there are so kind. On Wednesday, we had them come to Di’s house and we went to McDonalds and swimming at a pool near where she lives, the kids were so cute and had so much fun!! They were so cute. I really hope that we will be able to visit them a lot. They are all such beautiful kids!
Ok, so on Thursday... Aunt Di, Rodello, and I took a “buying” trip. (as my dad would put it, he goes buying; not shopping and not browsing. Lol.) We took a little trip to the Yamaha store, and came out with a motorbike. It is pretty awesome. The workers were so nice, they had great customer service. After we had bought the bike, they told us to have a seat and that they had a special performance for us. We sat and they proceeded to dance to Justin Bieber’s “Baby”... It was awesome. Aunt Di says that is typical Philippine move. She says that they are great performers and that they love to do it! I believe her, it was great! All Thursday afternoon we played on the motorbike and hung out. It is seriously AWESOME here.
On Friday, we left the house about 7 on the motorcycles for a little road trip. First, we had to stop by Teletech and get Aunt Di’s Camera, and see Uncle Rich before we took off. The Teletech call center is awesome, it is super colorful. I got to meet Riassa (Rise-a), Uncle Rich’s Assistant Super Hero, Lol. She is great! She has lots of personality. I got to see Uncle Rich’s office and he showed us around the place. He just about made some trainees have a heart attack sneaking in and checking on them, (he is the big Boss that everyone is intimidated by, Lol.) It was great. We then took off and after maneuvering through lots of traffic we got to Tagaytay. (Ta-guy-ti) It was so BEAUTIFUL on the ride up; there were tons of flower shops on the side of the rode along with food and souvenir shops. We drove to the partial top of the hill-mountain and parked our bikes walked the rest of the way up, pretty steep but not too bad of a walk. Once we were up the mountain-hill, we got to look over the lake and see the Volcano and the little towns throughout the hill side. It was beautiful. The Philippines is one the most beautiful places I have ever been. Well, once you get out of the city. Lol. Just teasing, it is all beautiful, and the people are beautiful too. They had this cool statue of Mary?? I think it is Mary... Lol. Should have looked a little closer. It was awesome to see, I am so glad that we went. The ride back was a little Killer— only because about the last hour of the trip my BUTT was KILLING ME!!! Lol. It was all ok after I got off the bike..
So, I have been playing Basketball with Aunt Di, Rodello and Edison lately and it has been a lot of fun. I just wish that I were a little more coordinated when it comes to things like that... Lol. But that is ok, I am still having fun.
Also I can’t express to you how much I love Aunt Di and how much she reminds me of my dad. Lol. She says some of the same silly stuff that my dad says. Lol. The same little patients fit, totally hilarious. It’s a McNeill thing I guess. She is TONS of fun to be around.
Having LOTS of fun in the Philippines, Miss you all!
Sorry for the sudden break. It has been so crazy the last couple of days. It seems like it is just flying by. So here is a quick update.
On Monday we went out to breakfast with Uncle Rich. Then me, Nathan, Hannah and Brad went to this cool antique store. It was so neat to see all of the different things from clothes, hats, pearls, blankets, dishes, desks and letters that obviously meant enough to someone to keep such a long time. I think that is awesome.
After Breakfast and the Antique store, Hannah gave me the great honor of letting me play American Girl dolls with her (I officially am saving up to get one, lol) It was tons of fun, playing dolls with her, because she has such an imagination. She is such a doll.
Then I, Hannah, Brad, and Josh built this cool fort in the basement. They thought that it was the coolest thing they had ever seen. After we built it we watched and American Girl movie in it. They Loved every seconded of it. For dinner we got to eat at the olive garden. One of the best places EVER!! I didn’t even suggest it, Hannah did. Yum:)
Well, today we left for the airport about 9. I got to say bye to the kids. They were so cute. They were all, “Charley you will have to come back and see us, and build us forts and color with us. You know you could just live with us and be our nanny. We will pay you in chocolate and kisses.” Lol. They make me laugh. They are seriously some of the Funniest and Cutest kids on the PLANET!
When we got to the airport we had to return our car to the Rental car place. That was to say the least interesting, only for the fact that we had 8 bags between the 2 of us to TRY to attempt to get them to the bus and to the airport (without) losing a single one. We managed to get ALL of the bags on a cart and onto the bus. Lol. The ride to Minneapolis was interesting. I sat next to a man that snored the WHOLE time.... That was an experience. The people sitting across the aisle litterally laughed at me the whole plane ride. Ah, Boy was I glad to get off that plane.
When we got off the plane we had to walk a mile at least to get to the next terminal. And we made it just as they started to board the plane. Few. That was cutting it a little close. But all was well we were some of the first to get on. Thanks to the woman flying business class! Lol.
The flight to Japan was better than I expected seeing as I slept most of the way. Also, the food wasn't terrible, and I sat next to the window. And for another thing the 14 hours goes by fast when you have cute boys to look at and nice people to talk to! JK. Lol.
When we landed in Japan, I got to have another interesting experience. I needed to use the Bathroom..... And you know how everything in Japan is futuristic? Well, you haven't seen anything until you have seen a Japanese restroom of the future. Let's just say it takes a whole swat team to figure out how to flush the toilet... Well, yeah. And the door was automatic. So, you had to press a button open and close. Holy. It was... strange to say the least.
Also while we were in Japan, we got to eat at this cool authentic Japanese noodle place. It was AMAZING!!! I loved it! The flight to Manila was a fast 6 hours, only because I slept the whole way. lol. When we got to the Airport in manila it was also quite an experience trying to get our bags, because everyone is pushing to get to the front. So no one can get their bags. So they just go round and round and round. Lol. We got them eventually (with force) and found Aunt Di's driver Rodello. Who is really nice by the way. I was really tired by the time we got to her house. But I managed to stay up and get my things unpacked, I then slept like a baby. Lol.
In the morning Aunt Di took us to breakfast at this cool pancake house, Where we saw a table of famous actors from the Philippines. Lol. It was cool. Oh, and the food was good too! Lol.
All day long I stuck out like a sore thumb. Lol. People were staring, I felt so weird. Ha. After breakfast Edison another driver, took me to the mall across the street to get me a new sim card and load me up so I can have a phone to text Aunt Di if I ever need to. So, we had to walk across a really busy street to the huge mall next to her house, but crossing the street was chaos. No one waits for you to cross the road, it is seriously death to try and cross. Lol. But, I made it alive. Lol.
One thing that I do have to say is that the air is so hard to breathe here, mainly because of all the pollution, but it is defiantly getting better. Also, it is so HOT!! Not only is it hot but it is humid. Yuck. Lol.
Sept. 9th: Today I got to experience the farmers market. Holy. It is crazy how unsanitary everything is. It’s all just lying out, all the meat, the veggies, the fruit and fish, and if something falls on the floor they just pick it up and put it back. Crazy. Rodello had me try this strange fruit, I forgot the name, It was really sweet. Except when you would get a bad seed... Then it was KILLER bitter. I got one and it almost made me throw up. Lol. It was funny. Rodello laughed at me but, It is all good. We came back home and I decided to take a nap. I ended up sleeping from 3pm to 8am the next morning. I must have been sleepy, because I slept right through dinner, and Aunt Di trying to wake me. Lol. I feel bad about it. But it’s a good thing she decided to not cook anything.
Sept. 10th: In the morning I woke up to find that Aunt Di left at 6 in the morning to go…GOLFING. I am glad that she decided to let me sleep... Lol. It was a nice and relaxing morning. Me and Aunt Di went to Green hills and I got a VERY BEAUTIFUL Jimmy Choo Hobo Purse- A-Mazazing!! Ahh, and for ONLY 800 pesos= what might you ask is that in American Dollar Bills?! $18-$20!! Man, I know what you are saying, Get me one of those… No! Lol. No room in the Suitcase. The rest of the day was pretty laid back, it was nice. We went to S&R (Mini Costco) it was fun… I am weird. I got Aunt Di to sit down and watch GLEE!! Lol. She loved it! It was so fun hanging out with her.
Sept. 11th: Today we spent the morning running and playing basketball 2 to 1 at a local court. Me and Aunt Di SCHOOLED Rodello! Lol. Then we ate lunch watched Glee and went to see Princesses husband. Princess was one of Aunt Di’s really good friends and workers that passed away in January. So we go to see him at his work and I also got to do some souvenir shopping spending only 3 or 4 dollars on everything.
I seriously can’t express how much I love this place! I am having the time of my life. I am really excited to get started with the real work. Everyone is so nice here they all are super friendly, they smile and say hello to you. It is awesome! Although I am not saying that I don’t miss my family, because I do, A LOT. I defiantly miss my family, my bed, my town, my COUNTRY! Being here makes you appreciate everything that we take for granted in the US. Like for example, Meat- you have to be so careful of what kind of meat that you eat, where you buy it and where it comes from: Also, with streets, rules, driving, It seems that you can do whatever(and I MEAN ANYTHING) there are no rules when you are driving, it is absolute CHAOS! It scares the life out of you. People are living on the street and not just a few, hundreds, thousands, homeless- broke-jobless. It is devastating. I just hope that there will be something I can do to help in some little way. I feel as though I am rambling on. I am going call it a night and go to bed. Sleep tight America and Enjoy the Freedom. LOVE you all miss you and Sleep tight!!
Today was a lot of fun!! First we drove to down town Chicago to the John Hancock Building, The 4th largest building in Chicago. lol That was really neat to be able to see a huge view of the city. We were able to eat lunch at the 95th floor (YIKES). The food was really great! I had Mahi Mahi... YUM. and a really awesome salad and Pasta! It was really funny because when you would look out at all the buildings, we counted 6 swimming pools on the roofs! I have decided that I am going to have a swimming pool on my roof! :D
Then we were able to go to Sprinkles. It was this really cute cupcake shop, we ended up getting 2 dozen cupcakes... LOL We all got to eat one right out side the shop while everyone that was waiting in line watched. It was weird. Me and Aunt Di were the ones that had to sit with them on our laps.. So we looked like we were pigs eating these 2 boxes of cupcakes by ourselves.. lol They were delicious though!! Especially the Red Velvet. YUM! After cupcakes, we walked the Magnificent Mile. Which is Michigan Ave. It was awesome to see all the designer shops... That i would never in a million year just be able to shop there. Not only because on the prices.. but because chubby girl stores suit me better.. ;)
We then walked over to the Jazz Festival.. That was cool. If you like Jazz. All i can say is that some of those piano players have QUICK fingers! haha. We ate on the grass and listened to music. It was nice. We also got to walk over to the pier, that was so neat to see all of the boats justa floating out there.. lol. It made me miss boating. :)
Holy! I can't believe that i almost forgot!! We went into the AMERICAN GIRL STORE. Coolest thing EVER! We got to see all the dolls, the salon- where you can bring your doll in and have them do their hair and a doctors office- where they fix your doll and give her a gown and a band to make her all better! It was so stinking cute! Huge inside, they even had head gear that you could buy for your doll!! I want one, lol Me and Hannah played with them as soon as we got back home! I LOVED ever minute of it!! :D
Also Aunt Di got her I-pod with her I-pod accessories stolen.. we think. At the restaurant, while we were eating... oops. Coat rooms are not very secure anyways, anyone can just walk right in.
Tonight was a BLAST!!! Loved seeing the big city, all the buildings and PEOPLE! Who would have thought that there would be so many people in one place at once!!! haha JK.
Tomorrow we are going to church, then we are having a BBQ with Uncle Rich's sisters! It should be fun!
So I I left Salt Lake with a very tearful goodbye, on my mothers end. Lol. As i got to the gate to where my plane would depart.. It all set in.. I was finally thinking well, I am really not going to see my family for a while... But, I will be ok. And after at least 20 calls from my mom to see if i made it to the gate OK, and didn't get lost, stolen, or mugged (Yeah... in Salt Lake), I finally boarded the LITTLE (yes, I mean little, Yikes) plane. It was pretty fun. I sat next to this lady that was on her way to visit her grandchildren, she lived in Florida, and had a deep New York accent. She told me a lot about herself. I feel like I know her.. LOL. There was this one really LOUD family, yelling to each other across the plane. The first thing I thought was if my family was here we would beat them in a loud contest.. that made me sad.. haha then I almost peed laughing at the thought of it.
The ride on the plane was really good only 2 hours. It went by faster than I thought that it would. But as we touched down in Chicago that is when I got nervous, so nervous that I got a coldsore... ICK i know.. (I need Abreva, Pronto.) But, all was well. Jessica was right in saying that you have to walk a mile to get to the baggage claim. haha It was easy though. My bags where the first to come out, Thank goodness. All I had to do was wait for Aunt Di to come and get me.
When Kristi and Aunt Di finally got to the airport and we were headed to Kristi's house (Which I might say is NOT in the Boony's, and is quite cute.). We had to stop at Walgreen's on the way home, and while Aunt Di was inside, after that McNeill--Pea-sized Patients kicked in.. JK lol:D I looked at my phone and saw that a weird number was calling. So I answered thinking that it was a wrong number. When on the other end I heard,
"Yes, Ms. McNeill, This is so and so with the Department of Homeland security. We believe that there is a problem with your luggage."
"Well, I have my luggage..." I said.
"We need you to please take your luggage to the nearest police station and have it searched."
"Um.. What..?" Panic stricken my this point.
"Have you left the air port? Where are you?"
Stumbling and shocked trying to gather my words to try and explain to Kristi what was going on.
"Ma'am, We believe that your luggage has been tampered with, please take it to the nearest Police station to have it searched."
"Um... Should I be worried?" Obviously.
By this time Aunt Di was making her way around the back of the car to get in.
"Where are you?"
Aunt Di finally got in the car and I managed a, "Um.. Here is my Aunt. Talk to her."
The second Aunt Di got on the phone they wouldn't talk, she said that it was probably a phony call. But that she thought that is was weird that they would know my name, that I was just at the Airport, and my Cell number. So we hang up. And not 2 seconds later they call again. This time Aunt Di picks up, "Hello"---- Crickets... But, then she hears kids in the background... she hangs up. They call again, She answers, Who was it you might ask?? None other than, my Uncle Rich... That stinker gave me such a HEART ATTACK!! My adrenaline was pumping so much that I still have a high from it.. haha. Anyways, Kristi called it, the second that Di said she heard kids. It was a funny prank...not so funny in the moment though. KUDOS, to Uncle Rich.
While the rest of my day was pretty laid back, I got teased for a while after.
By the time dinner rolled around I was starving!!! It took us at least 30 min. to decide where we were going to go, and we finally decided to get dinner, appetizers and desert in 3 different places. First, we went through the drive up window and got these nasty NO taste mini burgers, that Uncle Rich loves(not sure why). haha It was called White Castle.. I think. We then went to this AWESOME Chicago Pizzeria. So good. We ate BBQ, and veggie Pizza and Nachos with Jalepenos. Yum. And topped it all off with Ice Cream! Yum.
Today was tons of fun though. I am hoping that tomorrow will be better. I am definatly feeling the Jet lag...It's rough.
Tomorrow the plan is to see as MUCH of Chicago as we can. We are planning on going on a Food Tour.. I think. The Great Mile..WINDOW SHOPPING!! YAY!
Also Big SHOUT OUT to my MOMMY! I Love you and just for the record I worried if YOU got home OK. :D LOVE YOU and you will be fine. :D Have fun camping. Until next time, <3 Charley :D
