Homestay, Politics, and Food: Inside an American Home

Dinenr at Kalapawai Cafe and Deli in Kailua, Honolulu County. 

Never did I think that I will have the opportunity to live in an American Home and to know how welcoming Americans are until this fellowship program.

Well yes, the Office of Citizen Exchanges Program Officer Chris Remsen of the U.S. Department of State have already told the professional fellows affiliated with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) during our meeting back in Washington DC that one of the unique characteristics of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) fellowship program is homestay, or the chance to live in an American home for a day or two; however I did not know that it is this meaningful.

With Michelle at Kailua beach.

Couple Michelle Stephenson and Joe Roswarski accommodated me in their home last week where I spent overnight there. I rode the bus bound to Kailua and met them at Starbucks there. Michelle approached me with a warm and sincere smile and Joe came after. We went to their house and met their awesome baby dog Odin. I dropped my bag, and decided to walk in Kailua beach.

On Tourism

Michelle accompanied me to Kailua where she toured me on some of the best spots in the area. It was a good walk having to see some of the best views which I have not yet seen in Waikiki Beach.

Kailua Beach has less tourists here as compared to Waikiki beach
 and it offers this beautiful scenic view. Photos taken by blogger.

WATCH: Live Facebook post at the Kailua Beach when Michelle toured me here.

On top of the hilly part of the beach.
Photo taken by Michelle.

On Politics

What I appreciate more about this homestay is that ACYPL chose or matched our homestay with our interests. Michelle is the Chief Revenue Officer of a political technologies company NGP VAN + EveryAction. While Joe is a medical doctor in the Military based here in Honolulu. Both are active in political discourse and it was actually our main conversation over dinner and even while driving me back to Lincoln Hall.

Our conversations gave me context on the political situation here in the America and in exchange discussed various political and socio-economic issues in the Philippines with them. I think we agree on one point that their incumbent president has almost the same traits as ours on some aspects. We agree that some careless statements lead to more misunderstandings and division among citizens and the country as whole.

One of the crazy statements made by the current US administration was made late July this year when Trump announced that the "United States government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military." Such statement "reversed a year-old policy reviled by social conservatives."

I think that it has impact to those who are already serving in the military and/or those who are already assigned in various bases, and worse would be those who wanted to sincerely serve this country but are barred just because of their sexual preference and orientation.


Watch New York Times report on this below:
 

On Anti-Intellectualism 

Dr. Joe is reviewing for his specialisation examination in medicine which is oncology, or on the study and treatment of cancer. I told him that I see my nerd friends who are actually in law school, med school, and grad school.

Selfie with Dr. Joe before leaving their home.

I clarified that nerd in a positive way because in our country there are two connotations of such word. Which led me in sharing about smart-shaming in the Philippines or the culture of anti-intellectualism. Which, according to him is also prevalent here in the US. (Here is a good read from GMA Network and from Rappler). Some people even use satire to shame others, which is very typical among circle of friends.

We both agree that to make build a stronger nation, people should invest in nurturing their skills and in learning more.

On American Food

Another common interest the couple and I have is our love for food, albeit both of them are good in cooking while I am not. They hosted me for dinner at Kalapawai Cafe and Deli, a restaurant by night and a deli by day.

Macaroni and cheese. 

I forgot the name of this barbecue steak. 

I was not able to sleep long that night since it was my first time there and because I also received a call from home. However, I really love the simplicity and comfort of my bedroom Joe and Michelle provided.

Inside my cozy bedroom. 

Exchange programs such as this, I believe, opens a gate of opportunities to a person not only to immerse in the culture and learn from various people and experiences while here, but also to share his perspectives on some political and social issues which could contextualise his understanding on various issues.

I am grateful to my homestay host and to ACYPL for this opportunity to learn and share ideas with Americans inside and out of their warm American home. Mahalo Joe, Michelle, and Odin!


CHECK OUT my next blog entry which is about our walk at the beach and dog park advocacy of some dog lovers in Kailua. 


NOTE: The opinion of the blogger does not reflect the opinion of the US Department of State, the ACYPL, and the Philippine government. 

First thing I did in the US

I often pray, but I have to confess that I do not go to the church every Sunday. Being religious has always been associated with us Filipinos. Aside from our rich history which shows the deep connection with the religion, it has also become tied with our rich culture. 

Photo of St. Patrick's Parish in Washington DC which I took on Sunday.

On Sunday here at the Unites States, I attended the 8 o'clock mass at Saint Patrick's Parish, located at Washington DC together with my Filipino colleagues Renne, Ben, and L.A. The church was built in 1792. It's the nearest church from our hotel approximately 35-minute walk, so we decided to attend first thing in the morning.

The marker in front the parish.

The parish was solemn and there were only a few who have attended the said mass as compared to the devotees who flock the church in the Philippines on Sundays.

Photo from Councilor L.A. Ruanto's Facebook page.

It's unusual to see a little number of people who attended the said mass. Way back in the Philippines, churches are often full-packed. You can barely seat during Sunday mass especially in the morning and late afternoon mass. But this place offers a solemn venue to reflect and to connect with God.

Photo from Councilor L.A. Ruanto's Facebook page.

With presiding priest Father John. 

Before jumping into busy and productive schedule including series of meeting here at the United States for my fellowship, I believe that I am prepared for whatever learning experience and even challenges which I am about to gain here because I did what I should do first. 

To my friends and family back home, I ask that you pray for all the fellows from 42 countries participating in this professional fellowship program that we may be safe in our various fellowship placements here in the US and that we may be instruments to glorify His name. #