Hello there! Thanks for visiting my little slice of the internet. I’m Celina and I’ve set up this blog so that you, my friends, family and curious onlookers can get a glimpse into what I’m up to in Angola. I arrived here exactly 6 days ago to begin this little adventure of living and working in Africa on the AIDS crisis. It’s true that when I first visited the UN headquarters in New York City when I was 13 years old, I looked up at the building and told myself that one day, I would work for the UN and here I am. Funny how that works out. But from that day until now, the path has been long, winding, sometimes a cul-de-sac, but there was always enough room to make a u-turn. I’m sure it helped that my entire family emigrated to the US from the Philippines when I was six years old and from that first plane ride, I have not wanted to stop.
School was something that was more important, at times, to my parents than it was to me, but then I suppose, it’s helped me to do the cool things I’ve been able to do. Things like see Hillary Clinton speak in China, have an inside look into factories in India, study with some of the most brilliant thinkers, talk about a better life for sex workers in the Philippines, and mostly just learn about the world and its tenants. And now, after making my way from the little island of Cebu to the beaches of California to the frigid but lovely winters of Cambridge, into the ‘center of the universe’ of Manhattan, I find myself on the ocean side city of Luanda in the endlessly fascinating country of Angola.
I am deeply indebted to the many wonderful people who have held my hand, who have challenged me, and who have enjoyed these meandering with me. Thank you!!
I hope you enjoy this blog and I welcome your comments!!!
Obrigada! Ciao ciao! Besos! Celina
postscript: I am now living in a flat on the 7th (or 9th of you’re American) floor of the building, which looks like it has a pinkish/reddish tank on the top. At least I’m facing the water!
Celina,
Hi there girlfriend! Just dropping by to say hello. I love all your pictures! Your smile is beautiful as I remember it to be! I wish you well in all your work. You truly are a great inspiration to me. I’m sending this to you with A GREAT BIG HUG. luv ya lots!!
By: Mirabelle Pfondevida on 13 September 2007
at 6:36 pm
|
