Shortly after arriving to site and moving in with our host family, three generations of Ukrainians teach Lauren how to make varenyky, stuffed dumplings, which were then filled with sour cherries. A labor of love that is so worth the effort!
This photo was taken in November of 2009 at my host family's house during my parents' trip to the Philippines. Right before this picture was taken we all enjoyed a fantastic lunch of seafood and fruit. From left to right: Back: My mother and my...
This photo was taken during my 24th birthday party my host family had for me. This was my second birthday in country. My family gave me mango ice cream for my birthday! It was delicious. From left to right: (In the back) My host father, my host...
This is a picture of my host mother and I on a tricyle, the main mode of transportation in our barangay (village). We are on our way to a family gathering. Every Sunday Mama Len's family gets together to play cards, mahjong, eat food, and enjoy...
My PST host mom and me in our outdoor kitchen during the summer. Leaving everything I know to come to a country that I had barely heard of was quite possibly one of the most difficult things I’ve ever decided to do. Life was full of craziness as...
The holiday season was the most difficult time for me to be away from family and friends. My host mom made sure that I was well taken care of. She wanted me to have a good time and we celebrated the New Year in the same way that they had in...