“Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground.” ― Judith Thurman
That statement is also true for places you go to only once in a while. For me, that place is the Philippines. It was the first place I went to that was "away-from-home" with a totally different culture and society. The first place where I really had to fend for myself. Its special because it was the "first." Just like my "first" ship, the Oriskany, which took me to the Philippines, again, "first."
Today, I have a family there. They have accepted me the way I am, with all my faults and with all my prayers. Caring for someone forms a bond, a bond that is made from God's Love and can not be broken, even if one leaves. That "caring" is what makes leaving so hard.
"A true home is love. It is where you get love and give love, freely with no strings attached, no expectations. You can never leave true home, it goes with you everywhere you go." -- Pogi Americano
Every 5 years Lolly and I make a religious pilgrimage to somewhere to celebrate 5 more years of or wonderful marriage. Last year, we spent a few days in Washington DC and went to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. During our tour of the shrine I was surprised to find that the cornerstone of the shrine was a gift from Antipolo Philippines. While Lolly and I were trying to decide where to go this year ... our 40th, I suggested a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Antipolo in her homeland.
What is the origin of the devotion to Our Lady of Antipolo?
Once we got there, I remembered the Basilica from the early 70's when I went there with a friend. He called it the "gold" church.
We decided to go on the first of October because that would be the best weather. It was a very long trip for both of us. Although it was very hot and humid, I enjoyed every minute of the trip. A big THANK YOU to all who made this trip so special.
