A Purpose-Filled Life In Dumaguete
I had a wonderful life; full of happiness, work success, and purpose. When it was time for my husband and me to retire, I was ready to quit the “rat race” and start a new adventure in a tropical paradise. I loved the thought of leisurely days by the beach; meeting new friends and exploring a whole new area of the world. But would I find purpose in my life again?
My life in Canada had a perfect balance of family, work and volunteerism. My husband and I raised 3 wonderful children who are now pursuing lives of their own. I loved my job as high school English teacher, taking great pride in the success of my students. Church was an important part of my life, singing in the choir and teaching youth group. I was active in the community; working at the soup kitchen, organizing blood drives, and teaching adults how to read. But I was ready to leave all that behind and start a new chapter in my life.
We moved to the Philippines in a small city called Dumaguete. Our house was walking distance to the beach and most of our neighbors were retirees from abroad as well. I met wonderful friends and I was busier than I ever had been; playing lots of tennis and golf, singing at church, and of course swimming and snorkeling at the local resorts. My husband I went on a weekly dates; dining at restaurants or taking in a show at one of the cultural arts programs in the city. But I felt a sense that something was missing.
One day I arrived late to church, and by the time I had put on by choir robe and snuck in to join the rest of the choir members sitting in the choir loft, a video was playing on the screens with pictures of missionaries working within at risk communities. I immediately thought, “Oh this must be one of those outreach videos that I used to see in Canada asking for donations to help fund their work around the world.” As I watched the video, I saw places that could have easily been locations right here in Dumaguete! Then I recognized several people in the pictures. I realized that this wasn’t an international mission, this was a video of the many opportunities right here in my community that I could become involved. An answer to my prayers!
Today I am fully engaged in many community activities, knowing that I am making a positive difference in people’s lives every day! Even my husband has discovered ways to channel his passion for running as he is working with a sports development non-profit group in the city. Many of our friends are involved in diverse community outreach programs, enabling them to maximize their skills and passions.
Come to Dumaguete and make a positive difference.
Find what makes your heart sing!
I had a wonderful life; full of happiness, work success, and purpose. When it was time for my husband and me to retire, I was ready to quit the “rat race” and start a new adventure in a tropical paradise. I loved the thought of leisurely days by the beach; meeting new friends and exploring a whole new area of the world. But would I find purpose in my life again?
My life in Canada had a perfect balance of family, work and volunteerism. My husband and I raised 3 wonderful children who are now pursuing lives of their own. I loved my job as high school English teacher, taking great pride in the success of my students. Church was an important part of my life, singing in the choir and teaching youth group. I was active in the community; working at the soup kitchen, organizing blood drives, and teaching adults how to read. But I was ready to leave all that behind and start a new chapter in my life.
We moved to the Philippines in a small city called Dumaguete. Our house was walking distance to the beach and most of our neighbors were retirees from abroad as well. I met wonderful friends and I was busier than I ever had been; playing lots of tennis and golf, singing at church, and of course swimming and snorkeling at the local resorts. My husband I went on a weekly dates; dining at restaurants or taking in a show at one of the cultural arts programs in the city. But I felt a sense that something was missing.
One day I arrived late to church, and by the time I had put on by choir robe and snuck in to join the rest of the choir members sitting in the choir loft, a video was playing on the screens with pictures of missionaries working within at risk communities. I immediately thought, “Oh this must be one of those outreach videos that I used to see in Canada asking for donations to help fund their work around the world.” As I watched the video, I saw places that could have easily been locations right here in Dumaguete! Then I recognized several people in the pictures. I realized that this wasn’t an international mission, this was a video of the many opportunities right here in my community that I could become involved. An answer to my prayers!
Today I am fully engaged in many community activities, knowing that I am making a positive difference in people’s lives every day! Even my husband has discovered ways to channel his passion for running as he is working with a sports development non-profit group in the city. Many of our friends are involved in diverse community outreach programs, enabling them to maximize their skills and passions.
Come to Dumaguete and make a positive difference.
Find what makes your heart sing!
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Hi, Paula. I have done exactly the same as you. I come from the UK and now live in a cool and quiet apartment with my partner in a subdivision just opposite the hypermart. I have known Dumaguete on and off as a tourist since October 2013. I am a semi-permanent resident here – I say, semi-permanent because I have a tourist visa which I periodically renew. As someone who is over 65, I have confined myself largely indoors since early March. I had hoped to return to the UK for a visit in April but my plan was scuppered by the pandemic. I read that Forbes magazine had placed Dumaguete as the 7th most popular place in which to retire in the world. I can well believe that. I describe my life as a football match. In the first half, I was on the substitute bench because I was terrified to play on the field. At half-time a dramatic event took place. It is now the second half which will continue until the end of my life. I am centre forward, scoring goals. Before the event, I suffered from depression and had two nervous breakdowns. During that time, I was also a religious fundamentalist. I believe it was to shield myself from what I perceived as unwanted enquiries as to my true identity which I kept well hidden. Now I am totally at peace with myself and comfortable in my own skin. I know the truth about myself and that truth has set me free to be myself. I believe that there are two kinds of people – those who live in fear. They are the ones who hate difference because it threatens their cosy world of conformity (where they don’t have to think too hard!). They are very quick to judge and condemn, showing that they hate themselves as well. The second group of people are those who live in unconditional love. They know they are loved. They can therefore love themselves and show love to others. It comes naturally to them. They cannot judge others. It’s just not in their DNA. I expect you have already guessed the nature of the dramatic event which took place for me in November 2011. I can give a “heavy” clue by saying that I love rainbows. I used to see “in black and white”. Now I appreciate the diversity of colour in the world. Yes, I am gay and proud to be gay. I also know that I am loved by God (whoever God is!). God is indescribable and unexplainable. God is I believe unconditional love, above all. For some people, that is a scary notion because they are more comfortable with rules and regulations. They have nothing to do with relationship. That is the key. Sharing the gospel is just loving others unconditionally, which includes respecting them as individuals. I hope our paths cross sometime. I sometimes go for lunch at one of the restaurants on Rizal Boulevard. All the best, Bill.