Thrown into Unchartered Waters

Today is my first day in my new job. It will be, as it turns out, a case of many firsts.

Joining this organization is a little unnerving. But in the years that I had been dealing with them, I have begun to love their advocacy and the people, not to mention the numerous out of town trips required from the position. Hey, it's not easy to find a company that pays you well so you can travel around the country on a weekly basis! Besides, it will also allow me to immerse with the communities  - which is really my first love. However, as much as this new experience excites me, today makes me feel like a baby being thrown out into the water for the first time.

And speaking of such, my boss told me earlier, in a matter of fact way, to pack up my bags and get myself ready to fly to Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in the days to come. Aside from the required anti-malaria vaccination that I have to go through, not to mention filling out a life insurance policy which I found lying on my new table, my colleagues advised me to shop for a foldable life jacket for the trip. No, they were not kidding. They said this is an additional safety precaution since I will be crossing the seas of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to get to the farthest islands.

This is definitely being thrown into unchartered waters, one that might turn out to be shark-infested!

The rest of the day was full of more formal orientation. On my way home, mind begins wandering  into the deep blue waters of Mindanao and its beautiful beaches. I find myself confused whether to shop for a neon-colored lifejacket or one with a lot of reflectors. You know, in case the ship sinks at night. Which has the higher survival rate? Hmmm, how about looking for some rocket parachute flares in case I will need some smoke signals? How about a GPS?A Swiss knife, certainly!

Hurray!!! The adventurous spirit prevails.