Blessings of My Life

By Mymannah Lou O. Dimacaling

United States of America was one of my dream places when I was young.
But, to wake up one morning, seeing snow falling outside your window,
realizing that everything seems to be true was extremely unexpected.
During that time, I told myself, is this true or just a dream? Let me check,
but yet, everything is true. Harriet Tubman once said, Every great dream
begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength,
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. 1
Last February 1- 11, I traveled in the United States of America for the
International Visitor Leadership Program project entitled U.S. Perspectives
on Legal Education. It is for the Philippines and administered by Meridian
International Center and with the help of United States Department of State
and Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines.
In my journey, I met a lot of people from different places in Mindanao,
Palawan and in US. I learned a lot from them. It helped me to develop my
interpersonal skills. I acquired additional knowledges based from their
experiences and skills.
Beforehand, I want to share my Shalom experiences with my co-volvis
participants. It was Sunday night when I first met them. Being with them for
almost a month was unforgettable. I enjoyed being with them. We roamed
around the city. We celebrated a birthday party and we ate together. They
were like my brothers and sisters. Though it was my first time to meet
them, but, it was like we have been together in the past.
Going in Washington was a bit challenging. We were stranded in Hong Kong
and one of my colleagues was brought to the hospital. She was hurt because
a heavy bag fell down to her neck from the cabin when the airplane landed
in the airport. It was sudden and we worried a lot about her health. Thank
you to our Almighty, and she was okay. Other than that, we lost our

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luggages for two days. Despite of those challenges, no one will stop us. We
stayed strong together.
We arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the afternoon.
We were welcomed by Ms. Lily May Bayley, Ms. Teresita Bernales and Ms.
Jacquelyn Costa-Horsey. After that, we went to the Meridian International
Center. At the center, we met Ms. Rhonda Martin, Mr. Mark Rebstock and
Mr. David Chestnut. Although we were tired from a long trip, we felt so
happy because of the warm welcome shown by them who waited for us and
prepared the activity, and we arrived safe in the capital.
Tuesday was our first meeting day, and that was February 3. First, we went
to the United States Department of Justice. Mr. Charles Ex, program
manager, explained the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development,
Assistance and Training (OPDAT) roles in providing technical assistance to
countries in support of the transparent and fair judicial system.
Second, Ms. Jo-Ann Wallace, president and CEO of the National Legal Aid
and Defender Association (NLADA) explained the resources and programs
to support and encourage access to legal aid and defense services. Third,
our next appointment was the Pro Bono Institute. Mr. Sri Katragadda, Esq.,
Ms. Eve Runyon, Esq. and Ms. Tammy Taylor, Esq. made clear to us how the
organization support the pro bono efforts of law firms to identify new
approaches to the provision of legal services to the poor. Lastly, we went to
the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The different programs of USIP
and how they help other people in other countries were expounded to us.
February 4 was our second day in Washington D.C. On that day, we visited
the highest tribunal in the nation for all cases and controversies in the
United States. It stands as the final arbiter. Do you know that court? It was
the United States Supreme Court. We went around the Supreme Court. We
learned a lot about its history and how the trial was conducted inside the
court room. Furthermore, we received our IVLP certificates in that place.
We were so happy and thankful while receiving the certificates given by Ms.
Rhonda Martin.
Washington D.C. was remarkable. It is a beautiful city surrounded with vast
museums, iconic monuments and historical buildings. My experience was

worth remembering, and I acquired new informations from the people that
I met in that place. I just want to say, thank you for the blessings that I had
received because it is more than what I have expected it to be. Now, our
second place is Dallas, Texas...