Filipino Gestures


Something kind of funny happened to me last week. I was having lunch with a group of pastors when one of them asked me a question. Since it was a “yes/no” kind of question, I just raised my eyebrows (quickly raising one’s eyebrows is just like nodding in the Philippines, but it doesn’t mean much to Americans). He stared at me for a couple of seconds before I verbally answered.

I remembered this a day or two later and laughed to myself. Usually I’m able to mentally separate the language and gestures that I need to use for each country. Usually, but not always.

New Study Supports Abstinence Programs

Abstinence education is a controversial topic in the United States. Some have argued that it is ineffective and does little to change teenage sexual behavior. A recent study by the Heritage Foundation, however, found that many abstinence programs produce positive results:

Overall, 16 of the 21 studies reported statistically significant positive results, such as delayed sexual initiation and reduced levels of early sexual activity, among youths who have received abstinence education.

You can read the entire study here.