Dear Diary

I woke up under my dad’s arm. It felt like a cozy blanket. I stand seeing many people struggle for mercy. Vomit splashed on my face. 

We finally arrived and dad and I begged for food under a building. We also beg for shelter struggling with the smells of smoke from the factories.

All we have is a yellow umbrella and a scarf. My Dad said we’re going to a place called an orphanage. When we arrived at the orphanage dad put the scarf around my neck and kissed me. As he left I saw dad’s face filled with guilt and sadness on his face.

My name is Cloud Adam Maravillas. I have arrived in New Zealand from the Philippines. When I first came into this school I experienced good friends, teachers and a large community. But I also miss playing basketball with my cousin and friends and Filipino games like tumbang preso and batuhang bola. As I’m now settled in to this school I can proudly say that I’m happy with this school even if there’s still some things that I miss in the Philippines like the heat and environment.