America, it’ll be a while before we meet again…

My wife and I have been in the United States for almost three weeks. Tomorrow, we begin our journey home to the Philippines.

It will probably be a while before we return. This trip reminded me how much I genuinely love the Philippines—not because it is perfect, but because our life there feels more like living.

Both countries have serious problems. The Philippines certainly has its frustrations, complications, and inefficiencies. But for us, everyday life there carries less stress.

During nearly our entire time in America, we have been driving, shopping, spending, scheduling, and coordinating. We have been busy constantly, but I’m not sure we have been living very much.

American problems also seldom feel minor. Income is taxed, then much of what we purchase with that income is taxed again. Depending on the state, vehicles can keep costing money in taxes, registration, and fees long after they are paid for. Groceries are expensive. People often seem hurried, impatient, or preoccupied with status.

Airports are exhausting, and in much of the country, the lack of practical public transportation makes driving almost unavoidable.

In the Philippines, our quality of life is simply better. We can afford experiences, time, help, and breathing room that would be much harder for us to maintain in America.

I understand that our circumstances—especially earning or bringing in American money—are not the experience of the average Filipino family. I do not want to dismiss the hardships many Filipinos face. I am only speaking honestly about our own life.

Among all the voices describing what is wrong with the Philippines, perhaps we should also make room to consider its advantages—and some of America’s disadvantages.

For those who have lived in both countries, where do you honestly experience the better quality of life, and why?