In the early morning, the sun
takes about 30 minutes from the first light to appear. The low clouds over the distant mountains make for a beautiful sunrise. [Sister Stamps] likes to take an early walk with our
neighbor. It is about a mile on the local rural road to the main highway going
the back way. Then they come back refreshed.
The road is paved concrete. It is about ten feet wide with irrigation
ditches and fields along the sides. The morning air is fresh and cool. The
trees are damp with dew. The trees are full of ants that bite. We stay clear of
them.
There are the broad mango trees with dark
green leaves. These produce sweet mangos from February until May. There are some morangi trees with small
leaves and long fruit that resemble green beans before the seed pods open and
drop the seeds.
There are some papaya trees
here and there. These grow fast and are easily broken off. The ones by the
front gate have grown from 4 inches to four feet in three months. These have
large star shape leaves that branch from the trunk in an alternating
pattern. The fruit grows from the trunk
in between the leaves. The fruit hangs
like large pears until ripe. These are good. The black seeds are in the enter
much like a cantaloupe.
We pass banana trees with their
huge long tattered leaves. They only produce every two years. Then we cross a
small bridge and the local barangay hall. It is the government building for the
local neighborhood. The captain and secretary know everyone who lives here.
Most barangay halls have an elementary school by them. This one does not. The
children walk two hundred yards to the public school or the private one near it.
Each school has its own distinctive uniform. Typical is a white shirt or
blouse, dark pants or a bright plaid skirt. And sandals.
Along the way are an assortment
of dogs, goats, huge Brahman cows, families eating breakfast, and men going to
work in the fields. Everyone is
friendly. The small kids just stare. Most people say hi. Some homes are humble with split bamboo walls
and grass roofs. Many homes are of
concrete blocks with metal roofs and elaborate iron gates.
The fields make a green carpet
all the way to the mountains about 3 miles away. The houses are lined up by the
roads. Different trees dot the landscape.
There are many frogs but few bugs. The mosquitos are sprayed heavily
here. The malaria is gone here now. Some places have dengue from mosquitos. We
don’t worry much.
We pass tricycles and
motorcycles and few trucks. The local roads are quiet. The main highways are noisy. There are some unimproved roads which can be
driven if there are rocks in them. There are some trails through the fields and
by the river. We don’t drive there too often.
Life here is peaceful. It is
uncomplicated. The people are happy with few earthly possessions. Families live near to the relatives. Many
work together. They share in fortunes and misfortunes together. They are
usually close. Birthday celebrations are simple for the kids. If the family is
prosperous the adults will have larger louder parties for their birthdays.
These will have karaoke for hours or days.
The internet is rare here.
Homework is optional. Few go to college. Life changes slowly for most. We are
blessed to be here. We are blessed with our homes and families there. Life is good.
take care... Elder and Sister Stamps
