We are having a quiet day. Yesterday was Sunday. Today we are doing laundry and study. It is good to see family on Skype. Tomorrow we will visit some members. We are still looking for a larger building for the branch. We had 138 people show up. The meeting hall is rented. It was built to accommodate 38 people. Life is interesting here.
Much here seems like it was in the states years ago. Most of the people are happy with a simple way of life. The people here are in better physical shape than most Americans.
We are at the end of the rainy season. The rivers have gone way down. There are small fishing boats on them.
The fruit trees produce a lot of fruit. Mangos and papayas are seasonal.. Bananas grow year round. The first rice harvest is mostly over. The second crop is being planted. The fields that won’t have enough water for a second rice crop will be planted in corn. This area is a rich agricultural province.
When we are driving, we see many fine homes with beautiful ornate fences in front. These homes are all concrete. These don’t burn down or blow away. They are well painted and are quite spacious. They often have fruit trees in the yards. Most houses are built near roads.
Other neighborhoods have “nipa” (bamboo) huts in them.. These are simple and functional. A common feature in any area is the well with a hand pump. Near a community pump, laundry is washed, kids are bathed and older kids come to cool off.
The most of the people travel on foot or they ride in a tricycle. This is a motorcycle with a side car. Often people ride in a jeepney. These are about the size of a 15 passenger van. The original ones were built from left over war jeeps. The ones today are on truck frames. There are many cars on the roads. Most come from Japan. Travel between cities is by bus. Traffic moves slowly and in a somewhat unusual way. Most roads are well paved with thick concrete. These will last many years. We often drive the back roads. They are always paved. For a look at traffic, look on line for “kuliglig”.
Many houses here have screens but not windows. They don’t need them. If you don’t have air conditioning, the outside air is fresh enough. It may be warm or hot. It will not be cold unless you live in the mountains. Many homes have a tv. A very popular thing here is karaoke. If it runs till late at night, at least the dogs won’t be barking and the roosters crowing. This is a rural place.
We are looking forward to going to Baguio City again. Everyone here does. Everyone who is wealthy, or well connected, has a home in Baguio. It is in the mountains north of here. It is cool. It rains there more often than here. Many of the beautiful pine trees are still there. The presidential summer house is there. There are many fine hotels and some tourist places. Some of the roads are steep!!! It is a trip well remembered. It is Rose’s home town. Two sisters and a brother and their families are there.
We are well. We have much to do yet. The members are great. It is good that we are away from most Americans. We can better concentrate on the task at hand. My language skill need a lot of work…...
Please take care
President and Sister Stamps
