A Step Back in Time.

Last week we took a trip back in time.  We drove south from Manila at 5 am to Silang, a town in Cavite.  We met the Soleta’s, our dear friends who are church service missionaries, and another sister who had arranged for us to visit a rather remote school in need of assistance. 

We are working with the Department of Education to take lights to schools without power.  The program is called 1 lamp 1 child.  This program would provide solar lamps for poor children allowing them to do their homework, or read after the sun goes down.  We are hoping to enable children, to stay in school and further their education.  Many are dropping out because their school program just passes them by.  They are unable to get assigned work done; they fall behind and then just drop out.  The DepEd is trying to address this problem and these lamps may be one solution.  As LDS Charities representatives, we are privileged to meet and work with the teachers and students in some of the schools identified as in need (they are called “un-energized” schools).  As you can imagine there are many.

Now, this trip to a remote barangay was a little different.  There is no road access for cars.  There is a wagon path that can be accessed by 4 wheel drive at certain times of the year, but we are still experiencing some rain in this area.  So, Elder Soleta arranged for us to go by Caribou cart.

This adventure was something our grandchildren would have loved.  We drove to the outskirts of town in an open backed truck which deposited us in a field.  In front of where our driver left us was a rather large animal hooked up to a wooden slat wagon; our transportation to Guatasin and their little school. A rope was threaded through the Caribou’s nose and down through his mouth and acted as a bridle. (A Caribou is a cross between an ox and a fairly large cow.  It’s pulling and work capacity is similar to an ox.) 

We climbed aboard. (I am not as agile as I used to be. What’s with that?) The owner of the Caribou climbed on the back of the animal along with the son of one of our missionaries and off we went.  It was a slow lumbering ride as this amazing animal pulled us in the cart over mud that rose to its knees.   We were grateful we did not have to slug through the mud. It gave me a slight insight to our pioneer fathers and their trek across the planes.   Our path seemed to take us up a ridge traveling up between two valleys.  At the top of the ridge we could see a beautiful view with a large body of water in the distance (Laguna de Bay for those of you following along on google maps).   Guatasin sits on the top of the ridge.  The ride took us about an hour. 

When we arrived in the village we passed by a number of homes that were very humble but well-kept including colorful plants in the front yard.  We drove up to the school where parents were waiting for their children on the front porch/patio.   A flag was flying.  It was tattered and dirty but flying with the pride of the community.

The school is a clean one room structure with glass in the window (not always the case).  There is a single, solar powered light bulb in the ceiling to light the whole room.  The windows provide adequate light on a clear day; stormy days less so.  We visited with the teachers and listened to the children do their lessons.  It is a bit of a challenge because there are 4 different grades in the room.   First through fourth are taught in this school. The other children walk or go by Caribou cart to Silang to attend middle school and high school.   Most of these children have chores before they can go to school.  There is no water in this community.  The children walk about 20 min. to a nearby stream where they fetch water daily.  They also bath and do their wash in this stream. While we were in the class room a few children arrived late and we were told it was because they had to get water before they could leave for school.  When the children did arrive late they stopped at the door to the class room and formally asked for forgiveness for being tardy, explained why they were late and asked for permission to enter.  They were polite, orderly and attentive.  We worked with them on some finger play and taught them the song head shoulder knees and toes and after two times they could sing and do the moves faster than I could.  They are a quick study but do not speak English.

We had brought snacks for them which we shared.  (Mango juice and biscuits)  One little fellow ate his biscuits and drank park of the mango juice then slipped out of the room to give his little brother, who was waiting outside with his mother, the rest of his drink.  It was very sweet to watch.  After a visit of little over an hour it was time to head back down to the valley.  We said our good byes and were given fresh papaya and bananas from their personal gardens.  It is humbling to receive gifts from those who are so poor.  We try to show the heart felt gratitude we feel.  Have I mentioned how good the bananas are here?  The best I have ever tasted.

Our ride back down the mountain seemed harder on our animal friend than the journey up.  He rested while we were in the school but was given no water because they did not have any to give.  The bull worked his way along the trail huffing and puffing and snorting until he just had to stop.  The temperature was warmer than the cooler morning temp and the beating sun had turned hot on the animal’s skin as well as ours.  A few of us opted to walk a distance to relieve the burden.  The ground had dried out and the mud pits seemed to be drying up.  The rocking and jostling of the cart created a half sleep half-awake state of being.   I now know what it would feel like to fall asleep driving a covered wagon. 

We traveled with seen and unseen men walking behind us; going home it was the Barangay captain.  I found out later they were there to protect us from marauders who sometimes cause mischief in the area. This courtesy and the cart ride were provided by the people of this small village. How grateful we are for the kind consideration of others.

Each time we have an assignment we recognize the fullness of our lives and we feel blessed.  Blessed because of the life we have shared and are sharing; blessed because of our beautiful family which continues to grow.  We are grateful for the schooling our children and grandchildren have had.  If the children here do not finish school they have little hope of making a good life for themselves.  We are grateful to know the Lord has provided a way to lift the down trodden, help the poor and needy and provide for the weak.  It is through you and me. Our job here is to help create projects and programs that lift and encourage sustainable support.  A part of our reality is the poor.  Jesus Christ tells us they will always be with us.  

meeting with the principal of the satellite school we visited

 

We rode in the back of this truck to the field were our caribou ride began

Our driver and caribou

On the road to the school

home site we passed on the way

first site of school

school flag

parents waiting for their children

class room with library

work is done on the board

children do not have shoes

children in class share their desks

working with the children

 Elder Soleta showing the teacher a solar lamp we will help supply

heading back

We saw this beautiful rooster on the way home.  He is a proud fellow.

These are the powerful hindquarters of the caribou.  They help control the rate at which we travel down hill.  I ached for the animal as we pounded against his body in our down ward descent.

The two men walking towards us in this picture were our guides back down to the valley.  The one in the red cap is the Barangay Captain for this little village.  These people know how to protect themselves and were doing the same for us.  They are quiet, unassuming people with wonderful smiles.

we will remember these faces

This fellow has special needs.  He is 14 and works in the class along with the other students.  His job is to keep the black board clean, which he does with great enthusiasm.

Elder Webb visiting with families just before we leave.  There is a wonderful spirit about these people who love their families and work hard to provide what they can.  The eat mostly fruits and vegetables and of course rice..

Till next time Love Elder and Sister Webb