We were in the field again last week visiting with the farmers in Maragondon.  You may remember we partner with IIRR (International Institution for Rural Reconstructions).   A part of our job is to follow up on the projects LDS Charities support.  So quarterly, or more often if time permits, we rub shoulders with the good people who work the earth.  The pictures we share on this blog are ones taken this past Wednesday.  It takes us a whole day even though it should be a 45 min trip.  Once we get to the farms the world changes and we can slow down and just enjoy the simple beauty of the real Philippines.  The Philippines of yesterday.

We met Myrna the only woman farmer part of our group and were shown the results of her hard work. Picture left to right: Irish, our partner for IIRR, Myrna, Sister and Elder Webb and Sister Gorriceta our service Missionary and friend.

This is Myrna's pig.  It is the one we gifted through IIRR and she has had one litter already.  Mryna was very proud of the fact that this pig is expecting another batch in April.  The first batch was distributed with three piglets given away to help other farmers increase their ability to sustain themselves.  The other piglets were sold for high market price.  These pigs are suppose to roam in the forest foraging for food.  Unfortunately, most do not have that opportunity.  They are fed feed the farmer makes with grains.  We received a report that these pigs, which are suppose to be very lean, had too much fat to get the best price.  We tried  to educate the farmer on the need for natural feed. All we can do is follow up.  The above pig is better off because she is allowed to dig and roll around in dirt.  She also eats grass and weeds.  Others have not been as fortunate. 

Climbing up the hill side to the farms new plantings

Steps in the hill side to reach farming land

farm house along the way

beautiful rooster at the above farm

Pig barn.  The pig houses are kept very clean, but the pigs are not allow out to forage for food.  They will have too much fat on their bodies when they mature.  It is so hard to change tradition.  

New planting on Myrna's farm (pineapples)

Elder Webb learning about new plantings

The rings of a banana tree.  These trees are used for all sorts of things including making clothes

Leaving this farming area

Elder Webb drinking from a coconut.  Our host prepared each of us a young coconut for refreshment.  It is different from the coconuts we get in the states.  These are fresh from the trees.  The juice is not as sweet as we get in the States, but it is refreshing.

Elder Webb listening to Irish explain some of the farming theories of IIRR.

Over the bridge.  This is a bridge for use during the raining season.  We just walked through the river bed the day we went.

Elder Webb visiting with one of the local farmers on the hillside as we traveled to and from the Myrna's plantings.
As you can see the land is tropical and clearing it is no easy feat.  These farmers do everything by hand or they plow using the Caribau ( Large gentle animal) you have seen in other posts.

Back on the road we see some one enjoying the local transportation of a farmer.

Curious cows watch as we walked by

New growth of second season pineapple

At the end of our farm morning we were invited to stay for lunch at the humble home of  Myrna.  Unfortunately both Elder Webb and I had had stomach problems the previous week so we had to excuse ourselves.  It's hard to take food from people who have so little any way, but we have been advised not to eat in the homes of our rural partners. Apparently parasites are too easily transferred to our unaccustomed bodies.  Irish and Sister Gorricetta both accepted the gracious offer.  Every where we go, when we get out of the city, we are struck by the beauty and majesty of the Philippines and her people.  They are some of the most beautiful people we have ever seen .  There is an elegance about many that is hard to describe;  even with their humble natures they walk with a quiet dignity that is god given.  I saw it in Miss Universe when she was accepting her crown.  It is the only time I viewed her, so I have no idea what transpired in the competition.  I appreciate the opportunities we are having that gives us a better view of the diversity of God's children.

Elder Webb greets a little girl in one of the farm houses we passed