Spreading the Ideas

Elder Dalley and I, Pres. Cinco and Richard have been traveling lately to spread his ideas for welfare to the various Districts in our mission. Biliran District is especially excited. The mayor there has allowed the members to use a piece of land that is about 6 hectors (13 acres). It is a beautiful piece of land with rolling hills, mango and coconut trees and a lot of foilage. It is up on higher ground so you can look off and see the ocean in the near distance. They are having a District activity today (Feb. 13, 2010) to clear some of the land so the tractor, the mayor will let them use, will be able to plow. They are planning to plant some fruit trees, native to the area, and vegetables. They will also build a small nipa hut there for the caretaker to stay in. They were able to get good used clothing for each branch to sell on consignment to help pay for the expenses the farm will incure and to begin to save to buy rice, oil and other commodities that people will sell for employment.
We have visited Maasin and Sogud already and they are very excited about the idea also. Each of these two districts have a piece of land they are planning to plant to begin their project. We have an appointment next week to talk to a District in Samar. It is exciting to us to see their excitement for the project.
Elder Dalley and San Miguel Branch are at our Farm today (Feb. 13, 2010) planting peanuts. The squash we planted two weeks ago took only one week to come up and the squash we planted last week should be showing through today.

Sugar Cane field near Ormoc City

Trucks loaded with Sugar Cane

January is the month for New Year's resolutions. Ours was, once again, to get more exercise so we have been walking more. We found a street that went out toward a barongay that wasn't so populated and felt more comfortable walking there. We always pass this certain house and find a turkey purched on top gobbling as long as the roosters are crowing then he gets down and goes about his business. This picture is dark but it was still a little dark when we took it. We decided he must think he is a rooster too.

Turkey Rooster

January 2010 was our one year mark in the Philippines. My hair has not been cut during that time except for bangs. My hair grows quite slow but it is long for me. Others would probably have much longer hair.

One year without a hair cut