Day 258 - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Today we had interviews in Guimba.  As we drove, the fields of rice are being harvested everywhere!  This allows us to see my favorite animal here in the Philippines, the carabao.  The carabao is like the water buffalo.  It is the Philippines national animal.  It symbolizes strength, power, efficiency, perseverance and most of all, hard-work.  It’s more than just a farmer’s helper in the field.  It is the alternative to a tractor, never complains and is always at the “mercy” of its master.  It is often referred to “beast of burden” and is also the “filipino’s best friend.”  I am fascinated by this gentle giant of the road. Once when we had a typhoon, we heard of two farmers who lost their lives.  They went to help their carabao get to high ground and in the process lost their own lives while their carabao were spared.  They are a very beloved animal and I can definitely see why.