PART 2

Thursday ...vermiculture place and found out there is much help here for those who would like to learn how to raise chickens, pigs, cows, compost etc.  We were very impressed.  We went to the library and saw the books that Cushings had received from the United States and donated to this community and people can show their ID and borrow the books.  There are probably 20 books.  Most of the books have to be read in the room there, otherwise and there are not many of them.  We visited the Collins place next.  They raise turkeys, chickens, ducks, herbs, cats and a dog.  They are American but she is Filipino and they have three sons who were born in the US, two are in the US Service and one is in the Philippines on another island.  They have a small piece of property but have made the most of it.  He built their house out of wood, not bamboo.  Anyway, they were very gracious and served us lunch of watermelon and pizza.  After we went to Buena Vista for a self-reliance meeting with Boiser(14 present plus Cushings and us). Then onto the wharf, the pump boat to Iloilo, taxi to Jalandoni and I'm beat but meeting at 7:30.  We spent some time in Jalandoni then Ray took me to the Atrium to get me something to eat but when the dinner came, it didn't smell good so we just packed it up but we ate a halo halo then went back to Jalandoni to pick up Darlene and then we went to Diversion 21 to have the meeting with a couple who will be married March 2.  They do video professionally and they will make a film of success stories.  Darlene Casas was there and Butch.  Boiser fed us at the hotel.  I had a delicious salad.  It always sit well at 8:00 at night.  9:30 home.
Friday shortened routine.  We picked up Boiser at 7:30 and except for a small diversion, we were headed the wrong way on a one way and the police stopped us and told us to back up and turn around in a very narrow space.  Onto Jalandoni to leave the truck, taxi, wharf to boat, Guimaras and Cushings are waiting for us.  Nueva Valencia church is next for a self-reliant meeting with those members.  Some showed up at 9:00 but it was scheduled for 10:00 and that is when we started.  15 plus Cushings, us, and Boiser attended.  We ended around noon and went to Raymond Resort for lunch.  I had stir fry vegetables and a mango shake.  Then we walked out on the beach.  It was beautiful.  Cushings wanted us to see the "Great Wall " of China as they call it.  It was built by some Chinese family and inside is a small lake with a Noah's Ark on it for decoration, I think.  Also a big, beautiful home is inside the wall.  Side note:  Brother Cushing was turning left into the road and a motorcylist carrying a passenger decided to pass us.  CRASH😖!  It was scary.  They flew and road burn scrape pretty badly and the motorcycle seat needed some little repair and the passengers shoe sole was ripped halfway off but it can be repaired.  Mostly on the truck was dirt removed.  It was very scarey.  The man didn't have a license so he didn't want to call the police.  Boiser was with us so he could talk and listen and understand.  They apologized and settled for a 1,000P each and we all went on our way to see the site.  If only we can get out of here with no more accidents, we will be pleased.  The drivers here don't follow any rules.  Driving is crazy!  Ray is really good but you never know when someone will hit you.  Next it was back to the wharf, pump boat, across the water, taxi, and 3:30 Jalandoni.   Home 5:30.  We received a text that the meeting will be from 7-12 Saturday.  Our information was at 1:30.  We have quickly changed plans but we cannot leave before 6:00 am, so we will see how soon we can arrive in Kalibo.  Cushings will come over in the first pump boat.
Saturday we picked up Cushings at the corner from Ortiz wharf, heading to Kalibo with our sack lunches for a meeting with the stake self reliance group there.  Boiser will follow through with another meeting in Guimaras at Jordan branch while we go to Kalibo by invitation.  I hope we will be useful there.  We arrived in Kalibo at 9:30.  It was really amazing to see the inspired leadership here.  This was a class held to teach people, all men, new skills to assist them in getting jobs or starting a business.  It was about closed-circuit tv, setting up and installing systems.  Seventeen attended plus the four of us and the teacher.  They asked the four of us to say something.  They made short comments.  Ray always says something wonderful and I told about the farmer who raised prize-winning corn and shared his seed with all his neighbors.  Ended around 12:45 and then we drove to Roxas and talked all the way.  It was very fun.  We arrived at the Veronica Hotel 3:00 and rested thirty minutes and then checked out the restaurant menu and went for a ride to show Cushings the area.  We will eat and retire and head early to Manoling church in the morning around 7:00 am