"Oh Taste and See..."

Ever since we arrived in the Philippines, we wanted to tour some rice fields. It wasn’t until this month that we finally had that opportunity when some friends from church offered to take us.

Mrs. Santos and her daughter kindly accompanied our family and the Herters as we visited some nearby rice and sugar cane fields. Mrs. Santos’ brothers and father actually owned and farmed these fields.

One of the farmers did a great job explaining some of the different aspects that involve farming these two crops. With his straw hat and occasional grin, he answered our random questions.:-)

He said they only plant one sugar cane crop per year, because it takes 10 months for the stalks to mature. It was interesting to learn that the darkness of color on the bottom of the stalk indicates the sweetness of the sugar cane. In other words, the darker it looks the sweeter the tastes.:-)

This rice field that we visited covered a little over one acre. The rice plants from this field normally yields about twenty 100 lb-bags. Since Filipinos eat rice for every meal, this yielded amount actually leaves very little left over for them to sell. That is why these particular farmers harvest the rice and use it for their own family.

After touring the rice and sugar cane fields, we walked away with a greater appreciation for all those who labored in the fields. Harvesting rice and sugar is not an easy job—especially considering that these farmers do it all by hand!

Here is Mr. Herter showing us how to taste a raw sugar cane. :-)

Everyone loves free testers, right? :-)

Of course, Dad needed one to match his height. :-)

Mrs. Herter, Mrs. Santos, and Mom chewing away!

Mom and one of the farmers observing the rice up close.

The farmers were so kind to let some of us ride their caribou as well! Believe it or not, these bulky creatures are actually very docile and easy to ride.:-) 

"Smile!"

Mrs. Santos with her daugther as well as her brothers and father (the farmers).

We sure appreciated the ability to taste the sweet sugar cane, feel the soft rice grain, and to see different details about each crop. Without our physical senses, how could we fully appreciate everything in life?

Without the use of our spiritual senses, how can we fully appreciate or understand the Lord? What if we couldn’t feel His presence, hear His voice, or taste His goodness? As we pondered these thoughts, it made us realize  how vital it is that use our spiritual senses to their fullest so that we may fully know more about our Savior. 

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” - Psalms 34:8

(A close up view of the some of the rice plants)