There’s an old saying which goes, “To have something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”
As we have talked about numerous times, living in a small rural town in and of itself is a wonderful thing. When it comes to simple things as needing to visit the grocery store, we can be there in a few minutes without having to deal with heavy traffic.
In larger areas that could be a forty-five minute freeway drive to just to get to the store.
If we want to go for a walk or bike-ride, we generally don’t have to worry about winding up in an unsafe neighborhood if we took a wrong turn. And of course when we find ourselves needing help with something as common as using jumper-cables, there is always a friend or neighbor willing to help.
Having said those things, now just might be the perfect time to talk about special life and culture that truly does exist outside of Goshen County. As much as we love the quiet simplicity of rural country life, it is always wise to be a bit conscientious about a vast world existing outside of our little area.
As some of you may already be aware this local reporter had the opportunity to visit the Philippines recently, and is sitting down to do some writing for the first time in a short while.
With obviously the mind and heart still there in many ways, it would only seem right to give the good people of our area a brief first-hand connection on why the Philippines is such a wonderful place filled with equally amazing people.
Although this was actually the second time in visiting the country, we always learn something new along the way that we may not have caught the first time. Now is the time to share some of those things.
The world is filled with different cultures and beliefs, all of which prove to be unique and true to their own heritage. So what is it about this tiny little country with thousands of little islands scattered all over the Pacific? What makes it so unique and wonderful to visit?
First off, it is truly the most beautiful place in the world.
Now of course this may be a bold statement as we could argue Wyoming is the most beautiful place in the world. When it comes to the beautiful islands of the Philippines, however, there is something so pure and untouched about its natural beauty that there is almost something spiritual to what is being seen. It is almost as if God himself is reaching out personally and humbly to show you some of his finest work.
This is obviously just an opinion, but it is by no means an exaggeration. The moment you set foot on one of their famous secluded beaches, you almost feel as if something from above has handed you a gift you will not be able to have anywhere else.
Secondly, Filipinos are by far the most happy and humble people you will ever meet in your life.
It has to be pointed out the Philippines are indeed a third-world country. If one were to stray away from the popular tourist spots and actually take a look at how 95% of these people actually live, the sight would be a guilt-ridden reminder of how fantastic we really have it right here in the states.
Make no mistake, these people are well aware of their situations by comparison to wealthy tourists that visit their country every day. It is because of this awareness where they have truly found the secret to lifelong happiness and prosperity.
What do we mean by this? It is because they have nothing which is why they can find joy in everything.
You will never ever see an unhappy Filipino. They are taught the moment they enter this world to be happy with what they have, and content with what they need. Material possessions, boatloads of money and societal status mean nothing to these people. They know they live in the most beautiful place in the world, so why mess up a good thing with wanting unnecessary things?
Thirdly, the only thing more beautiful than a Filipino beach is a Filipino woman.
Again just an opinion, but not an exaggeration. Filipino women are crazy beautiful. This only further resonates why the Philippines is one of the most amazing places in the world.
You will not ever see a Filipino woman that is not uniquely gorgeous. It doesn’t matter her age, size, or how many children she has; every single Filipina is drop dead gorgeous.
Don’t ask why that is. It’s just one of the many aspects that makes this little country so amazingly enigmatic.
There is one more thing that makes these people stand alone in comparison to everyone else on the planet.
When it comes to the work ethic of a Filipino, man or woman, there is absolutely no comparison. If we were to walk up to a natural born citizen and ask when their next day off is, they will simply laugh as if you are joking.
Even more surprising, you will not find a single business closed in the Philippines on Christmas or New Year’s Day! And no we are not talking essential corporate convenient stores. We are talking law firms, private businesses, transportation services, even small children selling donuts on the side of the road to make a few bucks.
Filipinos do not rest. They work to live, but they also live to work while not expecting free handouts.
With all being summarized, this of course is just a glimpse of the unique culture that is the Philippines. If we really wanted to get into it, we could talk for days or even weeks on the amazing things this wonderful little country has to offer.
If there is one thing to take away let it be this. These people are the definition of what a Christian is and should be.
Yes, Christianity is the primary religion in the Philippines and all of them take their faith extremely seriously.
The give far more than they take. They accept far more than they reject. They include far more than they exclude. And they are tolerant far more than they are intolerant.
Perhaps we could agree there are some very valuable lessons to be learned from these irreplaceable children of the world.
