The rice terraces have long been central to the life and culture of the Ifugao people, and they are planted and tended today much the same as they were anciently. But more and more of the young people are leaving the area in search of a different future and now 25-30 percent of the terraces are abandoned and beginning to deteriorate. In 2001, the site was placed on the World Heritage in Danger list and remains there today.
It is hard to capture the scope and absolute beauty of the terraces. These pictures don't show the depth of color and magnitude. But they give you an idea! Every season is stunning. We have wanted every missionary to have the opportunity of seeing and experiencing this wonder of the world, and so each has a chance to visit before they complete their mission.
I hope you enjoy this post…this is one of my favorite places on earth.
Planting Season
Each rice plant is placed by hand.
They are first grown together in one
area and then separated into smaller
clumps for planting in the individual
plots.
These children are helping to
prepare the field by clearing
out the snails which destroy
the rice plant.
The rice grows and fills in
the entire area.
People are allowed to climb
up and down the terraces.
It can be strenuous in places!
There are actually three missionaries
in this picture. (They're near the top)
We've met people from all over
the world here. These are our
new friends from Israel.
Elder and Sister Schwitzer
during Mission Tour October 2015.
A longtime resident of Banaue in
traditional Ifugao dress…well,
except for the sweatshirt
Residents of the mission field,
in traditional missionary dress
youth conferences in Banaue
with the help of our senior couples
 |
| Elder and Sister Armstrong |
 |
| Elder and Sister Shorter |
 |
| Elder and Sister Honeycutt |
to Banaue when they came
for a visit.
Traditional Ifugao meets traditional German
"O Lord, how manifold are thy works!
in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches"
Proverbs 104: 24
