Mindanao

Here are just a few photos from Sarah's journey through Mindanao. She was there on a Rotary International sponsored Global Study Exchange (GSE) for young professionals. They were there for four weeks from mid April through mid May, 2009. They visited many parts of the island, including the ethnically diverse and politically troubled inland province of Cotabato.

In all, they visited 40 Rotary clubs. They had many vocational tours of hospitals, courts, jails, social service projects, plantations and others. Sarah said she met many wonderful and friendly Filipinos.

Maria Christina Falls outside Iligan City

A typical house in Mindanao

A rice field with a bamboo tower. Not sure what the tower is for.

Some kind of tropical flower

These kids were from a fishing village. Sarah said when they drove up to the village, all the children emerged from the houses and followed them everywhere they went, getting excited every time someone took a picture. The older teens in the background are looking on, amused by it all.

More friendly Filipino children. This was taken at a housing project that is modeled after Habitat for Humanity.

This is a woman in a weaving cooperative for muslim war widows. They receive some support or patronage from a local Rotary club. You can see the Rotary banner in the upper right.

Sarah didn't actually take this one, I think it was Brigid, another member of the GSE team. It's probably the best picture I've seen from the tour.

Jenny and Sarah modeling typical muslim head-wear.