"Kung may itinanim, may aanihin," which translates to "If you plant, you will harvest," is one of my favorite sayings. You can only get rewards if you work for them. Even though your mind wants you to live healthier, you must work hard.
At last, last Saturday marked the end of the long wait for our farm's "kamote" harvest—sweet potatoes. My father was overjoyed to see the results of his labor because he had invested in it.
"Kamote," or "sweet potato," is one of the most important and extensively consumed food crops worldwide. They are a wholesome food mostly eaten as a main course with vegetables. From merely a supplement to small farmers' income, sweet potatoes have become an essential livelihood crop.
It is my first experience!
I didn't think twice about accepting my siblings' invitation to spend last Saturday with them, especially since it was the weekend, I didn't have any work to do, and it was still early in the morning.
It felt so good to return to the farm after a while.
We all have a vague, romantic idea of what it means to be a farmer, mostly because my family was farmers, and it's something I am proud of since it helps a lot with our living expenses and, of course, with my studies.
The farm's beauty and innocence cleansed our eyes and souls. After a long walk in the sweltering sun, it felt like a cool drink to the weary body. Their feathers became shiny and colorful due to the sun's rays falling on them. When we arrived, the birds and animals had just begun their day. Cows and goats were roaming freely and nibbling the fresh grass, still wet from night showers.
When we arrived, my brother and his friends began gathering "kamote," or sweet potatoes. My sisters and I were delighted to discover and gather lovely kamotes beneath the ground when we began harvesting. My hands digging into the soil to pull some sweet potatoes felt good and fulfilling.
It was both happy and exhausting at the same time. The carabao plowing the soil makes everyone's work easier, but the sun's heat makes it harder.
The feeling of excitement & happiness while harvesting your crop is overwhelming. Although it's psychic money, it has the potential to become actual money, and having free produce from your farm, backyard, or garden is a huge perk.
In addition, the knowledge that every farmer works hard on the farm has opened my eyes to the fact that life is difficult and that you must persevere through all obstacles to bear fruit. This is the true meaning of life.
Farm work involves more than just physical labor; it also requires weather resistance and overcoming unforeseen obstacles. Farm laborers learn resilience and perseverance from their hard work and long hours. I can't help but remember the hardest days; they tested my resolve and taught me how to persevere in the face of difficulty.
The saying, "Kung may itinanim, may aanihin," is true.
It takes a day like today to realize how important it is to remember the lessons we once learned about being strong, persistent, and humble. A farm is the best place I could think of to teach this.