Every rainy season brings a familiar challenge to us teachers in the mountains. These unforgiving, rough, rocky, and muddy roads turn every trip into a test of patience and resilience. Yet despite the struggle, there is something incredibly special about these journeys, something that binds us together and reminds us why we love what we do.
It was early morning, the skies already thick with gray clouds, signaling that the rain was not done yet. We gathered by the roadside, umbrellas in one hand and bags in the other, waiting for our trusted jeepney driver, who knows these roads like the back of his hand. The Jeep arrived with its loud engine and a smiling driver, and as we climbed in, we exchanged familiar greetings and laughter — a sign that the day ahead might be tough, but we are tougher.
The road, as expected, was no easy ride. The wheels of the jeep groaned and slipped slightly as it tried to gain grip on the muddy, uneven path. The rocks made us bounce in our seats, and every sudden brake made us clutch tightly to whatever we could. Puddles splashed against the sides of the jeep, and at times we had to slow down completely to pass through deeper mud or avoid a fallen branch from last night’s rain. But no one complained. We looked at each other and laughed.
The rain had a way of making everything more beautiful despite the mess. The mountain, drenched in rain, seemed even more alive. Mist covered the distant trees, and every leaf looked freshly washed, gleaming with raindrops. There was a peaceful silence in between our conversations, filled only by the hum of the engine and the occasional sound of birds in the forest.
Inside the jeep, the atmosphere was cozy. Some of us shared snacks, others played soft music from their phones. A few quietly looked outside, admiring the view and letting their thoughts wander. There’s something comforting about being in a jeep full of people who understand your struggles — people who also wake up early to teach in remote schools, who also walk long distances when the roads become impassable, and who stay late to help their students even when the rain is pouring.
There were moments when the jeep would stop, and we had to get down to lighten the load. Our shoes sank into the mud, our feet slipped on the rocks, and we held onto each other for support. But again, we laughed.
These little pauses gave us time to take in the fresh, cool air and appreciate the strength it takes to get where we need to go.
Sometimes, a fellow teacher would tell a funny story or recall a memory from a past ride, and we would all burst into laughter — the kind that echoes inside the jeep and makes us forget the mud on our shoes or the rain dripping from our jackets.
By the time we reached our destination — our beloved little school nestled in the mountains — we were wet, a little sore from the bumpy ride, but happy. There’s a kind of joy in enduring something together. It reminds us that no amount of rain or rocky road can stop us from doing what we love. The road may be challenging, but our hearts are tougher.
