An Afternoon with the Sama

Of all my updates from the Philippines, this one is the hardest to write.  I considered not writing it, but it was one of my favorite moments from my time there.  I think that's what makes it so hard: knowing I will not be able to justly describe it or capture the experience through my words.  Still, it's on my heart so I shall attempt...

On my last day in the Philippines, we had the opportunity to visit one of the Central Sama communities in Davao.  The Sama (also known as the Badjao) are a minority people group whose lives are deeply connected to the sea.  Their livelihood comes mostly from fishing and trading (especially pearls), and their homes are built on stilts above the sand or shallow water along the coast.  The particular community we visited has about 300 people, and they speak one dialect of the Sinama language.

Working alongside the Sama and with their help, members of SIL have translated the New Testament into Sinama and are currently working on the Old Testament translation.  My friend Kate's focus is mother-tongue literacy & multilingual education, and she is hoping to join forces with an indigenous member of the community (named Jonathan) who is also passionate about this goal and currently working toward it.  In fact, the primary purpose of our visit was for one of the translators to introduce Kate to Jonathan and make that connection.  It was such a privilege to be able to tag along and make the acquaintance of several individuals in the community as well.

Rather than fully narrate our time there, I'm going to just share a few of my thoughts in a stream-of-consciouness style:

Walking into the community, we immediately create a stir and raise attention--not many foreigners venture here...we're graciously ushered onto a bench while others sit in humble, plastic chairs sized for preschoolers or stand...we're genuinely welcomed and someone brings store-bought sodas in glass bottles for us and a package of cookies for each of us--the generosity and kindness of this community is evident...after introductions are made, conversation ensues...I focus on the conversation but also frequently glance around me to the surroundings and the people...I smile at the children and women gathered around us, and they shyly but brightly smile back...I am tempted to leave the conversation and go play with the precious children..."personal space" is an unknown concept here--the houses are all connected to each other and only have fragile or partial walls...later, we go for a short tour and meet more members of the community...there is a beauty and a joy even amongst the poverty and need...and I'm incredibly grateful to have met these brothers and sisters in Christ...

Jonathan, his wife, and their nephew