A Maliwakat Christmas

Last week we participated in a unique Christmas devotional organized by one of our ward mission leaders here in Olongapo. Brother Sheely is passionate about his work with the local Ayta tribes, one of which is the Maliwakat tribe, who live in the jungles of the Zambales mountains. Last week Brother and Sister Sheely organized a wonderful and unique outing to bring some donated supplies and a Christmas message to the Maliwakat people.

As I learned in India, people love to look at pictures on my phone and the Maliwakat women and children were no exception. It was a treat to share pictures and videos of our grandchildren. 

What started my picture sharing was being invited to sit with the women and children to take a picture together. 
I was so touched by this generous and genuine moment and, with nothing to offer in return for their kindness, I pulled out my phone to share pictures of our grandsons. Children are a delightful bridge between cultures.

The Sheelys organized a reenactment of the Christmas story, complete with props and costumes, with roles played by members of the tribe and our missionaries.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field"
"And lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them " 
Members of the Maliwakat tribe

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord"
Two of our missionaries

"... behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem ..."
Members of the Maliwakat tribe

The whole experience was lighthearted and meaningful. There was a tender moment for me when these not-so-serious wisemen knelt before Mary and Joseph and even in that brief and not-so-serious moment, I could feel the power of the experience when wealthy and learned travelers, guided by a new star, came to Bethlehem and knelt before an infant king. 
Maliwakat and Missionaries

The Whole Cast

Prior to the "performance," our missionaries and members of the tribe spent time getting to know each other.




Following the performance, we had a feast of chicken and rice, which the villagers had prepared after we arrived. The Sheelys had brought the chicken and rice with us. Our plates were slices from the trunk of a banana tree and the rice was served on banana leaves.  



I was reminded, once again, that we live in paradise. The picture below doesn't do justice to the spectacular canopy of hibiscus we walked through.




Many thanks to the Sheely family for putting this event together and making this unique and wonderful Christmas celebration possible.


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