A DAY WITH THE AETAS

The Aeta (Ayta /ˈaɪtə/ EYE-tə; Kapampangan: áitâ), or Agta, are an indigenous people who live in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of the island of Luzon, the Philippines. (source: Wikipedia).

They are located mostly in Central Part  of Luzon, in the mountainous areas of Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac and Bataan.  In Bataan alone,  they have communities in Orani, Samal, Abucay, Morong and Mariveles. And we have given the chance to visit one of the  community in  Bankal, Abucay   last December 29, 2018.

It’s been  2 decade now,  since I last visited them. The road back then was muddy and slippery, I remember we have to trek 15-20 minutes just to reach the place. Their lives are so simple back then, even though there’s no electricity, no proper sanitation , but their hope, laughter and spirit are full. 

I thought that experience with them will just become a memory and  part of my younger days to look back, but God is so gracious that He never allow that “experience” to be forgotten.  They’re always in my heart  and  every time I’m seeing  some of them begging for alms, my mind  always go back to the  place I first met them. The urge to go back there is so strong that I wanted once again to see  and taste  the goodness of God in their lives and to share in our own little ways the abundance of God’s blessings.

Our initial plan is just only to give them some food and some toys since its Christmas time, the money that we gained from our little online business will be our fund for that project, but God open  the hearts of  many to become part of this event.   God is always sure in bringing people together for the good and benefit of every one.  We are all set for the  event but the weather is not with us, it was raining days before and  I am anxious  and worried that it will be very difficult for us to go up to the mountain knowing that the road going there is not that pleasant.  

But our God is sovereign in everything.  He is the Creator of heaven and earth.  We prayed  for sun but He give  us clouds instead to allow us to experience  the  cool and breezy  mountain air.  What a good God indeed. We reached the  community in time for the program, the feeling is still same. The people are the same, though some of them aged already, but their smiles and their hospitality are the same.  I thought we will be a blessing for them but instead it was the other way around.  We are so blessed because of them.

We thought we will just go along with the program  Ate Lin  prepared for but God has a different plan instead,  Because of the limited time Ate Lin asked us to handle the toddlers and held our mini Christmas party in their day care center. And it was a success. They participated well  during our games and the smiles  and giggled on their faces cannot be contained.  The abundance of God’s grace shown all over the place.  We have lots of  food for everyone and gifts to share with their families.

God never let us leave the place empty handed, but He make it sure that  we will bring some lessons that will forever change my perspective in life:

  1.  You don’t need to be rich to bless others – we always said “ When I’ll  became rich I will donate or I will help those in need’.  Your life is already a blessing, just by  sharing your life, your time and even the smallest and simplest resources you have for the welfare of other is  more far worthy than any millions you can give for charity.  You are extremely blessed and you are more blessed than you realize.

2.  Learn to appreciate the kind of  life God has given you –  I sometimes complain with the things I don’t have and failed to count all the things God has given me.  In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Aetas  don’t have the  luxury of life in the mountain  but they are contented.  And their hearts are full.   Why don’t we  stop complaining  for things we  cannot change  but instead do something to be part  of the change. Our world is falling apart and it needs you and me and the love that comes from Christ to bind together  and  to keep it from falling. 

3.  Your worth is not determined by our physical appearance – Their outside appearance may be different from us. We always  think we are superior than them and often bullied and harassed  them because of their looks.  Being different does not mean they are of  lesser  value than us.  Remember that  we have the same Creator, and He created each one of us in His own image and likeness. Each one of us is uniquely beautiful and our God is so proud to all His creation and that includes you and me.  Whether you are fat, skinny, curvy, short, tall, curly or straight hair — your worth does not change. You are still the same person with the same beliefs and values, and a whole lot to offer. Because you are, and always were, is enough in the eyes of God.

It was indeed a blessed day.  God orchestrated  everything   that transpired on that day for His    greater glory. Their lives are God’s living testimony of His love, grace and salvation to mankind.  He makes everything beautiful in His time and we leave that  place more blessed than before.