This past week we worked with an organization called Breakthrough for 3 days, helping build a roof for a family in a small Iban village not too far from Kuching. There were some language barriers at first, but I think we’ve become a lot better at charades and guessing words. None the less, we got lots of work done and had lovely time getting to know the family over meals.
Afterwards we travelled to the village Sabuyau Ensengei Iban on the Friday to visit our first longhouse and join in the preparations for their annual Gawai festival. We were greeted with singing and a lovely array of food before meetin our “foster families” for the weekend. Once we were situated they brought us to their farm where we harvested the needed ingredients for the traditional dishes, then spent the evening teaching, sharing and getting to know one another.
The following morning we arose early for the men to prepare the meat for the night and the women to begin making the traditional pastries. That afternoon we were treated to some traditional karaoke?, before Grant and I joined the young guys to play the most sweaty game of soccer in my life. What a blast though!
The celebrations soon came and we danced and ate a plenty as we celebrated Gawai with our new friends late into the night. We were also honoured to be asked to participate in the ceremonial cutting of the tree to symbolize the closing of Gawai.
We left the following morning and we were sad to say goodbye to all of our new friends. The Sabuyau Ensengei village are such an amazing group of very kind and hospitable people, and we are so privledged to have been able to spend this time with them!
What an absolutely amazing experience!
*Sidenote: I really wish I had nice photos to show you right now, but in an effort to travel light and practically I did not bring my computer to Malaysia, and will have to wait until my return to Australia to share them with you.
Comments