Fishing and Friendship

Written by Sangria - Serving in the Philippines

Meet my friend A! She is a woman who lives in Carla, part of the Ati village. A is a wife and mother. One of her children, C, is the cutest little girl that runs around the village and is loved by all. A and I see each other at least twice a week consistently due to Bible studies we both attend. One of which is an hour hike up the mountain to meet with those who have no church and/or are too old to hike down for church and community. On the way up last time, a mutual friend of ours asked if I fished regularly at home. I said yes, and though A was walking right beside me, it was our friend who invited me fishing with A. This highlights indirect communication in the culture as well as the language barrier shyness from some. Of course, I said yes and set a date!

Before we even got out on the water, there were at least three miscommunications about where we were going, when we were going, and who was coming. Eventually, it was easier to just follow alongside my friend, whom I desperately want to understand and make memories with. We got out on the water in a Moana-like boat and fished with a spool of line in our hands. For bait, we used live octopus tentacles, and I gained plenty of respect for not being afraid to touch the sucking cups to bait my hook. After a few hours, I started to get seasick. I had really hoped ignoring it would make it go away, but obviously that is not how that works. I ended up puking while holding the line and also saying in Malaynon that I was okay several times. It was embarrassing, but I am still so glad I went. We caught three fish before I went home, and upon asking her later, A said they did not catch anything the rest of the day after I left. This experience strengthened our friendship.