Mes Oktubre 2018
Inafa’maolek Pronounced ( e-na-fah mao-lek )
Break down of the word.
fa – change to or to make // maolek – good.
Inafa’maolek means to strive for harmony, to understand how others feel and act on those feelings with care and concern, to make good for all.
It is a core value of the CHamoru culture. We practice Inafa’maolek with people and with nature. One way we can practice inafa’maolek is giving chenchule’ (monetary gift) for a birthday, death, graduation, wedding. Another way could be seeing someone who needs help and offering help without needing anything in return. Inafa’maolek can also be more profound as in the practice of Man Nginge’, as we show respect to our elders. When we practice Inafa’maolek, we show respect at a deeper level because we are aware that in order to create harmony, we have to give what we wish to get back.
Saina Ma’ase,
Dre