A Spiritual Word: Thanksgiving

“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.” -Psalm 107.1
“Ashe,” spills out of my mouth, but I communicate the meaning of ashe, thank you in English, mostly with my body language. Although the Maasai and I could only directly, verbally communicate “ashe” with understanding, our communication could not be contained by words that July day.
As John, my fellow Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program volunteer and travel companion, and I walk, accompanied by a few Maasai, into a Maasai community, the women’s spirited voices in song and their traditional hopping dance mesmerize me. Their elaborate, beaded jewelry accent their beauty. A female elder warmly welcomes us on behalf of the community and we attempt gracious thanks, kindly translated by Diana, a staff member at Maasai Women Development Organization, who facilitates our day with the Maasai community. After John and I kneel on the ground and connect with many of the children, the women lead us to stools and invite us to sit down. Guessing that we will be served something to eat or drink, John and I smile at the two dozen children standing fifteen feet away, who intently stare back at us in curiosity. An old woman squats next to me. Through body language, I offer her my chair, which she refuses.
I am a wimp for hot drinks, so when a woman hands us a hot cup of tea, I smile and wonder how I will not burn my tongue while not offending our new friends. I hold my tea and smile at the community not drinking tea, who watch to see if the people from another place will drink their tea. The old woman sitting next to me sweetly watches as I take my first sip and burn my tongue. I try to explain to her, through actions, that the tea is good, yet too hot for me to enjoy drinking. She requests another cup, gently takes my cup, and gracefully pours the steaming liquid back and forth between the two cups, allowing the heat to escape. After a short while, she hands me back my cup, and I enjoy the sweet, milky tea. After drinking half, I hand her back the cup with a smile, trying to communicate the tea is good, but I am full and ask if she would enjoy some tea. She accepts the tea after studying my face, drinks, and passes the cup to the children near her.
Thanking the hostesses for the delicious tea, we stand up and, taking cues from their encouraging gestures, follow them. The old woman next to me, my new guardian angel, securely holds my hand and a woman around my age, who initially guessed I couldn’t be more than fifteen years of age, holds my other hand. Our tour of their community includes a couple of homes, their land, and a nearby lake for drinking water. Throughout our tour, the two women walk so that I have the easiest walking route and, when we pause, they quickly bend down and pick the thistles off of my skirt as, in vain and with an-in-awe smile, I motion that they do not need to pick them off.
As I look into these women’s eyes, I sense an innate connection. We are not that different; are we? Yes, my hair may look more similar to a lion’s mane than their own short hair. Yes, as these women recommend, maybe I should cut my hair short like them. Yet, when I look in their eyes, age, race, beliefs (even though many are Lutheran), living conditions, and traditions blur as I see humans with whom I share this planet, needs, and desires. We are sisters, innately connected forever.
When people ask me what I miss most about my time across the ocean, I barely allow them to finish the question before responding, “the people.” I could never thank my countless guardian angels enough, nor God, for making connections beyond description possible. At the beginning of YAGM orientation, facilitators told us we would receive more than we were able to give. At the time, I questioned them. Today, I have no doubt.
Like the Maasai women, people have cared for and supported me with every step this past year. My family in South Africa provided not only a place to rest my head, but consistent community. I could never feel truly alone when I had sisters with whom to enjoy family dance parties, good conversations, and laughter. Baba, Ma, and Auntie provided constant security, cared for my needs, and kept an eye out for me. The neighbor kids shared their energy and joy. The Cool Air community welcomed me with open arms. The Ntombela family and Nkomo family were my extended family-providing nourishment and support. My primary school challenged me to slow down and build relationships. The teachers patiently supported me in the classroom and shared their knowledge with me. The children taught me about the meaning of love. My congregation trusted me to teach their children and taught me about perseverance. Dean Myaka enriched my experience by giving me thoughtful advice and demonstrating what it means to give of oneself. The Myaka family reminded me of my own family with their three animated boys and strong family unity. The larger church family showed me how the Holy Spirit works through people. Sister Happiness, Sister Lindeni, and Sister Stembi demonstrated the joy of servitude. The PACSA staff taught me how to work for social justice and community. Sonia and her family opened their home to me many times and shared with me their curiosity. My country coordinators, Brian and Kristen Konkol, laid the foundation for my South African placement. My fellow YAGM volunteers served as my companions to share joys and challenges as we walked different journeys across South Africa. ELCA Global Mission staff sustain the basis and logistics of the YAGM program. Heidi Torgerson-Martinez and the 48 other YAGM around the glob encouraged me as we learned how to be disciples over this past year. You, readers and supporters, gave me strength and through your curiosity and words of encouragement reminded me of my purpose this year. I thank God for you. I thank God for endlessly demonstrating the power of love, working through people in ways I do not understand, and for being with me every step of the way.
God, guide us to see your love in one another and to love as you love us. Amen.