Two wells were dedicated today, one in Chiyalusha and the other in Kangombe. As the final well dedication came to a close we observed a poignant display of simple gifts.
Villagers from Kangombe formed a line outside the well enclosure and began singing and dancing in unison. Their line wound its way from one side of the well to the other until it reached the entrance where Lori Ogren, who dedicated the well on behalf of her mother Geraldine and sister Diane, was standing. One by one they approached her, each expressing gratitude by presenting a plow, an axe, a carved stool, a live chicken, a bag of sweet potatoes. What they had to give, they gave. And their joy was palpable.
Many of us who watched were moved by their sacrificial gifts. So often we give out of our abundance, but these families had little material abundance and they still gave. Generosity seems to be the cornerstone of this culture.
Beth Moore too experienced this generosity as the well she dedicated in Chiyalusha was met with a full showing of villagers singing and dancing adorned with banana leaves. Beth provided the well along with her sister Lynn in honor and memory of Wesley and Betty Young. The group enjoyed a moment of levity as the chicken gifted to Beth nestled close to her shoulder and fell asleep.
The theme of generosity continued as we visited a women's savings group. As we sat in a circle on the ground the women shared how their collective savings have allowed them to grant loans with low interest in order to start businesses and pay for community needs. They are completely transforming their communities by creating a safety net woven together by savings and accountability.
Life here teems with generosity-every movement, every word giving thanks. The chorus of Copeland's "Simple Gifts" could have danced over every moment of this day. The stories shared, songs sung, dances taught, babies held and hands grasped-these are our treasures-our simple gifts.
No comments:
Post a Comment