If there’s one thing the Maasai know how to do, its have a party. One of the young men from the Najile community had been selected to participate in MCC’s IVEP program (an exchange program between developing/developed countries) and live in Canada for a year. As most people had never seen an airplane, much less went to Canada, his departure was a major event for the community. Even more so, when Joseph returned last week, a party of massive proportions was in order.
First, there were the planning meetings. From the first day we were in Najile, we heard about the meetings for Joseph’s return party (a month and a half away). At least 5 and probably more like 10 meetings were held by the church to decide every detail of the party day. Often meetings would continue for hours as people decided who would cook, who would pick up Joseph from the airport, and which choirs would sing at the party.
Next was the greeting entourage. While Joseph flew back to Kenya on the 12th in the evening (around 10pm arrival time), the party wouldn’t be until the 14th. Therefore, the process of picking him up was its own event. Around 90 people went to the airport in 7 vehicles (including the MFSP land cruiser and the boy’s school bus). They left in the early afternoon and were planning to return around 2am. While to Stephanie and I this seemed absolutely ridiculous, we were reminded that this was a community that really missed each member and everybody truly would find it worthwhile to be at the airport when Joseph arrived.
On the way home, one of the vehicles, the one carrying Joseph, the pastor, and other dignitaries was in an accident. As it drove over some loose sand, it flipped. Many people here account the accident to a work of Satan, as it was a true testament of God’s goodness to bring Joseph home and continue his good work in fighting HIV/AIDS here and serving the community. Despite immense damage to the vehicle, miraculously, nobody was hurt beyond band-aid scratches. Truly God was protecting the people in that car.
The events of Sunday night, made Tuesday an even greater occasion to celebrate. Around noon our friend Daniel came to escort us to Joseph’s family boma (complex of houses for an entire family). As we approached, we could see many people congregating together, coming from all directions to celebrate. We were told 8 goats and a cow were slaughtered just for this day (more were slaughtered on previous days), animals worth about 3 months wages for a casual laborer. The community provided many of the animals as one family would be unable to provide such a feast.
What Stephanie and I were not expecting was a church service to be a majority of the party. Filled with speeches, testimonies, and worship times, the service went from 1-6pm under a beautiful spreading acacia tree. Under its shadow squeezed over 200 people with hundreds more milling about. Choir after choir sang songs of praise, many with words specifically for the occasion. For example, one chorus translated as “Lord bless Joseph with joy as he returns from Canada.” It was amazing to hear how deeply the people wanted to show their thankfulness for Joseph and his return.
Finally, Steph and I had to leave as we didn’t want to walk home in the dark. After a meal of cabbage, potatoes, meat and tea, we headed home with the sun setting behind mount Suswa. The party continued for hours, to 1am as there was more singing, more eating and more time together.
Truly, the Maasai love one another. I think there is much to learn of God’s love from the Maasai. They celebrate together, mourn together, and see God together. In many ways they seem unorganized or completely ignorant of time management, but they also benefit from hearts that truly know some of God’s love.
First, there were the planning meetings. From the first day we were in Najile, we heard about the meetings for Joseph’s return party (a month and a half away). At least 5 and probably more like 10 meetings were held by the church to decide every detail of the party day. Often meetings would continue for hours as people decided who would cook, who would pick up Joseph from the airport, and which choirs would sing at the party.
Next was the greeting entourage. While Joseph flew back to Kenya on the 12th in the evening (around 10pm arrival time), the party wouldn’t be until the 14th. Therefore, the process of picking him up was its own event. Around 90 people went to the airport in 7 vehicles (including the MFSP land cruiser and the boy’s school bus). They left in the early afternoon and were planning to return around 2am. While to Stephanie and I this seemed absolutely ridiculous, we were reminded that this was a community that really missed each member and everybody truly would find it worthwhile to be at the airport when Joseph arrived.
On the way home, one of the vehicles, the one carrying Joseph, the pastor, and other dignitaries was in an accident. As it drove over some loose sand, it flipped. Many people here account the accident to a work of Satan, as it was a true testament of God’s goodness to bring Joseph home and continue his good work in fighting HIV/AIDS here and serving the community. Despite immense damage to the vehicle, miraculously, nobody was hurt beyond band-aid scratches. Truly God was protecting the people in that car.
The events of Sunday night, made Tuesday an even greater occasion to celebrate. Around noon our friend Daniel came to escort us to Joseph’s family boma (complex of houses for an entire family). As we approached, we could see many people congregating together, coming from all directions to celebrate. We were told 8 goats and a cow were slaughtered just for this day (more were slaughtered on previous days), animals worth about 3 months wages for a casual laborer. The community provided many of the animals as one family would be unable to provide such a feast.
What Stephanie and I were not expecting was a church service to be a majority of the party. Filled with speeches, testimonies, and worship times, the service went from 1-6pm under a beautiful spreading acacia tree. Under its shadow squeezed over 200 people with hundreds more milling about. Choir after choir sang songs of praise, many with words specifically for the occasion. For example, one chorus translated as “Lord bless Joseph with joy as he returns from Canada.” It was amazing to hear how deeply the people wanted to show their thankfulness for Joseph and his return.
Finally, Steph and I had to leave as we didn’t want to walk home in the dark. After a meal of cabbage, potatoes, meat and tea, we headed home with the sun setting behind mount Suswa. The party continued for hours, to 1am as there was more singing, more eating and more time together.
Truly, the Maasai love one another. I think there is much to learn of God’s love from the Maasai. They celebrate together, mourn together, and see God together. In many ways they seem unorganized or completely ignorant of time management, but they also benefit from hearts that truly know some of God’s love.
2 comments:
That sounds like the best party ever! Wow... talk about a homecoming - and just for one of their own, not "the president" or something like that. Reminds me of the early Christians in Acts - they basically did everything together, worked toward the betterment of all, pointed each other to God and looked forward to long times of fellowship... and had a blast doing it all! So cool - I'm really glad that you all got to be there to be a part of the celebration!
Matt and Steph,
Sarah and I miss you dearly! Sounds like you are doing some great things over there!
Best wishes to you-
Jon and Sarah Seiler
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