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| A group of people who live on Francis' compound |
I, Will, had the privilege of being invited by Francis, my
language helper, to visit him and his family at his compound. After a few weeks
of trying to find a time that worked we settled on this past Tuesday. Knowing
what a big deal this is culturally I was very excited to have this opportunity.
Many things could be said about my visit, however, what I
want to focus on is Francis and his family. Simply put, they are some of the
most strong and sacrificial people I’ve ever met.
To help you understand, I should back up and explain my
visit.
First, it is a 3.5-mile hike, one way, through the bush from
town to get to his house. Not on a sidewalk or road but on a trail at some
points about one foot wide with bush touching in the middle blocking your way.
My teammate, Scott, had to go with me to show me the way as there are several
turns and small rivers to cross.
Second, Francis explained a couple weeks ago, “There is too
much water for you to visit now. It would take too long.” Now, after completing
the hike, I understand why. With the small rivers, mentioned above, parts would
have been covered in water with no way to pass without getting wet. Francis
wanted to save me from this experience and even as I pushed he would not budge.
Finally, he wanted me to wait so they could prepare. Yes, prepare
for my visit so they could offer the best of what they had.
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| Scott and Obracko walking on the path to Francis' house |
After making the 3.5-mile hike with Scott and a new friend,
Obracko (not that you would know, but I totally butchered that name) we were
greeted by a happy Francis and the rest of his family. Francis is not married,
but like most people here, he lives with his family that includes 3 sisters and
all their children (maybe 12 total).
We drank local hibiscus tea while sitting in his tukul and
after an hour or so I started thinking we would probably leave soon as Francis
needed to get in to the market and man his store.
3 hours later after a huge lunch of linya (local food often
made with maize or sorghum with the consistency of playdough), chicken (having
chicken here is a BIG deal. The fact they killed one for my visit made me feel
very humbled) and local peanut butter with honey mixed together, and after
singing and dancing (okay, Scott and the kids danced, I could barely move after
lunch) and after being fed fresh papaya we were finally ready to go.
Francis walked with us back to town and I was struck by the
strength and sacrificial giving he and his family have.
Strength as he, and any of his family, walks 3.5-miles any
time they need to get to town and then turn around and go back. To put this in
perspective, next time you go to the grocery imagine having to walk there, only
buy what you can carry in your hands or on your back/head and turn around and
walk home. They are strong people! Not only in physical strength but also in a
quiet resilience that has never been required of me.
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| Will's language helper, Francis |
Sacrificial giving as he, and his family, sacrificed one of
their chickens for me. They took what is of great value here and used it to
serve and welcome me. I was so humbled because I’m usually looking for ways to
NOT offer my best of anything so I can have it. I just tried to think of a way
to put this in perspective but I can’t. It’s so far out and has so many layers
(such as, I have no idea the last time any of the children at his house had
chicken) I can’t even begin to help you understand the sacrifice they showed
and the humility I was struck with.
I got a taste of what I imagine it is like for the Kingdom of God to come to earth through Francis’ strength and sacrificial giving. May we offer those same things to people knowing we are all in deep need of the Kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven.”
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