“We are all the same in Christ Jesus." ~
Galatians 3:28
It was a dusty, blistering
afternoon in late August. Chase had just
returned to Dawa, the tiny village in Malawi where he taught English. Having spent the past 10 days visiting friends
back home, Dawa was a huge letdown. He was still an outsider and already feeling pangs
of loneliness.
He distracted himself by writing a few letters and catching
up on stuff that’d piled up in his inbox while on home leave. Frankly speaking, he was also conveniently
avoiding the heat and, to some extent, the village itself.
Somewhat refreshed after hours of seclusion, Chase decided
to get a little exercise and unpacked the new pair of running shoes he’d bought
in the states. They were perfect –
light, durable and so comfortable – like skipping barefoot in cool grass.
Crossing through the village, he spotted a young boy hastily
dipping his feet in sticky black goo.
“Teacher, may I join you for a run?” the boy named Dulani yelled
in near-perfect English.
Chase stared down at his hundred-dollar running shoes. He hated stubbing a toe. These kids rubbed tar on the soles of their
feet to protect them from sharp rocks and dangerous bacteria.
“Ahh, sure,” Chase said after an awkward pause. And so they ran.
Each one of Dulani’s strides was worth at least two of the
American’s. With the slightest effort he
barely broke a sweat, never panting, pausing occasionally for his teacher to
catch up.
Along the way, Chase noticed things today he hadn’t seen before
– a peaceful, picturesque landscape; clean streets (poor doesn’t mean untidy);
busy, hospitable people.
He lived here . . . but he didn’t really LIVE among these
people. He’d been so busy teaching
western values that he’d failed to appreciate how differently and magnificently
this culture vibrated around him.
After they finished their run, Dulani introduced him to his
family. They presented him with a bag of
kola nuts and a gourd of dolo (the local beer).
Everyone he met seemed to be related.
That’s just how African families are - one big family!
Later Dulani walked Chase back to his flat . . . out of
respect. Once inside, he couldn’t shake
the feeling of their humility and hospitality.
Americans have a lot to learn from them he thought . . . in terms of how
they treat each other as family!
Chase did two things that day. First, he gave his new running shoes to Dulawi. He might never wear them, but it was a
gesture born out of genuine affection.
Second, he vowed to take more risks; to immerse himself in
the environment that surrounded him. He’ll
try and learn their language, strike a better balance between work/play, and
embrace the fullness of their cultural differences. Soon this too would feel like home.
Holy Father of all peoples, look upon us
with mercy, for we are divided in so many ways.
Give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love. Amen
