We made it!
We arrived on Saturday the 25th into Nagishot to an overwhelming welcome. All of the logistical nightmares we have had vanished as we were given such a warm reception.
The Didinga men and women were dressed in their traditional dancing attire with their spears, bells, horns, panpipes, etc. They were singing, jumping and dancing together to greet us while children from the City on a Hill school held posters of welcome for us saying “Welcome Kawaja Didinga and N’ga” (welcome white didinga and mrs.)and sang songs for us in formation under the direction of their teacher. We saw old faces and new ones. All were warm and genuinely welcoming.
It gets better..
We were then sung and danced from the grass airstrip to the compound (about a mile and a half) and all of our bags and supplies were far ahead of us as is typical of the local Didinga hospitality. When we got to the compound at the top, the overwhelming part began as there were 4 or 5 times the amount of decked out Didinga dancing and waiting for us at the compound. They quickly put beaded goatskins and a purse made out of a small fox-like creature on Lauren and danced us into their circles..I have pictures of all this, and will post some to the website when possible.
Then I was blindfolded and led to a field where a black bull had been caught and tied awaiting the slaughter. They handed me the knife and I will spare the gory details, but it was an honor to slaughter the bull as a part of this community celebration. Everyone has eaten meat in this area at every meal as we’ve shared the bull with those of this community and with those from Napep who came to join in on the celebration and dancing. We were told there has not been a gathering of this many didinga to dance in as long as can be remembered! The earth shook with their dancing and stomping in unison. An incredible sight to behold.
The next morning, we woke up at 8 o’clock and there were hundreds more Didinga than the day before all ready to dance with spears, bows, etc, and they came to the church welcoming service that William and Eunice so kindly planned for us. The local chiefs and political leaders were all there to give their blessings and all gave 5 minute speeches of welcome to us into the community(because they were strictly limited…can get quite long winded otherwise) We celebrated with them through dancing and feasting until 5PM, but the dancing continued into the early hours of the morning.
What a welcome! We were given a reception that we will never forget and certainly felt unworthy of, but we give thanks for it. We thank you also for your prayers through this transition time as struggle will undoubtedly be a part of it.
Praise God, because He’s the only One worthy of it,
Jonathan (for Lauren also)
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October 26th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
AHHH!!! I can’t imagine what that must have looked/felt/been like!! How awesome!! I got chills reading about it and it made me have “permasmile” b/c I know that was the perfect welcome, a greeting fit for the son and daughter of a King! Incredible!
October 26th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
As I was reading I was playing it all out in my head…what I think it looks like there…what the people were wearing…how you were dancing (haha!=)…picturing you driving a knife into a bull….wow…such pleasant and beautiful thoughts as I read. It gives me such joy to hear you talk about that village, and your dedication to it for this season of life. We are lucky to know you guys, and can’t wait to see it all in real life.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Wow…what an incredible experience!! So glad to know you arrived safely and were so warmly welcomed by so many. It appears that the soil is ready to receive the seeds you have come to sow. God’s rich blessings on you both! I LOVE YOU and will continue to pray fervently for you at all times!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Sounds like something out of a Cecil B. DeMille movie … or at least a National Geographic special! You two are so awesome. Every time I think of you and your giant leap of faith into the “dark continent,” I alternately smile, pray, and thank God for both of you. What a challenge . . . I know God will use you greatly there. Much love to you both and to all you are serving.
October 28th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Wow… what a beautiful picture.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
What an amazing and beautiful REAL LIVE story! You have painted a vivid picture son. Thanks for letting us be a part of such a fabulous show of affection from the didinga and from your heavenly father as well. You two truly have”been blessed”. Imagine heaven!!!!!!! I love you both so much.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Happy Birthday Jonathan!!!!!!!!!!!!!! November 3rd . We love you!
November 5th, 2009 at 10:16 am
What an incredible scene! Thanks for the great description. If I ever need a bull slaughtered in India, I am coming to you first, Jonathan…or wait…maybe not.
November 7th, 2009 at 10:34 am
The reception you guys experienced had to have been a humbling, overwhelming experience. Doesn’t God continue to be AMAZING! Even as we walk in faith, the manifestation of HIS authority and glory and LOVE for us still humbles us! No wonder angels fall prostrate before HIM! We look forward to hearing more of how the Lord reveals Himself to the Didinga people through the work He has sent you to carry out. Be blessed!
November 14th, 2009 at 4:54 am
It was good to read this. What a welcome for you’all! You live in such a different world than we do here in Phnom Penh. Thanks for the word pictures, man. You’all have been in our thoughts and prayers today since we went to a Christmas bazaar put on to support some orgs here who fight human trafficking and saw some little bags that reminded us of the beautiful things Lauren makes. Keep on keepin’ on.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
We look forward to seeing the photos! Love you and praying.