I recently learned this Kabiye word, which means “Amen!” It is a perfect response and summary to the setting in which I learned it.
A gathering of women communed under two broad mango trees to share in the worship, study, and fellowship of those who share Christ. Although they came from a number of different villages, miles apart, they are one in the Spirit. They had pushed narrow bench/desks together in the dirt from the nearby village school house. This was the yearly ladies retreat planned by and for the Kabiye women of the many churches the missionaries have helped start.
I was privileged to attend part of the ladies’ retreat two weekends ago. With mountains in the distance, long grasses half covering a mud hut or two and a sprinkling of reminders of being in Africa I felt a surreal awe. Strong clear voices of dozens of Kabiye women rose together to praise Jesus in beautiful enthusiastic rhythms. I’ve worshipped with Africans in village settings before, but somehow this time with the ladies was a stronger and more moving experience of worship for me.
The colorful dresses are so beautiful, and the elaborate way they wrap the head dresses is amazing. After reading the blog post you sent written by Beth Richardson?, about how there is so much filthiness and dirt and mud and trash, and looking for and finding beauty in the midst of it, it made the colors seem that much more beuatiful!
Yes the colors are beautiful. Everything would just be brown if they didn’t wear that, now that it’s dry season. Change Beth’s talk about puddles to crazy amounts of dust and it’s spot on.
Great pictures and I’m glad your heart is open to having some amazing experiences…and that God is giving you those experiences. May God continue to bless your time there.