Our visit to Nosikitok, a Maasai village near the border of Tanzania, brought great encouragement to our team as we crossed cultural barriers and enjoyed an incredible day of fellowship with the community. This village was hit hard by the drought in 2009 and the need for holistic transformation was evident in what we saw and what we heard. One of the elders of the community shared with us that he had over 500 cows prior to the drought and now has less than 10. There are many orphans and vulnerable children among them and the women walk over 5 hours one way to get clean water. Still... the overwhelming feeling that emerged throughout the day was HOPE. This community was united. They were humble. They are ready for change and the hard work that will be required to bring it about. And in the midst of what could easily be described as a crisis situation, they greeted us with joyous hearts and treated us to an incredible day of celebration Maasai style.
After an initial meeting together where introductions were made and community leaders shared the history and current status of the community as well as a glimpse of their vision for the future, we were told that it is Massai tradition for the men to separate from the women and go into the "bush" where they feasted on roasted goat and learned some of the Maasai warrior traditions such as throwing a spear. The women stayed together and also enjoyed a feast of rice, potatoes, and the neck of the goat which is what the men send back for them (a little different from home). It was amazing to see language barriers disappear and love filled the gaps in communication. Everyone was given a Maasai name and we even gave some of the women American names.
Later when the men returned and we were all together again, we were invited to join the Maasai women dancing. I say "invited" but understand it was not an option to not join them. Basically we learned quickly that we lack the "rhythm and flexibility" needed for Maasai dance. Later we were asked to stand in a line and the women came and adorned us with beautiful Maasai necklaces, bracelets and earrings. It was a beautiful day with beautiful new friends. We are hopeful about the future for our new friends and look forward to the opportunity to join U4A in standing alongside this community.
Nosikitok Photos
