Maori language, babies running around,
holes in the ground, stones being heated on the fire,
chickens separated,
yams peeled,
potatoes washed,
food placed underground and cooked, breathing life into one another through the Hongi.
I was invited to go to the store with Lena, one of the Maoris.
It was nice spending time with native people. I felt so privileged all day long. We were front and center of the ceremony. We stood along with all the nations of people behind the wood blocking the field.
We had to be invited in by the Maori. Our leaders stood in front accepting gifts from the Maori who had sleeve tattoos and design covering their faces.
They were only wearing what looked like short grass skirts. They made intimidating faces as they guarded their land.
When we finally inched to the front, the male leaders were to sit on the front row and elders following. The lot of us sat in the field but none in front of or on level with the leaders. The Kiwis side stood to greet with wiata (song). After each speech from each side there was a song. One of the Maori women had me lead our side in 2 songs. Another song was led by one of the Islander tribes. I was a beautiful site. I felt so honored.
And then the Maori men performed the Haka. It was greater in person than the videos I had seen. After the ceremony a few of us had to work. Someone brought food up to us. They had sweet potatoes, white potatoes, pork, chicken leg and raw fish. The food was delicious and surprisingly all cooked underground.
We learned so much from the Maori people. One important lesson he taught was, “God is the needle and Christ is the eye of the needle. We have to go through the needle regardless of color to receive salvation.” We saw this throughout the week. Over 40 nations of people were represented together going through the needle.
Many pictures provided by Jeanne Bensch and Kathryn Gironimi
