In November, our team had the opportunity to be a part of digging a well for a village near Xai Xai, Mozambique. A few of us started our morning by holding some of the most beautiful babies and playing with the curious kiddos. Not knowing each other?s languages just added to the playfulness of our games, as they were copying and repeating sounds and actions. Have you ever tried to demonstrate God?s love for a child without words? It was one of the most precious experiences of my race.
After a few hours of our team digging, playing, dancing and working to communicate with the sweet people of this tribe, the woman prepared a traditional Mozambiquian meal for all of the workers. It amazed me to see how these women worked together to create a meal using huge pots over an open fire in the middle of the field.
Seeing how hard these women worked to prepare our lunch, I wanted to be able to help them with clean up. I walked over to the tree where they were washing dishes and began to stack some bowls. Confused and unsure of what I wanted, the women quickly washed the dish I was holding and handed it back to me. I placed it in the bin of clean bowls and picked up the next one and tried to move closer to the water- before I could reach for the cloth, the woman again took the bowl, washed it quickly and handed it back to me. Finally, realizing that we were not able to break through this language barrier, I asked for my contact to translate for me. Oh, language barriers!
Finally, knowing that I wanted to help, the women gladly moved over and let me join in. Even though we clearly couldn?t communicate well, we spent enough time together and eventually were able to get across names, but most importantly smiles. Giggles, soapy water and curious children filled my afternoon. With all of the women working together, the dishes were done quickly and we all stood up ready to head back to the common area.
When I stood up, my pale white skin had been stained black by the dirt that I had been kneeling in. The kids and I laughed as I teased them that I now looked just like them with beautiful dark skin. In the middle of the giggles, one mama grabbed me by the hand and led me to the washing area. She quickly returned with a bin of water, soap and handkerchief. I took the hint; she didn?t want me to be dirty. So I bent over to take off my shoes when this marvelous woman surprised me with the greatest form of service I have every received.
She bent down, removed my shoes and washed my dirty feet.
Tenderness and love filled her every action. She was modeling after Jesus, loving me the very best she could with utmost humility.
Moved to tears by her endearing actions, this one quick and simple gesture left me feeling more loved than I have ever felt from a stranger. She didn’t know my name, where I was from, my theological views? she just served me out of love. In that moment, I felt the love of the Father overwhelm me through the love of this woman.
I went to bless this village through serving them and left being loved by the Father through the kind actions of one woman.
?Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.? John 13:3-5
