The Maoris, who are like the Native Americans in the States, have a traditional greeting that includes a pressing of two people’s noses and foreheads together while taking a breath. Not only do they breath in the other person, but it symbolizes the initial breath that God imparted on Adam during creation. It is quite beautiful in its symbolism and its practice. After making a traditional meal with a group of Maoris for the 700 Jubilee conference-goers, I found myself first in line to breath in our co-chefs. At first, I felt awkward as my eyes were met with the intensity of these tall, strong, and tattooed natives. But by the third person, I felt something different, something deep within. This may sound a tad cheesey, it felt as though a long-awaited need was met with this deliberate and intentional tradition.
It was not until later that I was reminded of the two kisses on the cheeks that are the traditional greeting and departure habits of Spaniards, of whom I spent my second year with in Salamanca, Spain, to help establish a CMFI ministry. There is something profound in physical touch that many Americans do not know a hint of because of how individualistic we tend to be. This is neither a criticism nor a complaint-it is simply a cultural difference. I think this is why I relish hugs so much-to feel, albeit briefly, close to another individual. To fill the often lost human-to-human connection and community that I think is God-given.
