I stood in a grass field amongst my teammates, still & silent with anticipation. My heart was full of excitement and my
mind tried to prepare for what I was about to experience. We were about to encounter the Welcome
Ceremony of the Maori people. To
become apart of the Maori family and officially welcomed into their land- you
must go through specific ceremonial protocol before entering into their family.
From across the field, large Maori warriors advanced toward
us while grunting noises that sounded like a war cries. Had this not been a
formal greeting at the beginning of our conference, I might have run the other
direction in fear- this was so incredibly intimidating. Their faces were covered in tribal
paint and their expressions were full of strength and power. They were swinging sticks & weapons
in a pattern that was not only violent but at the same time beautiful and rich
with sentiment.
Being a witness to these traditions was unbelievably
powerful. They were opening up their
land, hearts, and families to us in full trust and friendship- something that
we rarely do in America to those who are practically strangers. After the official welcome protocol
they honored us with performing the Hongi. This is a tradition of pressing your noses together and
breathing in deeply when you connect with the other person. This is a sign of the Maori breathing
life into you, and you cleansing your spirit.
By performing this act of “breathing life” into us I was
deeply moved. We were there to
serve them, but they honored us as esteemed guests and as new members of their
family. From this experience I
have learned what it is like to honor all people- wether kings, servants, or perfect
strangers.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Romans 12:10
