Over the past 11 months I have learned a new definition of hospitality. It’s very interesting to me that in the poorest places, you will find the people who are most willing to give.
Month after month I’ve watched people with very little welcome us with open arms. They’ve brought us blankets when temperatures dropped below freezing at night. They’ve slaughtered animals to feed us, even when their animals are their livelihood. Families have given up their beds and sometimes their house for us. And even given shirts off their backs. They serve us first and wait I eat until we have had enough.
What’s even more amazing is their attitude through all their generosity. They are not only willing to feed, clothe and house us, but they are happy and excited to do it. They aren’t looking for recognition or praise. They just love well.
My idea of hospitality from before the race has been blown out of the water. In America, we give of what we have in excess, but what I’ve experienced on the race is people giving joyfully from the little they have. It truly challenges me to be more aware of my hospitality when I get home.
