Preaching points and Masaii village visits. Posted on January 24th, 2015 by

      Driving through the village streets of Tungamelenga it was not uncommon to see people in traditional Masaii garb and the next in a mixture of western attire with a Tanzanian flair. The mixture of holding tight to bush culture and the yearning for urbanization worked seamlessly together. Yet the preconceptions we held of these persons attire provided us with concern that we would be seen as an intrusion.
Our assumptions upon arrival were quickly proven false. The Masaii were eager to make us feel welcomed and excited to show us their home. The welcome provided us with the feeling of importance through their smiles, singing and lively dancing.

At our first Masaii village visit we joined them under a large tree designated as their place of worship. There we exchanged songs and dance. This was a powerful moment for both parties that emphasized our purpose of connection through the power of music. Regardless of the language barrier relationships were established and trust was built. We were surprised to be invited to try milking their cattle and honored to be trusted to hold their infants. Although few words were exchanged the visit revealed the pride the Masaii held of their culture and the acceptance they have of an outside culture.
At a second Masaii village the same gestures of welcome and excitement for our presence was shown. Many from our group were invited to join their traditional dances which we were told later was uncommon. This was a great honor for us as visitors and we felt quite humbled.

At the last Masaii village we visited we were overcome by their generosity and hospitality. They took what little resources they had to create a delicious meal for us. The meat they served was lamb which is used only for very special occasions. If this gesture wasn’t meaningful enough they also provided us each with a handcrafted bracelet when saying our goodbyes.

Over two days time in Tungamelenga  our visits to multiple preaching points, including Masaii villages, truly revealed the importance of community and hospitality in Tanzanian culture.

With excitement for more adventures,Katie Kemp & Tyler Bishop

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One Comment

  1. Kari Berg says:

    I love your article Katie and Tyler. Very good descriptions of things and vary touching that you felt so honored and humbled by your experience.