A Culture That Showed Me Peace by Abigail Syltie

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A Culture that showed me Love and Peace

 

 

There was so much experienced in Brazil that I had a hard time deciding what to write about. For me the Wapishana Indian church members made such a huge impact on my perspective about my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Our mission to go to the Maloca De Moscou was to help set up a communal vegetable garden and orchard. We were able to reach our goal but I learned much more than just how to prepare and plant. 

The three that stuck out the most was their gift of giving, showing affection, and being content. From the moment we showed up until the time we left the people gave us things. We were invited into several of their homes and always left with some fruit off of their trees in the back yard or a bowl made from a gourd. One night they wanted to play us music so we all grabbed benches and chairs and listened to them play and sing under the stars. This village like many others on the Wapishana reservation, live in a small one room mud hut with a few possessions. Living day to day for their food and existence is a way of life yet they were always looking for ways they could give. What a shift from some of my wealthy clients at my job who can buy almost anything they want yet they are some of the most stingy people of all.

The hugs they gave away on a daily basis were my favorite! Growing up in a Norwegian family we were not a very affectionate family so this was somewhat different but wonderful. The brethren showed affection towards one another as well as all of us individually. The children would hang on us and play with our hair and clothes. When we were leaving the villagers hugged us and said thank you to the volunteers multiple times.

Being content with what I have was a little more eye opening than the other two I mentioned before. I don’t know if it is the American dream in the back of my mind pushing me to always be moving. Yes we need to make use of our time and not be lazy but there is a contentment and peace he wants us to find in him daily. Like I mentioned before these people have nothing to their name yet they seemed so happy! Matt 6:34 - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 

The church members in Brazil made such a huge impact on how I want to interact in my relationships in the future. I am planning on giving more hugs and smiles to my family and friends. My contentment will hopefully be more focused on peace through God and being thankful for all the blessings God has given.