The table is set with a collection of perfectly curated dishes and glasses, the lavender candles are lit under the bounty of flower arrangements around the room and the cheese plate sits on the bar anxiously awaiting the arrival of my close friends. According to my latest Martha Stewart Living magazine, I had nailed hospitality. Or so I thought…
Stepping into the Senegalese village of Ngonine, I can’t say I knew what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t a gracious lesson on true hospitality. The first time we walked into one of the compounds, we were greeted with hugs, smiles and the seat of honor. These people have never met me before. I was completely overwhelmed. Despite my clumsy attempts to communicate, we shared our lives through sincere and focused conversation until one of the women said, “We are so overjoyed that you are here, we would like to dance for you!” With a granola bar in my pocket, I looked around the dusty compound at the hard-working women cooking our food for the evening over a hot open flame, who were assumingly hungry themselves, so overjoyed by our presence that it prompted a physical demonstration of their joy. An image of the glossy magazine spread demonstrating how to be the “hostess with the mostess” flashed through my head. As a host back home, I had lost focus on my guests. These women are Marys who invited in a Martha like me, a complete stranger, and bathed me in true, unconditional and grace-filled hospitality.
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
AMANDA BACKENSTOSE: SENEGAL TEAM 2016
