Proverbs 31

 Today we visited a wife of a noble character. Lino was part of Class 3 of the chaplaincy program (currently Class 8 is in session). He is now on staff here with FRM as a training officer. His wife Martha saw us walking through the village this past Sunday and wanted us to come in her home to visit her. It was already getting late so we promised her that we would come back another day to pay her a visit. Today we had the pleasure of going into her home to visit with her. The culture here in Sudan is anytime there is a guest in the home it’s proper to serve them a little something. Usually, depending on what they can afford, it’s a warm soda and a small bag of cookies.

Lino & Martha

If their Tukul (mud hut) is big enough they invite you inside, they pull out their nicest plastic chairs or wooden stools for us to sit on, while they sit on the floor or the bed. They then send for some sodas and cookies to be delivered to us. The wife always drops to her knees to greet us with a hand shake. Then when the snacks arrive she again drops to her knees, brings a pitcher of water and a basin to wash our hands and then serves us. Also, the wife never partakes in the snacking. If they buy drinks and cookies she never buys enough for herself. We always feel so bad that we eat and drink in front of her but that’s just their culture. We sat inside talking with her, mostly asking questions about the culture of their particular tribe and praying for them. Lino told us that not only does she take care of her own family but she also cooks, cleans, and cares for the families that live around her. As we finished our sodas she came out with another round and it totally blessed my heart. Not because it was another soda but because of the sweetness in her heart. This may sound like something so simple but when you think about how little they have and how they can barely feed their families it’s a big deal. We have more than enough money to buy several rounds of sodas and yet they wouldn’t dare think about not serving their guests. 

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We’re told that it’s an honor for them to have white people in their home because most of these villagers never will; so they want to show their gratitude any way they can. Her hospitality melted my heart. I sat there with a big smile on my face just thinking about what a great wife she is and what an honor it was to be welcomed into her home for a warm soda and small bag of cookies! I just had to share this moment with you because it will probably be one of those sweet simple moments in my life that I’ll remember forever.

Lino & family