In 2011, Kay and I were able to return to the Maasai village that was situated near the Ngorogoro crater in Tanzania. (We had returned to Tanzania on another photo safari). Although there had been no guarantees of visiting the same village, we were delighted that circumstances allowed us to visit once again.
Saint Benedict instructed his monks to "listen carefully . . . with the ear of your heart." I think that when we are able to do this, we can hear and feel the seam that binds the human mosaic together, and it becomes evident that we are not unique and that we truly are brothers and sisters. I experienced this truth once again in the village.
Kay had given a Maasai woman a silver ring in 2009. When we arrived at the village, I recognized her son, and Kay introduced herself, told him of our previous visit, and asked of his mother. He told her that she was visiting another village but would send for her and perhaps she would arrive before our tour departed.
After some time, she was seen walking toward us. Although she had aged, her face showed that kindness, humility and joy that was evident to us two years ago.
Kay had a neck-lace that she gave to her Maasai "sister" on this visit. Because the Maasai wear beautiful beaded necklaces, she put Kay's necklace over her head with the silver locket at the top. Through her son who spoke English, she asked if Kay had any children and ushered her back into the village where she gave her gifts of bracelets and a porcupine quill. She wished Kay a long life and Kay wished her a life full of blessings.
The belief that each of us is "unique" is fundamentally an illusion, I believe. Although the Maasai live in a wholly different culture and land, although they live in huts made of cow dung and hold beliefs that seem primitive to twenty-first century Americans, and although the everyday life of Maasai women constitutes hard, physical labor, there's a connection that can be realized when that language of the heart is recognized and spoken. That language can reach across race, culture, class, religion, politics, and it is shared by all humanity. But to hear it, one must listen with the ear of the heart. And I learned that lesson from a Maasai woman who lives in a village close to the Ngorogoro Crater in Tanzania.
This report is so amazing. When you visit these places do you have to pinch yourself to be sure you're not dreaming? It seems to increase your ability to see and hear with your heart:)
Posted by: granny annie | March 07, 2011 at 05:57 AM
Great post indeed.
Posted by: Josh | April 18, 2011 at 03:42 AM
hello, my name is Benjamin Rothschild and I am an artist and board member for a Non-Profit in Uganda called AGYA International: http://agyainternational.org/ I will be traveling back to our facility in Kampala to teach a series of Art Workshops with the children and youth and I would very much like to travel to Tanzania or Kenya to meet with some of the Maasai People (However, I am having a hard time making a connection) I was hoping that perhaps you could help me. How did you go about visiting these wonderful people? You can contact me via email at brothsch@gmail.com Thanks!!
Posted by: Ben Rothschild | August 18, 2011 at 10:47 AM
No offense, but if there's a facebook like button, it'll be much easier for me to share.
Posted by: Elliptical reviews | November 30, 2011 at 01:37 AM
Impressive blog! -Arron
Posted by: rc helicopter | December 21, 2011 at 07:13 AM