Part one of the Jesus Film Dedication celebrations (aka ‘the
programme’) was the arrival and welcome of special guests. Five had arrived
from Kapuna on Thursday, the other ten landed at Teredau airstrip the morning
of the dedication. We had gone up in two boats to meet them and although we
made good time the tide was well on its way out by the time we reached Mira
Goiravi, the official welcoming destination.
Uphill mud slide! (D.Petterson) |
The low water was a problem, as there was now a long stretch
of mud to cross before we would reach a log walkway to dry land. All the guests
were taking off shoes and rolling up trousers, getting ready to get muddy, but
another solution was being hatched. We were all to get into one boat that the
young men would then push across the mud to the landing point. None of us
believed it was possible, but we followed instructions and loaded into one
boat. Twenty five people were in one boat, waiting to see if it would work.
Well, Jesus walked on water and I’ve now been in a boat
gliding across land. The boat may have been pushed by a team of strong young
men, so it is not a miracle, but it was still a wondrous sight to behold. The
mud acted as a lubricant and the boat glided along beautifully, with us clean
and dry inside.
Arriving in Goiravi (R.Petterson) |
I was given the role of being first off the boat and first
along the path. It was a bit intimidating, stepping off to a traditionally
dressed warrior dancing on the log in front of me, with a crowd watching from
the bank. As I reached the bank, I led us all through an avenue of people who
laid down banana leaves and palm branches for us to walk on. A wreath of
flowers was hung around my neck and a crown of flowers put on my head. I shook
hundreds of hands welcoming us.
As I followed the avenue, there was a group of women
demonstrating fishing with nets and traps. Doing as I was told, I stepped into
the barramundi trap, which was then raised from my feet to over my head with a
great ‘Hurrah!’ I could hear the hurrahs continuing behind me as each guest had
their turn in the trap.
Passing through one of the gateways I had opened
(R.Petterson) |
Along the path there were several places where I had to open
a gate of branches to clear the path for others. This clearing was an important
symbol of my work, clearing the way to God’s word in Kope language, clearing
the way for others to come behind me. Others though had prepared the way, as
bridges had been built and the path repaired from when I had last walked along
it some months before.
As we walked to Ubuo, we passed several stations where
people were demonstrating traditional skills such as weaving or canoe carving,
or were handed refreshments. A fresh young coconut to drink and a slice or
pineapple to eat was exactly what I needed! There was singing and dancing, and
a crowd accompanying us along the way. It was a joyful arrival and my slowest
but most enjoyable journey between the two neighbouring villages.
Handcraft demonstration (D.Petterson) |
The official welcome consisted of a series of presentations
of songs and dances from the various villages in the Kope tribe. There were a
few (mercifully short) speeches and then it was my turn to introduce all the
guests. I chose to do this in Kope, and had written my script the day before so
that it could be checked and corrected before I embarrassed myself.
Handshakes! (A.Evers) |
At last we were able to retreat from the crowds and the heat
to my house for lunch and a rest. My house did an admirable job of hosting 16
people as everyone sat around drinking water, eating lunch and finding
somewhere to lie down for a nap.
Studying before I gave introductions in language (A.Evers) |