Mandroso

Mandroso (Mahn-drew-sue) - used as an invitation - come in, take part, join us

Avia - (Ah-vee-ah) - used as a command - come here

I attempted to stay in the shadows cast by the small stores. The sun burned brightly in Toliara as I walked through the streets. I had only arrived a week earlier, and I wanted to explore my new home. I listened to the conversations and sounds around me while my eyes danced between the road, the sites, and the people around me. A middle-aged woman appeared from a small side street and turned just in front of me. She strolled at nearly my pace, and I decided to say hello. Upon my greeting, she turned around and smiled. We continued down the street and chatted in Malagasy. She showed incredible patience with my language blunders. Soon, she invited me to her home. Mandroso. I followed her down a small path which wound through small homes, huts, and fences. Upon reaching her house, she introduced me to her husband before inviting me inside. She offered me a seat, and she ran off to fetch her daughter. They both returned, and we discussed our families, my work, and the daughter’s studies. Still a new student of the Malagasy language, I could not hold a long conversation. Once we reached a silence, the woman thanked me for coming to her home. She asked her daughter to accompany me back to the main road, and I soon continued my walk home.

…

Mama Jeannette and I stepped into a sliver of shade to wait with the other women. The church service had just ended, but the director was not yet ready to lead us to our next location. Already past noon, some of the women had bought a small snack from a nearby  vendor. They peeled the skin from beles - a popular food similar to a sweet potato. As I stepped into the shade, one woman invited me to join in the small meal. Mandroso. I agreed, and she returned to the bele vendor. She bought a small potato and handed it to me. I split the potato and handed half to Mama Jeanette. Between bites, all of the women continued to chat.

…

I jumped into a pair of shorts and threw my sunscreen into my backpack before rushing out of my bedroom door. I apologized to the man and woman standing in Mama Jeannette’s yard; I did not expect them to come so early. They reassured me there was no need to apologize and told me to get on the back of the man’s motorbike. He was the soccer team’s manager, and he would take me to the correct soccer field. I had never met the man, and I had only met the young woman once. I couldn’t even remember her name. Yet, I climbed on the back of the bike and accepted the invitation. My friend had arranged the whole situation. With very few questions answered, we took off down the road. As we zoomed along and dodged potholes, I giggled to myself. I was riding on the back of a motorbike of a man I had just met and heading to some sort of soccer gathering. In honesty, I did not know if I would sit and watch a game, find myself in the starting line up, or simply practice with the team. I did not know if I would understand any of the language spoken. I did not know if my shorts would make me feel extremely out of place. Yet, why would I turn down the chance to engage with a women’s soccer league? Mandroso. Come into this.

…

The sun had just set as I stepped into Mama Jeannette’s yard. I had barely closed the gate when I heard a cry.

“Moooor-ghen-y!”

I looked up to find Josey (one of Mama Jeannette’s grandsons) yelling my name. Three other grandchildren soon echoed his call.

Avia!

It was a loving command, but a command nonetheless. I rolled my bike towards them, and we continued to chase each other for some time. When I wandered too far from the game of tag, I would hear the command.

Avia! Morgheny! Avia!

I had no choice but to follow the call. I would run to Josey or the other grandchildren and induce a fit of giggles.

…

A few weeks ago, my oldest brother sent me an email. At the end of the email he asked me a question: Am I doing and learning all I came to do and learn in Madagascar? In truth, I found myself a bit a shocked by the question. I had no true answer. When I boarded a plane to Madagascar almost four months ago, I had very little idea what was ahead of me. I could not entirely anticipate what I would do or what I would learn. I continue to wake each morning unsure of what the day will bring. There is a beauty in the mystery of each day and this year as a whole. God called me to Madagascar with a warm and loving, yet stern voice. Mandroso, Morghen! Come into this! I did not know what the year would bring, but I could not decline the invitation. Some days the abundant questions make me hesitant to follow the call, but God persists. Avia, Morghen! Come, Morghen! I want you here. I step forward, sometimes with hesitation, but God always walks beside me. He invites me into the mystery - into questions, into challenges, into joys, into love, and into a beautiful mystery.

Sweet Jesus Loves Me

I could hear the pousse-pousse driver chuckle. I suppose we were not his typical customers. Mama Jeannette and I sat side-by-side in the cart pulled behind his bike. Mama Jeannette, a small Malagasy woman with a large presence, sat gracefully and comfortably beside me. I happily crouched to fit under the roof of the cart. Mama Jeannette and I had attended church in the morning and then visited a sick member of the women’s association. Now, the pousse-pousse driver led us home.

During our visit to the sick woman, Mama Jeannette and I had crammed into a small bedroom with the other members of the association. Some women sat on the floor. Others stood in corners. Mama Jeannette and I shared a chair; she had to wrap her arm around my shoulders to keep me from falling off. The group of women prayed, and then, we sang. I joined in as I could - flipping through the pages of my hymnal. The other women have known each hymn by heart for years. Then, the association asked the woman which song she would like to hear. Number 469. I turned to the correct page and sang the Malagasy words printed in my hymnal, but the English version played through my mind and warmed my heart.

Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.

While riding home in the pousse, I asked Mama Jeannette if she knew the song Jesus Loves Me. She asked me to sing it, and I quietly sang the tune I know so well. She recognized the song and started to join in as she could. We continued down the road - sharing a pousse, sharing in song, sharing in faith. Mama Jeannette sang in English when she knew the words, and I occasionally jumped in for the Malagasy chorus. I imagine we were the most memorable ride of the day for our pousse-pousse driver. Two seemingly very different women cuddled together and singing a hymn in Malagasy, English, and sometimes both.

I, too, will remember that ride. Mama Jeannette and I shared parts of our faith. We listened to the each other’s lyrics and sang the words we could. Mama Jeannette could not sing in only English, and I could not sing in exclusively Malagasy. However, we could still sing together. We could still praise God while sitting side-by-side in the back of a pousse.

Malagasy Hymn 469:

Verse 1

Jeso o, Mpitita anay!

Maminay ny teninao,

Osa ny fanahinay,

Fa mahery Hianao

Chorus

Mamy, ry Jeso!

Mamy, ry Jeso!

Mamy, ry Jeso!

Ny fitiavanao.

Translation:

Oh, Jesus our lover!

Your words are sweet to us.

Our spirits are weak,

But You are strong.

Sweet are you, Jesus!

Sweet are you, Jesus!

Sweet are you, Jesus,

And Your love.

Welcome to the Family

I gazed out the window of the forest-green 20-passenger van. The landscape slowly shifted from the mountainous highlands of central Madagascar to the tropical flatlands of the western coast. I occasionally chatted with my fellow passengers.  After three weeks of intense Malagasy language studies, I could hold brief conversations. I spoke with one student returning to campus for a new semester, another young woman venturing home, and another traveler seeking a vacation on the shore. Between conversations and sight gazing, I drifted in and out of sleep. However, as the day progressed, I kept my eyes focused on the road markers outside the window. I tracked the kilometers to Toliara.  After three days of travel, I could sense the excitement building in my body. Late in the afternoon, the dark green bus pulled into a hustling station. I leaped out of the large sliding door and landed in Toliara, Madagascar - my new home.

I largely ignored the bustle of the station and searched for Rico. My host mother, Jeannette, had to preach out-of-town and would not return to Toliara for a few days. However, she had arranged for Rico to help me find my way. Rico and I found each other quickly. We watched the workers unload my luggage from the roof of the van while we introduced ourselves. He welcomed me to Toliara and into a larger Malagasy family.

We are happy you are here, sister.

I have never experienced such a welcome. Rico spent much of the next few days with me. He works as tour guide in the warmer months, and he showed me many of the sights of Toliara. He noted the markets, the common meeting grounds, the post office, and the sea gardens. As an English teacher, Rico also acted as my translator. (Without him, I would not have known when the president of the synod asked me to come to the front of the congregation). He also helped me translate some of my Malagasy study materials from Official Malagasy into the dialect of Toliara. He showed me true brotherly and Christ-like love.

The incredible welcome continued when Madame Jeannette (Mama Jeannette) returned from her travels. Unfortunately, her brother passed during my first few days in Toliara. We met in a time of grief and pain; yet, she offered nothing but love. Our second night together, I joined her and her family at a service for her brother. I greeted her and turned to take my seat with the other visitors, but Mama Jeannette stopped me.

You are family. Sit with us in front.

Traditionally, family members sit on a mat towards the front of the service. Amidst the grieving and condolences, Mama Jeannette created room on the mat for me. She created room for genuine hospitality, love, and welcome. Since that service, I have been further invited into Mama Jeannette’s family and the larger family of Madagascar. The people of Madagascar have welcomed me as a friend, daughter, and sister in Christ. They have already shown me abounding love, and I hope to extend similar care and compassion throughout the year.

The riches of Madagascar

I perched on the edge of my seat - attempting to soak in each word, note, and movement. Surrounded by my fellow YAGMs, employees of the cultural center, Norwegian nurses, and an array of others, I found myself entranced by the sites and sounds before me. The cultural center had invited us to an evening of Malagasy music, dance, and hospitality. The emcee started his next introduction.
"We are rich in Madagascar..."
The words caught my attention. Days earlier, I had wound through the mountains of central Madagascar. Through the windows of a large van, I had witnessed the intense beauty of the Madagascar landscape. I had also glimpsed the poverty which plagues many Malagasy. I will certainly encounter and struggle with poverty's prevalence and power throughout my year. The emcee, too, knows the trials of Madagascar, but his words reverberated with incredible truth. He continued.
"We are rich in culture, in dance, in music..."
Though I landed in Madagascar only one week ago, I have been honored to share in some of the cultural riches of the Malagasy people. The island of Madagascar sits situated between continental Africa and Asia. Eighteen different tribal regions comprise the large island (two-times the size of Arizona). The African, Asian, and tribal influences have combined to produce entrancing arts. At the cultural event, I heard the sweet strumming of a valiha - a traditional Malagasy instrument made of bamboo (seen in the picture at the end of this post). I attempted to capture each movement of Malagasy performers as they demonstrated dances from various parts and tribes of the island. Astonishingly smooth voices spilled into the room. Though I could not understand most of the lyrics, the sounds cast spells - warming my heart. The other YAGMS and I attempted to take part as best as we could. We learned a dance commonly performed at family celebrations, and some of us even participated in a short percussion lesson. After music and dance, we joined in fellowship over some Malagasy food.
Tea, coffee, Norweigan carrot cake, fried bananas, and other Malagasy treats adorned the table. I tried my first piece of koba - a common treat often sold by street vendors. (Find the recipe here)! Cake in hand and three days of Malagasy language class behind me, I did my best to complement the Malagasy performers. I also chatted with Mamia - our host and teacher at the cultural center. With a warm and large smile, she moved around the table - ensuring that each guest enjoyed the food and experience. Mamia demonstrated one of the greatest riches I have yet to find in Madagascar - overwhelming hospitality.
The extent of Malagasy hospitality astonishes me. Over the last week, we have received cake, enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls, sipped on countless cups of coffee, and experiences boundless offerings of hospitality. Malagasy give, and Malagasy welcome.
Some may think I journeyed to a land of poverty - that I came to Madagascar to give to those who lack. I suggest a correction. Certainly I hope to offer the few gifts I have - gifts of time, listening, stories, presence and love. However, I have already received far more than I could ever give. I also know I have only glimpsed the bountiful treasures of Madagascar - riches of culture, hospitality, and natural beauty. Yes, many Malagasy get by with little money, resources, or material goods. However, this is a land and people of abundance. In so many ways, we are rich in Madagascar.

Packed and Unpacking

I skimmed the YAGM Madagascar packing list one final time. T-shirts. Skirts. Sunscreen. Malaria medication. All the essentials rested like Tetris pieces in my checked bag. Then I reviewed my personal packing list; what would I - Morghen Philippi - need for a year in Toliara, Madagascar? Running shoes, of course. A coloring book. Pictures of family and friends. A jar of peanut butter (which will certainly not last the whole year). I zipped my bags one final time and stepped on the bathroom scale - two bags well under 50 pounds. Mission accomplished. My father and I loaded the bags into his trunk, and after a heart-warming drive through Iowa farmland, a few teary goodbyes, and a plane ride to Chicago, I settled into my room at YAGM Orientation 2016-2017.

I will leave for Madagascar a week from today. Until then, I join in fellowship with 84 other YAGMs, several full-time ELCA Global Mission staff members, and other alumni of the program. We will navigate complex topics and begin to ponder more deeply what it means to serve as a Young Adult in Global Mission. This reflection and contemplation began last night. I gathered around a table with the other seven YAGMs destined for Madagascar. Our leader questioned: what did we forget to pack? Some of us had forgotten our waterbottles; others forgot toothpaste. I'm still not sure. Have I left something important behind? Am I even truly sure I know what I need? These questions developed new meaning this morning during devotions. An alumni asked us what small things we carry with us. Myself, I bring a picture from my brother's wedding and the necklace my parents designed for me. What weight do these things contribute?

Packed beneath the picture from my brother's wedding resides a great deal of love and memories of a happy household. The necklace from my parents rests above my heart - heavy with support from back home. What other emotions, memories, and expectations sit in my suitcase - shoved between my chacos and nail clippers? Though most of my belongings will spend the week in my zipped black bag, a process of unpacking has begun.

I venture to Madagascar with questions. Will I be able to communicate and comprehend Malagasy? How will my loved ones view me when I return? What differences will be glaring, and which differences will rest deep in my very soul?

I travel to Madagascar with desires large and small. I hope to make new friends and learn new love for those in my community. I long to face challenge - to experience feirce growth. I want to listen intently to the stories of those around me and discover how to tell those stories once I return.

I also embark with memories, with history, and personal perspective. I recently graduated from a small liberal arts college focused on "increasing diversity." I spent the last eight years running alongside beautifully strong female athletes. I know womanhood to be an opportunity for strength and independence. This past summer brought months of mountain climbing and profound respect for nature. The list continues.

Certainly these questions, desires, memories, moments, and perspectives accompany me to Madagascar. Certainly, they will influence my experience. Yet, I wonder, should any remain in Chicago - intentionally forgotten? If so, which ones?

As I continue on this journey, I pray to continue this process of unpacking. I hope I can open myself to change and challenge. I long to unpack not only my own idenity and experiences, but unpack a bit of the world.

Before I resign for the evening, I wish to extend a sincere note of thanks. As I have prepared for this journey, those around me have poured out such incredible support. Your financial support makes this year possible, and your prayers and encouragement surround me with warmth and joy. Thank you.