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.