Breaking Cultural Norms

I was privileged to teach at our last Girls Time in Nekempte. About a week and half before I taught God laid it on my heart to teach them about when Jesus washed His disciples feet (found in John 13:1-17). Along with this teaching would be Kait and I putting into action Jesus’ teaching. But I knew that us touching their feet was probably not culturally acceptable. When I tried painting their toenails they were very adamant against it. (After persisting and telling them it’s what we do in America, they let me!) So I knew that we would be breaking cultural norms and possibly even be rejected.

I talked to my awesome host missionaries, Steve and Doretha, about whether or not it would be okay to give it a shot. They both told me to go ahead. So I continued to pray about it. A lot.

I felt strongly I should do it. So I started to study. And I prayed. Kait and I talked about the meaning of some passages. With the Lord’s help, I was able to get everything in order and written down. Finally Friday came. It was the day to wash the girls feet.

As usual Doretha, Rowan, Kait, and I loaded up and started the walk/bajaj (taxi) ride to the church. We had a bucket, a pitcher and some good smelling body wash from Bath and Body Works. Of course I forgot a towel, but no matter. We walked into the beautiful new church building to see our girls excited to see us; quite the blessing. We sit down, pray together, talk about our blessings from the day, then get started with the lesson.

I was shaking from being so nervous. I have taught these girls multiple times throughout the month, teaching them was not the problem. We read the Scripture; the girls said they had heard it before. I asked them if it would be okay if Kait and I served them by washing their feet.

Silence.

I reminded them of Peter’s reaction. I told them the disciples feet were probably way dirtier than their feet. I told them it would bless Kait and me if they would allow us to serve them in that way. I asked again, “Would it be okay if we washed your feet?”

Finally one girl responded. She timidly nodded her head and whispered, “Yes.” Excitedly I said, “Yes?!” A few more of the girls nodded and smiled. I asked for a volunteer to go first. No one volunteered. Doretha suggested the girl who had shown great leadership qualities. I said, “Adamay! You can go first!” She got up, came over, took off her shoes, and put her feet in the cold water. Kait and I washed her feet. We finished, and the next girl came. Then the next, and the next, and the next. None of our girls rejected the invitation.

We finished and Kait sat down. Doretha came over and we started washing Kait’s feet. We were almost finished when all of our girls got up and walked over to us. They said, “Kayla. Ta’e.” Which means, “Kayla. Sit down.” So I sat on the bench. They washed my feet. Then Kait’s. Then Doretha’s.

God was definitely moving. Moving in a bigger way than I could ever have imagined. They even dried our feet with their skirts.

After we were all finished we sat down together again and I asked them what they thought and felt about that teaching. Their responses left me speechless.

“I am blessed.”

“No one has ever done this before.”

“I have never seen this kind of humbleness in the church before.”

“I will never forget this.”

“We will always remember this, and do it with others.”

God doesn’t just answer prayer. He goes beyond what you are asking. When you obey Him, He will bless you immensely. Praise God for His faithfulness, His wisdom, and His love. This day will be a day I won’t forget (unless I suffer from memory loss). But in all seriousness, my faith in God just went one step deeper. I have never loved the Lord more. He is good. He is faithful. His love endures forever. 

*All praise goes to God. I was just doing what I was told! He worked through me, and opened the girls hearts and minds. Without His work, this would have been a disaster.