We were out in the Hopi village of Bacavi, serving an elder as she prepared to host a traditional Hopi wedding at her home. It was a sacred occasion rich with meaning, rooted in heritage, and she wanted everything to be just right for all of her family and friends who would soon be gathering together in and around her home.
Our team was overjoyed to come alongside her to help prepare.
We didn’t bring our way.
We learned her way.
We were taught how to plaster and paint using traditional Hopi methods, mud, rocks, and the right rhythm passed down through generations. Our hands became students. And in that process, our hearts were taught something valuable too. If we slow down in the here and now, miracles happen, and we find ourselves invited into ancient history, to participate in something truly special. You don’t find this in the cultural museums, you find this in the midst of the culture, deep in the heart of beautiful tradition, amongst family and friends.
Of course, we also noticed some more pressing needs such as her leaking roof and old, broken windows. So we helped with those as well. But we did it in a way that respected her home, her culture, her heritage. We’ve learned something vital in this work: When serving tribal elders, their way is always the best way.
We don’t bring our culture to them. We allow their culture to teach us, and even become part of us. This is what it means to demonstrate honor and respect. And if we let it, it will quick turn into love.
We hold to our faith. But we also hold space. For tradition.
For beauty. For culture worth preserving. This is compassion that listens.
This is love that learns.
