My Old Friend Stella

Many years ago, while still new to Tanzania, I met a woman at Kiagata mission.  She was from the Kuria tribe and her name was Stella.  She was very old!  Her deeply wrinkled, and serious looking face gave one the impression that she may have sucked on lemons throughout most of her life!  One look from her and you would want to finish up your work and get home fast!

But she really wasn’t a harsh person.  Although her looks were just typical for the Kuria people, who have a very serious, no-nonsense reputation, I came to know her as a nice old grandmother type. 

It was Sunday morning and I was off to lead a Church service at one of our parish out stations.  As a young Maryknoller, fresh out of language school, Swahili was so difficult for me. How could I ask people to be patient as I attempted to preside or preach, stumbling along with all my Swahili mistakes?  I arrived early at the mud brick school where we were to pray.  Some 40 Christians were assembled--mostly kids and old folks.  Few could read and the choir sounded like a band of buzzards among the garbage heap at the end of market day.  Between their singing and my Swahili, we were not going to win any prizes with the Liturgical Press people!

Anyhow, after a half-hour of preparation, we were ready to commence our service.  As the opening song began, “sour” Stella was standing right in front of me.  I don’t know what it was.  I’m certain it wasn’t the music, nor was it my Swahili or liturgical expertise.  Nevertheless, I witnessed a minor miracle.  Old Stella began to change right before my eyes!  The wrinkles began to smooth out, as the skin softened and began to shine with cheeks rounding out to such a beautiful smile appearing across that face.  As the old Kuria do, she started moving up and down in rhythm with the music. Finally she let out the “vigelegele,” that traditional African shrill of happiness.  Throughout the service, Stella smiled and looked so happy.  Her mood was contagious as we all began to feel pretty good about things.  I saw her inner beauty break through.

As I sat with Stella in front of me that day, I couldn’t help but feel a special presence in our midst. I began to realize the power and majesty of the Holy Spirit.  As I returned to the mission later in the day, I felt that I had been blessed.  I had seen God!

How grateful I am to have met Stella!