In 2009 Gwyn and I went on an overseas trip travelling to Tajikistan. Where is Tajikistan you may ask. It is a land-locked country in Central Asia and its main border is with Afghanistan. We went there to share in the lives of our son, daughter-in-law and their children for three weeks. They were part of a Christian medical mission team stationed in the small town of Gharm.
For us it was an amazing experience. The main religion is Islam and its political situation, from our perspective, is not ideal. The setting of the town of Gharm is beautiful – snow-capped mountains and wide river valleys. But it is a poor country. We saw no tourist buses, no shopping malls in the town of Gharm. It was just basic living.
The people were very friendly. As we could not understand their Tajik language, nor they our English, direct verbal communication with the people was almost non-existent. However, with the help of our family translating we were able to relate well with them. We just shared with our family in the lives of the people of that community.
I won’t attempt to give a detailed account of our time with those people. However there is one remarkable experience that I will share with you.
One day we were invited to share a meal with fifteen or so of the local people in a home. These occasions are very special. There is no such thing as a table. A large rug is laid out on the floor and the food, in large quantities, is spread out. Everyone sits on the floor around the rug. We entered the room and I was immediately guided to the far end of the setting – obviously a place of privilege.
I do not know why I was given this privilege. Perhaps it was because I was a guest. Perhaps it was because of my great age! Perhaps it was because I was the father of Peter. Naturally I was quite chuffed. The meal got under way. It was a lavish spread.
Not long after the start of the meal the door of the room opened and in walked an elderly man. Long white robes, bushy beard, typical pill cap. I do not know who or what he was, but the reaction of the people was immediate. He was obviously highly respected. He was led down the room to where I was sitting and, to my surprise, I was quietly and politely asked to move. I was guided to a new place down the side. The elderly man took my place of privilege at the head of the gathering.
At first I was rather surprised and intrigued. But who was I compared with this man? I saw, and felt, even with some amusement, that I was participating in what was, for me, a unique experience. I really appreciated the honour of being even number two to this man.
The meal progressed and eventually attention was again directed towards the elderly man. He spread out his hands and, in Tajik, gave a blessing over all present. He then pronounced that the meal had ended.
A small event but, for me, a significant experience in the remarkable story of our world and its people.
Lindsay