Monday

White Girls Can't Dance

In Africa, we only visited one village that wasn't a Compassion project.

It was at the end of our trip, during our debriefing time, when we visited a very remote Maasai tribe. Entering the village was like stepping into the pages of National Geographic Magazine.

village

Branches and sticks circled the small village to keep wild animals away. Mud, manure and hardworking women turned huts into homes. These indigenous people survive only on the meat, milk and blood of their animals. I've never seen a more primitive way of life.

village2

Although this village is remote, they allowed us to view their way of life because they wanted us to buy from them. As we entered the village, they insisted that the women in our group sing and dance with the Maasai wives. It was an honor we couldn't refuse (especially since the man instructing us held a warrior club).

He led us to nine of the wives (one with a baby strapped to her back), many of whom looked like girls. They removed their heavy beaded necklaces and placed them over our heads.

Y'all, I don't sing.

dance1

And I certainly do. not. dance. (Because snapping fingers and swaying does not a dancer make). But I also wasn't feeling rebellious.

dancing2

A low moan and foreign words came from the lips of the women as they bent and moved back and forth. It sounded something (or actually, nothing) like "Maaaaaaaaaa Woooooooooo Chuma Dago Soto (and then, I do not lie, they said) Hell, Yeah"

dance3

So, we bent and we sang some noises and we all ended each phrase with...

dance4

"Hell, Yeah."

dance5

Totally inappropriate for a Compassion International trip.


But it worked.


36 comments:

Southern Gal said...

You weren't the only one who looked a little uncomfortable. But look at all the smiles on those faces! Hell Yeah. I mean that in their language.

Shara said...

I love it!!

Melanie said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I was laughing so hard reading your description! That was hilarious. Good for you though! You stepped out of your comfort zone in many, many, many ways and that is great!

btw, on the video, I thought you were one of the best dancers and HY singers in the group! :)

Enjoying your blog so much and the stories from your trip... keep up the great work!

Melanie
~ melscoffeebreak.blogspot.com ~

Anonymous said...

Ha, ha! Talk about that comfort zone... !

Stephanie said...

I have been reading all your Africa posts and have enjoyed some, been broken by some and moved by them all. I look forward to reading more as you feel led to post them. Thank you.

Megan said...

That's hilarious. I was wondering what some country song was doing in one of your Africa posts...

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Haha!! Hysterical!

My Trendy Tykes said...

I am sitting here trying to imagine this....I caught myself swaying and mumbling with a HELL YEAH at the end!

LOL

Whatever works....ROCK ON!

Jenni said...

Hell yeah, Masai ladies! You ROCK!

Tonya said...

What an awesome experience!!! Who can say that they've danced and sang w/some Maasai women? So stinkin' cool!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Do you think if I say "Hell yeah" from this point on, I can claim to be speaking Maasai?

(Hysterical story. God must have wanted y'all to laugh.)

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Girl, I absolutely love that you stepped out of your comfort zone in so many ways on that trip...thank you so much for sharing your trip with us...I love it!

xoxo, Mel's World

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

I'm gonna be singing that all day now.

LOVE IT! I've so enjoyed all of your posts and living this experience through you!

bridget {bake at 350} said...

I think we need more dancing videos!

Fantastic Forrest said...

I came over from JonesBones5 - what a great post! Your writing and the photos were a delight. Fun to see my friend Patricia among all the village women. What were they selling? I missed that part.

Abounding Love said...

I love it! May God get all the glory....even from the hell yeah!!!

I am not sure if it was coincidence or not but the ads by google at the bottom of your page today are for dance lessons...I'm just sayin'

Kimberly said...

I love that 'Hell Yeah' is a univeral phrase!

Hell Yeah!

K

O Mom said...

Those pictures are amazing and the story, well you couldn't make that up if ya tried!!
I linked to one of your posts about this trip today, hope that was ok.
I've been really touched by your experience and the words you use to share it with us.

Kathryn said...

Haha! This made me smile today, after getting used to tearing up after reading your posts... I have been so touched by following your journey into Africa.
Just finished reading Shawn Groves blog post about complaints...and am wondering if your blog today is a subtle attempt to get someone to complain about your language! Still a Pollyanna image to me!

Patricia said...

Could I look more dorky? Oh my gosh this is so funny!

crystalkupper said...

Way to be flexible! Loved it!

Unknown said...

What an amazing memory to have. Looked like a lot of fun. Good for you!

Kristen said...

to answer the question--what was the tribe selling- a little of everything...mainly beaded work. We only bought a few small things because it was VERY expensive-apparently they KNOW American are rich:)

-Pollyanna

Alisa said...

You can't judge how you have reached others hearts by whether or not someone leaves a comment. I don't think you are not reaching here for comments, you are reaching to move people. On the giveaway's you are asking for people to comment.
Don't let the number of comments get to you on any specific post.

Cathy said...

I hadn't commented yet, because the sound is broken on my 'puter and I wanted to HEAR the video before I said anything. BUT....

your journey through this has touched me deeply and I thank you for encouraging us to come along with you. You are blessing people whether they comment or not.;) Hell yeah, you are!

(The song "Everybody Dance Now" comes to mind. Did they play it?;) Yes, I know I'm old school...)

Kristen said...

Sorry for getting on Twitter and comparing this post to my recent giveaway post...I shouldn't compare the two...I'm asking for comments on one.

Weak moment.

As you were.

Emily said...

Heeellll yeah, Kristen! (Gotta say it with a little southern twang.)

This is too funny.

Lana said...

I showed the video to my daughter, and now she is humming in the other room...I'm going to have to watch what comes from "THAT family." hehehe

{H.E. double hockey sticks.}

Blessings to you sweet Kristen!

Lana @ ilovemy5kids

Liberty said...

When in Rome...er africa - HELL YEAH!! Thanks for some perspecitve - TOO FUNNY!

Kristen said...

Loved the video and the whole story of your trip. I cried so many times! You really made me rethink how I've been communicating with my Compassion children, how I'm living my life here in the States, and how I can help in other ways. Thank you!

Pam said...

I've loved following you on this trip. Love the pix of your return home. When I knew your trip was ending I imagined the reunion you'd have with your family and now I get to see it! Thanks for taking us along on your journey..even as it continues to unfold. : )

Musings of a Homeschooling Mom said...

I loved the video! I have loved all of your posts on the trip. Thanks for sharing with us.

TDM Wendy said...

Incredible. What an experience for you. God at work.

TDM Wendy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Miss Janet said...

I am totally cracking up!!

I showed that vid to my family btw!

Blessings!

Janet

www.homeward4.blogspot.com

Tim said...

Kristen that was priceless. After following all of the Compassion Bloggers on the Africa trip, I've felt like I've gotten to really know you. I was laughing hysterically at the thought of you all dancing and singing (and cussing :-)) when lo and behold at the end of the post was an actual video. I laughed some more. My family probably thought I was crazy. Thanks for sharing even more adventures from your Compassion trip.