Polio Conquered thru Cooking - Sierra Leone

I watched in wonder as this beautiful woman began preparing a meal for her family and I. Her son helped her bring out all of the cook-ware and set it up under a tree. She and her son had just returned from town on her three wheeled hand propelled cart (a victim of Polio) where she had purchased fresh fish and vegetables. Mankaprie sat down and began peeling potatoes, then she handed me a wood carved mortar and pestle. She tossed in some red and yellow hot peppers and motioned for me to crush them with a big wooden stick (the pestle).

Once I finished crushing the peppers she asked me if I knew how to dice onions. I motioned to her to show me how it should be done and I took over once I understood what was expected. I didn't have a cutting board so I carefully and finely sliced the egg-sized onion. Only one of the onions completely flew out of my hand from squeezing it so tightly. This gave the crowd of children that had gathered around something to laugh about.

It felt like a very sacred time for me; an opportunity to share in the preparation and the fellowship of a meal. The skill of this woman in preparing this meal was in such sharp contrast to her ability to move from place to place. She was in her element and she allowed me to join her there. It was truly a privilege beyond words and an experience I hope that I will remain with me for a long time.

Have you ever met someone that came alive or was even "transformed" once they were in their element? Were you able to join them in this new energy and even feel energized yourself? Some people are threatened by or misunderstand the things that are a source of life for others. What can we do to nurture people to be more connected with the things that energize them?