All along the roads, every road, everywhere a truck, or a bicycle, or a donkey travels you will find people selling their wares. For the first time traveler it is of-putting but I imagine if a Tanzania were to be bombarded by the marketing in America they would say the same.
The sellers simply walk up to you (very few are pushy) and hold up what they need to sell in order to be able to eat that day. Maps, fish, nuts, DVD's...whatever.
A simple head shake no suffices most of the time.
If need be, you can break out the very rude Swahili word "hapana" which means "no".
Tanzanians are very giving people. Cultural context demands it. They offer what they have to strangers, feed the sick, help the poor, and have the utmost respect for the elderly. Yes, there are jerks everywhere but trust me, Africa is like that.
So to say "no" goes against everything they are.
I imagine God feels this way when we go against him, his love and his provision.
He has given us everything. The air, water, plants, lungs, love, laughter, blood drops and rain drops.
He stands by displaying his glory with each sunrise, each new born baby, each rush of the wind and so many say hapana.
He offers all of humankind Jesus, who is the chipati of life, free of charge. More satisfying and life-giving than the roadside bread the sellers offer over charcoal stoves and we walk by, daily, saying hapana.
Why? Well you have your reasons, but mine can be pretty much summed up because I like control.
I am letting go a bit more. I want the chipati that will last for ever. I do not want to offend God who gave me his son, freely showing his love and mercy.
Take and eat, this is his body, given for you.
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