Reflection on Community by Anabelle

It’s hard to miss the sense of community in the village. It’s something I felt when I first entered the village and am continuously reminded of. This type of close-knit community is hard to find when compared to the neighborhoods in Seattle. When a representative from each household meets together before a ceremony, the Lahu people all talk amongst themselves, drinking tea and having a day of rest together. Or even the concept of sitting down and offering a glass of tea to a neighbor or friend is not common in Seattle. But it’s the small gestures like welcoming another person for dinner and tea or playing games with the kids that fosters the deep sense of community. In the same way that the adults talk and visit each other, the kids do too. If there’s a group of kids together at a house, many others will follow and be welcomed in. And they all talk and laugh together, no matter the age differences. The kids grow up living right next to their close friends, which allows them to create those strong bonds that last through adulthood. When the shaman fell ill, the whole community, including the kids, come together to give him strength and support him.

And with the few weeks we’ve all been here, the Lahu people have endlessly been warm and welcoming and all care for us in the same way. When I’ve come home from an especially muddy or rainy day, not only my host mother and sister, but even Addie’s family helps me with laundry. It’s like I have multiple mothers who all want to take care of me and provide help. And I’m grateful to be given a little sense of the village community and the feeling of togetherness.