Simple shelter. Close quarters with eclectic decor. Spare furnishings.
She welcomes us in. And starts the fire on a small charcoal stove. Takes her sauce pan and pours in the green coffee beans, newly washed.
And so it begins.
The slow, deliberate way of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Traditional hospitality. With laughter. And conversation about life.
Daily and eternal.
Fragrance
She moves the pan back and forth over the fire. The beans rolling around, changing color.
As they turn brown, she takes the pan to each one crowded in. Sitting on stool and bed and sofa.
We learn to waft the smoke toward us. And breathe deeply. Affirm the fragrance.
Then the grinding begins. The old way involves a wooden bowl on a pedestal and an iron bar pounding roasted coffee beans. But today she employs the new method. An electric coffee grinder.
Color
Questions and stories continue in the warm, close air of the small space.
And she puts the ground coffee into her traditional earthenware pot with a spout. The jebena.
Small cups of water go in the top. As it sits on the charcoal fire.
She waits. Then pours a little out through the side spout. And swirls it in the cup. Examining the color.
Not quite ready. So it goes back in her jebena.
A series of deliberate pourings. In and out. Until it’s just right.
Refreshment
Then each of us is served. Best coffee ever. We savor each sip.
This practice is daily. Often multiple times, we’re told. Not just for special occasions.
Simple hospitality for those who stop by. A slow, extended opportunity to visit and enjoy one another’s company.
Deliberate stillness and refreshment together. Not rushing off to the next thing.
Deliberate pause
Later we walk out together.
Down the alley of rock and earth. To a wide path of cobblestones.
And say farewell on the main road where traffic picks up. And a horse casually meanders across the street.
Later, I’m still considering this common practice from a culture new to me.
A deliberate pause in the day. To savor the fragrance and taste of truly fresh coffee.
With unhurried conversation.
About the daily and the eternal.
What about you?
Have you experienced new ways of hospitality in a different culture? What have you learned?
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3 replies on “Deliberate way”
I have recently had the joy of hearing stories – how God brought them to this day/time. And I was reminded how listening is a blessing and I should be more careful to stop and look and wait. The world around us doesn’t do this anymore!
Some hospitality from where I’ve lived for over 20 years:
Hospitality is always inviting someone for tea which usually includes food, too. Food covers the table. You also encourage your guests to keep eating and stay for a long time. No one is looking at the time. You also send home food with your guests as well as first-time guests get a towel or scarf. Guests are always made to feel welcome.
Beautiful. Generous hospitality. Thanks for sharing this!