Orientation was a truly fantastic experience. As trite as it sounds, words cannot describe the three weeks 35 of us experienced together in the wilds of southern Oregon and the streets of Portland. As I expected, our time was full of laughter, games, sleeping (and not), eating (and sometimes being a bit hungry), sweating, playing, serving, talking, singing, exploring, listening, and praying. Because I already knew I would be placed in San Salvador with Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel, orientation was a very different experience for me than for my many of my peers. While most were looking at project files and trying to discern where they might spend the next year in service to others, I played ping-pong. Or read. Or hiked. Or played kickball. Of course, I did have some apprehension, but I already knew I was going to a familiar place, where I had a few friends and acquaintances; I knew I would be welcomed with open arms.
One of the most fulfilling experiences at orientation was the opportunity to participate in a Native American sweat lodge ceremony. Some of us also had the chance to help with the set-up. We learned about the significance of each aspect of the sweat, from the number of stones used to the structure of the lodge. The ceremony begins with a fire built over 28 stones, divided into seven stones per round of the sweat. Before the fire is lit, an offering of tobacco is made and prayers are sent to the Spirits. The Spirit Line is established with an altar between the lodge and the fire circle, and only the “fireman” can cross that line. All others must walk clockwise around the lodge/fire to reach the other side. The lodge represents the Mother’s womb, and when one leaves at the end of the sweat, he/she is considered reborn. Women enter the lodge first, cleansing themselves with cedar smoke and acknowledging the four directions, and then men follow. Once all are seated inside, six prayer ties are placed to acknowledge the four directions, as well as the sky and the earth. Seven stones, or grandfathers, are placed in the pit in the center, each representing grandfather spirits, and are welcomed by saying mitakuye oyasin, meaning all my relations. The door is closed and cedar is placed on each grandfather to bless and cleanse. Water is poured over, combining the four elements of earth, fire, water, and air. Songs and prayers are offered during the first round to call the Spirits. At the beginning of each round, seven more grandfathers are placed in the center pit, and the process of cedar and water is repeated. Round two is designated for prayer, round three for suffering, and round four for thanksgiving, thanking the Spirits for joining us during our journey in the womb. The sweat ends with closing songs and prayers, and after leaving the womb, greetings are shared between all participants. Especially important as well is one’s mindset. If you become nervous about the heat, and put up that barrier, the sweat won’t go so well. If you instead accept the steam and the heat, and allow it to cleanse and permeate your body, you will have a good experience. I was a bit nervous, but completed the four rounds, and am so glad I did. It was incredibly meaningful, one of those transcendent experiences we don’t often recognize in our hectic lives. I didn’t know the words to the songs or prayers, but I felt the blessings and strength from each person in the circle, as well as all our relations. It was definitely a reaffirmation that we all pray to and worship the same God. God is Creator, Sustainer, of all things, regardless of one’s religious or spiritual path. There are many paths, but all lead to the same Spirit. I hope someday I’m able to participate again.
That was really beautifully written. I am glad you had such a nurturing experience to start these next two years of adventures.
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