Page 109 - Mistified Update June 2020_Neat

Eventually the talking was over and the whanau
began assembling in a row. We stood and Uncle Hemi
led the way to now hongi - touch noses with all who
had assembled.

This time I was ready. This hongi experience was
actually pretty amazing. It was a very different way to
greet another person. With one particular woman, I
had a strange experience of feeling her whole presence,
it was powerful, kind and gentle in a very nurturing
way and I found it hard to move away from her.

For a moment I felt safe and in a place of peace.

I was happily surprised when the ending to all this
was a home cooked meal (hakari). You can’t imagine
how grateful I was to finally eat. With all the stops on
the way none turned out to be for breakfast or lunch.

After dinner, Aroha and I joined several others in

the kitchen to help clean up. In the adjacent room the
rest of the family was singing and dancing and having a
great time celebrating.

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