Celebrating Heritage and Heaven

Work in progress: Pass the Juampa | Bute Sete un Tereré Drinkje, Echt Goldene Jemeinschaf! Capturing the beauty of shared moments and community, this piece celebrates a South American tradition that reminds us of the joy and fellowship that bring Heaven to Earth. Stay tuned for the final touches!

I’m thrilled to share the progress of a new painting I’m working on, titled Pass the Juampa / Bute Sete un Tereré Drinkje, Echt Goldene Jemeinschaf! This piece is part of my On Earth as It Is in Heaven collection, which will be available for viewing in the soon-to-debut of my online gallery. I’m also submitting it to the My Heritage exhibit in Aldergrove, BC, scheduled to run from March 1 to April 17 at the Aldergrove Kinsman Community Centre Main Gallery Hall.

The painting celebrates a cherished South American Guaraní tradition: sharing a communal "cup" of yerba mate tea (or tereré when served cold) among family and friends. It is shared via a bambilio (perforated metal straw) and a hollowed out ox horn or gourd called a juampa. This tradition of passing around the tea (which is topped up by one so designated) fosters connection, fellowship, and community throughout the day, and it holds special meaning for me as someone who grew up in a Mennonite family with roots in a South American Mennonite colony.

In this piece, I’ve experimented with a nontraditional treatment of foreground and background, creating a composition that draws the viewer into the shared experience. Working on a pastel-ground primed birchwood panel has been a joy; the absorbent surface and soft texture bring a special depth to every brushstroke. It’s also one of my first oil paintings, which makes the process even more exciting!

The My Heritage exhibit is a celebration of the diverse cultural stories, customs, and traditions of Langley’s surrounding communities and beyond. Its purpose is to highlight the unique aspects of each culture while exploring universal human themes like belonging, resilience, family, and connection. My painting aligns beautifully with this theme, showcasing the cultural heritage of my family while reflecting on the deeper meaning of community and love.

This work also fits seamlessly into my On Earth as It Is in Heaven collection. It serves as a reminder of the joy, peace, and freedom we find in moments of genuine fellowship—a foretaste of the perfect communion that awaits us in Heaven. In the simple act of sharing a drink and engaging in heartfelt conversation, we can reflect God’s love and bring Heaven to Earth. In essence, this piece is about celebrating heritage and heaven!

I’m excited to finish this painting soon and add a meaningful final touch that hints at something special hidden in the title. Stay tuned for the unveiling! You can follow along on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This piece feels almost instructional, reminding us how we are called to love one another and live a life without offences or grievances toward one another -- such a life is truly freeing and worth the living! Pass the Juampa invites us to embrace the little moments of life as opportunities to pray and live out the Father’s will as per the scripture: “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Stay tuned for a photo of the finished piece! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this celebration of heritage and heavenly fellowship!