I have already written about the culture here, how they love to put others on the spot. Really, it is a sport all its own. I have dodged the bullet a couple of times but this time I knew my time was up.
The church we have been attending was forced to move. They found a new place, made all of the lease negotiations and got ready to move in. Then they found the place was infested with termites, so much so it is a miracle the building was still standing. So down to the studs it went and Willard decided to lend a hand. After a long day of stringing wire he picked me up after work last Tuesday and wanted to show me the progress. It turns out there were several families at the site, still working and putting together a BBQ and we were suddenly invited. This is really the first time I have had a chance to chat with these folks and I was very happy to be a part of the group. During the conversation I asked about the upcoming potluck. “Oh yes,” they said, “it will be right after church, and by the way, every group performs.” I told them I’d probably take ill about 7:00 A.M. on Sunday Morning. They laughed and laughed, not having a bit of it. Meanwhile, Willard volunteered me to paint their large outdoor sign.
On the following day, we repeat the whole experience after work. Willard has been there again working and now we are stopping by to look at his progress and to double check what they want for the sign. The women are all sitting together happily chatting and laughing and they invite me to join them. I don’t know all of what they are saying but they are having so much fun I find myself laughing hysterically with them. Then it becomes quiet for a minute. It is at that moment that a Marshallese lady, Rishi, asks me if I have decided what I will present on Sunday. They all start laughing because now it is a big joke; they know they have found my weak spot and they love every minute. They tell me what they don’t want to hear – something straight out of the hymnal or the Star Spangled Banner. They want a little more creativity from the Americans. Somewhere in the conversation I thought I heard something about dancing. “Oh, if I dance, do I get out of the singing,” I asked ( I don’t mind making a fool of myself in other ways). “No, the singing and the dancing go together.” Great – I was digging myself deeper by the minute. “What if I paint the sign, can I get out of the singing and the dancing,” I asked. They all stopped and looked at each other. “Maybe,” they said, but then they laughed and I knew it wasn’t going to be good enough. I prayed there would be enough other Americans to keep me covered.
This morning we arrived at our new church building. It isn’t done but they came a long way in a week’s time. They had flowers on the outdoor pillars and garlands of greenery decorated the sanctuary. It was lovely. I thought I understood the performing would be part of the potluck, but it turns out it was in the heart of worship. Not only that, but some of my high school students had come. I’d formulated a plan, but now circumstances meant I needed plan B. I suggested Swing Low, Sweet Chariot at the last minute. There were about seven of us, plus we asked the congregation to stand up and join us. We pulled it off; my new friend, Rishi, thought we were fine and was happy not to hear the Star Spangled Banner yet one more time. Not only that, but I still have Plan A in my back pocket for another time. I figure we can do Where Have All the Flowers Gone. I have the headbands and peace signs ready in the trunk of our car for everyone in the group and am hoping they will all be laughing so hard they don’t actually hear us. Little Bunny Foo Foo might come out as well.
It was a lot of fun seeing and hearing the other groups. The Filipinos were a large group who sang, the Fijians danced and a Solomon Island woman did a very pretty solo. Two Tongan women sang as well, as did a whole group of Marshallese members. And since it is an international congregation, when the potluck finally began, the food was amazing.. I tasted everything that was new to me. I’d tell you what I had but I have no clue! I can tell you though, that I have never seen so much food disappear that quickly!
I have to admit, I’ve been a little homesick lately. I think it is because I know things are going on at home and I feel bad I am not there to help or be supportive. Our hearts and prayers are with the Christian family.
We received the packages I ordered from Sue the other day and were thrilled with the surprises that were enclosed. The note, chocolate and coffee from friends are really appreciated. Thank you! I am looking forward to having Nate, Mom and Dad here for a while. It will be fun to share our adventure with them.
We lost our Internet here at home for a while and are in the process of getting it back. In the meantime we sure love hearing from you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to you,
Becky
I am always so relieved to see your postings....I worry about you all the time. There have been so many times I have picked up my phone to call you, only to realize I can't. I imagine this is what it was like for my family and friends when I was over in Okinawa all those years ago. The pig looked delicious....I hope it was! Did Bill recognize it as one of his jogging buddies?? Once you get the internet up and running, you might be interested in looking at a website we have been looking at at work...it's pinterest.com There are all sorts of things to look at, ideas to try, and recipes to cook. You can follow your friends if you want and leave them little notes. When will Nate and the folks be heading over? Hopefully the older ones will be laying over in Hawaii for a few days each direction for a small rest...it's a grueling flight, as you well know. Until you write again, know my thought are with you both - I love you guys!! pat (ps - i never thought your voice was funny and if i ever teased you, you have my permission to smack me upside the head next time you see me!)
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