Christmas was fun. It was also an adventure to figure out how I was going to celebrate this holiday with others who also celebrate it. So, I and several friends planned to meet in Midelt, at the (I believe Franciscan) monastary there. We gathered on Christmas Eve, and headed right out to the monastary. What an amazing place! These monks 5 of them, live and work there with the people in Midelt and the surrounding area. They mostly seem to work with artisns to help them promote their products for sale. Tey also provide a wonderfully welcoming place for pilgrims and Christians to celebrate holidays, go on pilgrimages and generally practice that religion in a community, as it is meant to be practiced.
Thus, they asked no payment for the rooms, beds, bathrooms, food and drinks that they provided for us and several other visitors over Christmas. Donations were made but not because they were requested, but because they were so deserved! We all went to Christmas Eve mass, all 2 plus hours of it in French. Some of the songs were familiar, some not. Much of the ceremony was unfamiliar to me, but the two catholics in our number did their best to explain how things worked to us of Protestant background. I particularly appreciated the fact that I was welcomed for communion. It made me feel welcomed and at home and right. Thank you!!
After the service we gathered for cookies and hot chocolate, delicious! The following day we rose just in time for breakfast, went to another service and then had a delicious lunch complete with salads and... wine? It was so strange to be presented with this evidence that the Christian religion doesn not view alcoholic beverages in the same way the Muslim religion does... :)
After saying a sad goodbye and a heartfelt thanks to the monks we continued to the home of another Peace Corps volunteer to make a delicious dinner of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, apple pie, pumpkin bread and corn bread. Mmmm... happy tummy memories!
The following morning some of us headed back to our respective homes, while others stayed a while longer. I was lucky enough to host one of my friends at my house on his way back from Christmas, extending the holiday spirit another day!!
In general, it was great!! So wonderful to be a part of that tradition even in a culture centered around different traditions. A little like going home! Next year perhaps I will try to hold a pre-Christmas celebration for a little cross-cultural exchange in my village, we will see! Some people requested to be a part of that next year.
So, yeah, hooray for a Merry Christmas!
No comments:
Post a Comment