Someone, a teacher, here in South Africa told me, one day, that "faith: is a very personal thing! She follows Buddhism, which is most definitely in the minority here in Queenstown.
In the two months that we have been here I have observed many examples of "Faith". First thing every morning, at school, all teachers meet together to have a few moments, at the beginning of their day, to share "devotion"; a brief reading, joining faith in God and values together in some form of "food for thought". These readings are often from a book which is read by someone different each day. Every now and then, an individual may ask to read something that they personally have found that touches them and would like to share it with the group. Usually these readings have positive aspects to them that could be applied to anyone's life, regardless of the religious base they hold.
Following the reading all are asked to pray! As this one woman, following Buddhism, was always the only one, other than myself, that kept her eyes open, we began to build a bond through this similarity. When I approached her about remaining "wide-eyed", she told me that "faith is a personal thing" and she doesn't feel that this should be expected of her. As the basis for these rituals are Christian based, I being Jewish, also do not following in this praying practice. However, having said that, I do find that there are many potential aspects of value in this daily gathering ritual. One value I find in this practice is the daily joining together of a staff to first, build a social, community-like bond with colleauges, second, to hear some thoughtful idea that may be helpful in your approach to the world through some positive means throughout the day, and, third, to have a calm, peaceful moment, regardless of how your day may have begun, before interacting with the students. Much of the lives and teachings are based in a "Christian doctorine" and clearly the children adhere to these practices in most aspects of their lives, in and out of school. Queenstown has many signs pointing to its religious base, regardless of the sect followed, as the stores close on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and don't open Sunday mornings until after noon as most people are in church. Saturday nights are very quiet as well.
As Courtney and I had an opportunity to be guests at a Pentecostal church for a Xhosa engagement ceremony, we, luckily, had another "faith" experience. While there are many varieties of faith here in South Africa, they are equally strong in their beliefs and pratices that are based on values and traditions handed down for many generations. This ceremony was ripe with singing and praising of God with a deep rooted faith and clearly a high emotional impact. No matter the individual and personal views of each member of the congregation, it appeared that the woes of the past week were being released and a preparation and strength for the coming week was real. The energy and faith that was clearly shown both in the faces and emotions of the congregants filled the room at a high level of sound and actions. There appeared to be a struggle between fear and respect within them in their feverish pitch. I internally questioned whether these were strong beliefs of personal support or did they hold captive the deep believers of such faith? I wondered if these beliefs enrich the lives of the believers or restrict them from thinking critically for themselves or from experiencing the world as a whole????
The engagement ceremony was an interesting tradition where a young man proposes to his future partner in front of his family, his pastor, and all of the congregation as a whole community of joy and acceptance. The concept of commitment is huge in this instance. This is clearly meant to be a permanent partnership! Much to consider!
We also had the good fortune to be included in the celebration meal at the family home following the ceremony. Singing in the native Xhosa language was a central part of the festivities as was continual praise and focus given to God and the gratitude given for the blessings of the day.
Another most amazing day in South Africa! Our lives and our joint memories are once again broadened. Being married our thirty-one years this May, and having parents that have been married 69 (my parents) and 52 (Courtney's parents) years has given us many joint memories already as a strong base for our partnership. We look to continue building as many joint memories as possible in our future years together.
Marriage
