Same and Different

Same and Different

I have found, even at a deeper level, that there are some things that are very much the same culturally and some things that are very different.

For example, Sunday mornings can be a stressful time no matter what country you are in. I remember growing up that Sunday mornings were the mornings that I couldn't pull myself out of bed, no one could find what they wanted to wear, everyone wanted to use the bathroom, and we would be rushed out the door in the nick of time. The same happens here. Church starts at 6 am though so it's definitely an early morning for everyone. Sunday afternoons—depending on who you are—are for naps. After a huge “dinner” after church, a nap was always welcome. I have yet to take one here, but that was where I would have found some friends on Sunday afternoon.

Sundays are very different at the same time!  Walking to church, you are greeted by a line of shoe shine men hard at work and then by ushers who guard the doors carefully during the service and block people from entering during prayer time.  The church fills up by 6:45 am, so being on time isn't that big of a deal--although you may miss my favorite part:  the worship.  Everyone brings their own hymnal, but most people don't use them.  They have memorized these songs.  Hearing 3,000 people singing "Hallelujah" and shouting "Mesi Senye" (Thank You, Lord) is a beautiful sound.

God is so good in every culture.  We may worship in a different language and it may sound different but it is beautiful!  Praise the Lord!