Categories: uncategorized
Date: 06 August 2005 15:31:23
This is where my journal ends.
I really mentally pulled out after that last journal entry. By the last session I had my chair pushed back from the circle, arms crossed, looking at the floor. I couldn't believe I had to sit still for another 2 hours. I went for a run after that. I almost missed lunch, but it was good fun. I saw the hugest, roundest wombat hole.
We had communion and everyone did that passing the peace thing, where one person turns to the other and says, I think, "Peace be with you." and they reply, "And also with you." I freaked out when I heard that word peace, 'cos I knew I was supposed to say something, but I couldn't remember what it was. I asked the person "passing me the peace", "Am I supposed to say something in return?" She looked a bit hurt and said, "only if you want to." That didn't help I'm afraid. I spoke to her afterwards explaining my ignorance. She explained that passing the peace is a way of preparing for communion, to say what ever has been between us is forgiven and I offer you peace. That's really cool. So I said, "peace be with you."
One person shared about how they had been transplanted into this church, and they had to be supported by others, and just wait, until their roots had stregthened. I can relate to that. Someone else shared how everyone is different as evidenced by their favourite colour, but everyone is necessary. I can relate to that too. No wonder I feel so out of it. My favourite colour is orange.
I really enjoyed the food, and being amongst the mountains. I remember to breathe when I see trees on the mountains. I loved lying outside doing nothing. I enjoyed some long getting to know you conversations over meals.
It really was a bit of a culture shock and I didn't cope very well. Certainly there must have been a way to cope more graciously. I still haven't thought of how I will deal with it all if I'm ever in a similiarly unfamiliar and annoying culture.
I asked someone who is a new Christian how she was coping. She said (wearing her standard Metallica T-shirt) she sees it as a new culture for her to learn. My problem is I don't really want to learn it, and I don't see why new Christians should either. Surely there must be a way to be a Christian, and reflect spiritually without the trimmings of quiet head nodding, muzac and shells.