BlogPostMonday24Aug09
The Sunday evening “Family Songs of Praise” sponsored by the Baptist Churches of Ireland was very different from the one I attended in Ninety Six. First of all, my friend Joan is Catholic. There were also others who attend the Anglican Church of Ireland St. Multose church I’ve been attending here. Also, the majority of the people attending were young – 20 to 30, I’d guess. There was even a sprinkling of children and some of us seniors! They did not take up a collection. It was held in a hotel meeting room, not a church. A group of young musicians led the singing. The “speaker” was a young pastor who spoke for 5 minutes! What I’m saying, is the whole event was totally different from the one I’d attended in Ninety Six except that we did a lot of singing and some prayer at both. Even the songs were different!
This is just one example of what a terrific learning experience this trip is. And, of course, this is the basic reason I came – to learn about a different culture.
I have learned that after a really full day of “going” I need a day of “staying in.” So, yesterday, Monday, was a relaxed, stay-at-home day. I did walk out to get a quiche from the Londis store, and some delightful chocolate-covered biscuits. But, much of the day was spent listening to “How the Irish Saved Civilization” CD’s while knitting. A nice gas fire in the fireplace and people-watching out the windows – that is to say, a time of just being, little doing.
Now, today, I’ll go do a yoga class, to the internet café to post this, and dinner out in Cork with friends this evening.