Sunday was absolutely fascinating and wonderful. I went with two other Beloit girls to a church that we’d found. When 95% of people are Muslim, and 4% are Catholic, we were amazed to find a Protestant church not far from our homes. I was even more amazed that there were more people here than at many churches in Beloit (75, and only 4 were new/visitors!)
We neglected to account for Dakar time, and arrived “early” at 10, which was when the service was scheduled to start. Several people greeted us, and as things got going, we were quite surprised with the fact that a lot of things were translated into English. We sang and prayed, and then there was a discussion portion, from the Scriptures. They must have started last week, discussing what it means (biblically) to be a church, who founded it, what should it be called, how to know if it’s a thriving church. There was some intense discussion that took a long time; we were told it was much longer than usual. Afterward, there was some more singing and praying, and as we sang one song (in English), we greeted each other and moved and danced around. Everyone seemed so happy to be with each other in the house of God. We even opened the doors so people on the street could hear us. I wonder if that’s part of their evangelistic approach.
The sermon was from 2 Kings, and was translated phrase by phrase from English to French. Near the end, members stood and gave praises and prayer requests; we sang and prayed together. We also took communion (as we got it; we didn’t wait for everyone to take it together), and an offering was collected. We prayed and sang some more, and the visitors were officially welcomed and introduced to the congregation. At this point, we were told to go to this other room where they had Ananas (a delicious pineapple soda!)* for us. The other visitor was from Nigeria, but he’s been working in Dakar for a while. The pastor and guest preacher (I couldn’t really tell who everyone was) came and talked with us, making sure we knew we were welcome. Everyone was so nice, exactly how a church should be.
I should add that the service was nearly 4 hours, but they told us that was atypical. My Muslim host mom called me 3 times, so the third time I went outside and spoke with her. She was pretty impressed with how long I was at church for, lol. C’est bon ca, she said (That’s good!).
As for the content, there were some things I agreed with, and some things I’m not sure I did. I’m not super familiar with Church of Christ even in the US, but I know that there was something about it that was off-putting for me. I may not have understood this correctly, but it seemed like they were saying that God isn’t going to speak at all until Judgment Day. To me, that seems to limit a lot of the way the Lord can work. I’ll have to look into it.
I really enjoyed the emphasis on the unity of the church (Ephesians 4:5). There was something extra special about hearing that message in another country, and being able to realize that in Christ, we really are one. It doesn’t matter if we come from different places or speak different languages; we are all the sons and daughters of God. That was something very wonderful to experience.
Another thing I appreciated was the emphasis on the Bible (like 2 Timothy 3:16), and trusting it as “la voix de Dieu” (the voice of God). The pastor said, “The question is, ‘what does the Bible say? What I think, what you think, no, what does the Bible say?” The Bible has more wisdom and knowledge in it than we will ever know.
One last thing that I found to be incredibly beautiful was the way that this church answered the question, “If all you had were Jesus, would He be enough?” They don’t have a big fancy building or nice chairs or pews; there’s no worship band (or even a piano) and they don’t have thousands or even a hundred people gather there. But being there, it was enough. God is enough.
I think I’d like to keep coming. I felt pretty comfortable there; there was certainly a lot of joy in the Lord. It will be interesting to talk with the other girls about their thoughts and experiences.
*I also just have to repeat how delicious Ananas is. If I thought I could get it through customs, I would bring home gallons of it.
I was just really thankful to be in church in Senegal! God is with us.
Monday, January 16, 2012
No Koo Mbook (We share it)
Jerijef (thanks)
No koo mbokk (you’re welcome, literally we share it)
There is something so wonderful about this phrase! It just captures so much about the Senegalese way of life. Everything is communal; we all experience life together.
Part of the standard greeting is “ana wa ker ga” which means, “how are the people of your house” (your family). Your life is not just about you, but also the people you represent.
Today my older sister brought home t-shirts from her work. She gave one to me, as well as the rest of the family. It was very touching for me, to be included in the family. When I said “jerijef”, she naturally said, “no koo mbokk”.
I think when you say you’re welcome in the English language, it’s really placing importance on yourself. It’s kind of arrogant in a way. But “we share it”, there’s something bigger than yourself.
This might be a good time to talk a little bit about eating around the bowl. Not everyone on my program is living with families who eat in this traditional way, but my family does. For lunch and dinner, my family eats together out of one big bowl (except Papa, he eats alone). We sit on a mat on the floor, and sometimes we even use our hands (though for the most part we do use silverware). However, in this society you only eat with your right hand because the left hand is unclean (most people don’t use toilet paper…think about it. I think there are other reasons too that have something to do with everyone being Muslim). There are quite a few rules like waiting until you’re told to eat (usually by the host saying “aci”), eating from your wedge, eating rice on your first bite and the other meat and veggies after, getting up right when you’re done to leave a space for someone else to come, just in case… It’s really interesting, and fun. I was really skeptical about this part of sharing, but I’ve adjusted well, and I love eating around the bowl with my family!
I want everyone to come here and learn from these people. If all you learned was what sharing really were, it would be time well spent.
PS I think I am Senegalese at heart. My 20 minute walk to school took 45 because I was talking with people along the street, and I said “Il fait assez froid” (it’s kind of cold) when it dropped below 75 this afternoon.
PPS Someone might have to come drag me home. Besides the whole me not wanting to leave, my little brothers and sister may not let me. Baraboo (7) is especially sneaky and bossy. But if you can get Ibou (10) on your side, you might be successful.
No koo mbokk (you’re welcome, literally we share it)
There is something so wonderful about this phrase! It just captures so much about the Senegalese way of life. Everything is communal; we all experience life together.
Part of the standard greeting is “ana wa ker ga” which means, “how are the people of your house” (your family). Your life is not just about you, but also the people you represent.
Today my older sister brought home t-shirts from her work. She gave one to me, as well as the rest of the family. It was very touching for me, to be included in the family. When I said “jerijef”, she naturally said, “no koo mbokk”.
I think when you say you’re welcome in the English language, it’s really placing importance on yourself. It’s kind of arrogant in a way. But “we share it”, there’s something bigger than yourself.
This might be a good time to talk a little bit about eating around the bowl. Not everyone on my program is living with families who eat in this traditional way, but my family does. For lunch and dinner, my family eats together out of one big bowl (except Papa, he eats alone). We sit on a mat on the floor, and sometimes we even use our hands (though for the most part we do use silverware). However, in this society you only eat with your right hand because the left hand is unclean (most people don’t use toilet paper…think about it. I think there are other reasons too that have something to do with everyone being Muslim). There are quite a few rules like waiting until you’re told to eat (usually by the host saying “aci”), eating from your wedge, eating rice on your first bite and the other meat and veggies after, getting up right when you’re done to leave a space for someone else to come, just in case… It’s really interesting, and fun. I was really skeptical about this part of sharing, but I’ve adjusted well, and I love eating around the bowl with my family!
I want everyone to come here and learn from these people. If all you learned was what sharing really were, it would be time well spent.
PS I think I am Senegalese at heart. My 20 minute walk to school took 45 because I was talking with people along the street, and I said “Il fait assez froid” (it’s kind of cold) when it dropped below 75 this afternoon.
PPS Someone might have to come drag me home. Besides the whole me not wanting to leave, my little brothers and sister may not let me. Baraboo (7) is especially sneaky and bossy. But if you can get Ibou (10) on your side, you might be successful.
Baal ma (I’m sorry/excuse me)
[You are about to be hit with a wave of blog posts that have been written in my notebook and I hadn’t made them a priority to type up.]
This phrase has proven to be incredibly useful here, especially when accompanied by “degumma wolof bu baax” (I don’t understand Wolof very well) Since I am in Senegal where Wolof is the language on the street, it just feels right to apologize for my lack of knowledge. The Senegalese really value helping their neighbors, and this includes linguistically. It’s not uncommon for someone to speak at least some of three or more languages. So when all I have is French (and English), I think it’s good to apologize.
I have also been on the other side of this phrase. The other day, a man came up to me speaking rapid fire Wolof. I caught less than 5% of what he needed. So I said “baal ma, degumma Wolof bu baax” and he replied, “baal ma, baal ma, baal ma, jamm ag jamm” A simple apology can go a very long way. Sometimes I’ll even say, Baal ma, degumma Wolof bu baax, mais degg naa francais bu baax (Sorry, I don’t speak Wolof very well, but I do speak French well). Offering a solution is a nice way to facilitate communication, make friends and show respect.
This phrase has proven to be incredibly useful here, especially when accompanied by “degumma wolof bu baax” (I don’t understand Wolof very well) Since I am in Senegal where Wolof is the language on the street, it just feels right to apologize for my lack of knowledge. The Senegalese really value helping their neighbors, and this includes linguistically. It’s not uncommon for someone to speak at least some of three or more languages. So when all I have is French (and English), I think it’s good to apologize.
I have also been on the other side of this phrase. The other day, a man came up to me speaking rapid fire Wolof. I caught less than 5% of what he needed. So I said “baal ma, degumma Wolof bu baax” and he replied, “baal ma, baal ma, baal ma, jamm ag jamm” A simple apology can go a very long way. Sometimes I’ll even say, Baal ma, degumma Wolof bu baax, mais degg naa francais bu baax (Sorry, I don’t speak Wolof very well, but I do speak French well). Offering a solution is a nice way to facilitate communication, make friends and show respect.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Suma Xarit (My friend)
In case you're wondering how to pronounce that second word, in Wolof, you pronounce the X kind of like h, but a little more throaty.
Anyway, last night on the way home from school, I met someone who looked about my age. it's customary to greet everyone, and since he realized I spoke French pretty well, he asked if I had time to talk a moment more. When I said "mangi dem" (I'm leaving), we said goodbye and he said that I was his friend and that I should remember him next time, because he would certainly remember his American friend Kate.
Again, this morning, I decided to take a walk to a new neighborhood (I brought a map!) and someone invited me to sit down and have coffee with him. I sat and talked for maybe 20 minutes. Then, as I was almost to school (I was still early), someone selling fruit with a friend (or brother, I'm not sure) and he called me his friend, and he even helped me learn something in Wolof.
It is so easy to make friends here, and even if you don't know someone yet, you may someday. There are separate words for I don't know and I don't know yet, and the distinction is more important here than in the US.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Eccl 4:9-12
Anyway, last night on the way home from school, I met someone who looked about my age. it's customary to greet everyone, and since he realized I spoke French pretty well, he asked if I had time to talk a moment more. When I said "mangi dem" (I'm leaving), we said goodbye and he said that I was his friend and that I should remember him next time, because he would certainly remember his American friend Kate.
Again, this morning, I decided to take a walk to a new neighborhood (I brought a map!) and someone invited me to sit down and have coffee with him. I sat and talked for maybe 20 minutes. Then, as I was almost to school (I was still early), someone selling fruit with a friend (or brother, I'm not sure) and he called me his friend, and he even helped me learn something in Wolof.
It is so easy to make friends here, and even if you don't know someone yet, you may someday. There are separate words for I don't know and I don't know yet, and the distinction is more important here than in the US.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Eccl 4:9-12
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
La religion dans la famille (religion in the family)
I love getting to do a homestay. Love.
Being a religious studies major, many things fascinate me. The biggest at home is that the children (13, 20, 25+?) all have to be told, usually several times to pray. It doesn't seem like they don't want to, more that's it's not of personal importance. In the US, it's reversed. Young children are reminded to pray, and by the teens (if not sooner), kids usually choose for themselves, and assuming they choose to follow a religion, they dictate their own prayer life. Maybe it's the element of choice. People here don't stop being Muslim the way people in other places stop being Christian, etc.
I know for me, the day I made that personal commitment to Jesus, I wanted to spend time with Him. It's of utmost importance to me, so it's interesting to see religion as more of a routine. That's not to say beliefs are not sincere; it has more to say about the characters of the Christian God and Allah.
I'm proud to serve the God of deep, pure sacrificial love.
Ba bennen yoon (until next time)
(Ps. Every day English becomes less natural. My journals are almost entirely French. Today, there was more Wolof than English! So, what I'm saying is, bear with me. Things might get interesting)
Being a religious studies major, many things fascinate me. The biggest at home is that the children (13, 20, 25+?) all have to be told, usually several times to pray. It doesn't seem like they don't want to, more that's it's not of personal importance. In the US, it's reversed. Young children are reminded to pray, and by the teens (if not sooner), kids usually choose for themselves, and assuming they choose to follow a religion, they dictate their own prayer life. Maybe it's the element of choice. People here don't stop being Muslim the way people in other places stop being Christian, etc.
I know for me, the day I made that personal commitment to Jesus, I wanted to spend time with Him. It's of utmost importance to me, so it's interesting to see religion as more of a routine. That's not to say beliefs are not sincere; it has more to say about the characters of the Christian God and Allah.
I'm proud to serve the God of deep, pure sacrificial love.
Ba bennen yoon (until next time)
(Ps. Every day English becomes less natural. My journals are almost entirely French. Today, there was more Wolof than English! So, what I'm saying is, bear with me. Things might get interesting)
Nit nitay garabam (a person is another person's remedy)
This phrase expresses the communal nature in Senegal. It's why it's important to greet everyone, not just the ones you know. It's the reason there are no public restrooms; you can just walk in to anyone's home. People spend time together here.
This is a lesson I believe God has been teaching me over the past year or so. I talked not long ago about learning to really enjoy time spent together with others. It says in Genesis that "it is not good for man to be alone". And although most Senegalese people are Muslim, I'm sure that's one thing from the Bible that they can certainly agree with.
It reminds me of a phrase from South Africa: a person is a person through other people. I spent nearly an hour talking about friends and family with my host sister (6). The concept of friend isn't really used so much when you live with people, like I live with my friends at school. So as I pointed out pictures, I said they were brothers and sisters. She said, "Tu as une grande famille. C'est bon" (you have a big family. That's good).
To be alone is a miserable thing here. It can be hard for the toubabs to understand, but it's a way of life.
This is a lesson I believe God has been teaching me over the past year or so. I talked not long ago about learning to really enjoy time spent together with others. It says in Genesis that "it is not good for man to be alone". And although most Senegalese people are Muslim, I'm sure that's one thing from the Bible that they can certainly agree with.
It reminds me of a phrase from South Africa: a person is a person through other people. I spent nearly an hour talking about friends and family with my host sister (6). The concept of friend isn't really used so much when you live with people, like I live with my friends at school. So as I pointed out pictures, I said they were brothers and sisters. She said, "Tu as une grande famille. C'est bon" (you have a big family. That's good).
To be alone is a miserable thing here. It can be hard for the toubabs to understand, but it's a way of life.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Mangi Fii Rekk
One of the other girls from my school said she was feeling a bit homesick. I tried to think if there were anything that I'd been missing-food, luxuries, people. And I really hadn't been having those feelings for anything at all. Sure, I like those things and people back home and it will be nice to play my guitar and drive around with my sister, but right now, I must borrow a phrase from the Senegalese: mangi fii rekk.
It means "I'm here only". In Senegal, it is important to greet everyone you know (and often people you don't know too). Not greeting someone is basically they don't have worth; they are an object (you wouldn't greet a bottle of water!) Mangi fii rekk is the response to the equivalent of "how's it going?" It means that you are taking that moment to spend time with them. Time spent together is highly valued here; upon meeting my host family, I put my things in my room and joined them (I have 3 sisters who live in the home. Amy works full time and is around 25 or 30; Zainab is a student my age (she's a granddaughter), and Assy is 13 (granddaughter). Tonight, my mom's (also Assy) married daughter, Aida came to visit. It was very fun to see the family in action.
Back to the point: in embracing Senegalese culture, it is impossible to be homesick, because we are only here. As Christians, with every place on earth that we find ourselves, we know that this is not our final home. It gives us the freedom to be fully there, wherever we are.
PS God has been teaching me so much already it's blowing my mind. The verses and insights I get are just incredible! I will have to expand more at some point.
It means "I'm here only". In Senegal, it is important to greet everyone you know (and often people you don't know too). Not greeting someone is basically they don't have worth; they are an object (you wouldn't greet a bottle of water!) Mangi fii rekk is the response to the equivalent of "how's it going?" It means that you are taking that moment to spend time with them. Time spent together is highly valued here; upon meeting my host family, I put my things in my room and joined them (I have 3 sisters who live in the home. Amy works full time and is around 25 or 30; Zainab is a student my age (she's a granddaughter), and Assy is 13 (granddaughter). Tonight, my mom's (also Assy) married daughter, Aida came to visit. It was very fun to see the family in action.
Back to the point: in embracing Senegalese culture, it is impossible to be homesick, because we are only here. As Christians, with every place on earth that we find ourselves, we know that this is not our final home. It gives us the freedom to be fully there, wherever we are.
PS God has been teaching me so much already it's blowing my mind. The verses and insights I get are just incredible! I will have to expand more at some point.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)