Post by tamara on Sept 21, 2006 14:10:42 GMT -5
santee1961 said:
Tara,I for one am glad for your contribution. It reminded me of when we were invited to attend several services and special events at the Greek Orthodox Church in Rochester, MN. I also got to spend a week at a workshop at the church and was given the chance to get to know the congregation a little better. The church is very important to them and many family activities are planned around the church schedule.
We have never experienced such a warm welcome and were instantly enveloped by the congregation. They were a gregarious group and so fun and they needlessly apologized by saying, "We're meditaranian, we get loud but we all hear each other". They all argued about which nationality was the smartest, loudest, stubbornest, most passionate and so on and on with no results. They were all great.
I don't think they ever had a stranger walk into the church because they welcomed everyone warmly as if they knew you already and invited you to share the service, even if you weren't orthodox. When you left you were hugged and kissed and sent away with an invitation to come back. On one occassion I got a chance to observe the older ladies cooking at the church. They were wonderful as they shared stories, shared their recipes and when another workshop participant sharpened their very, very dull knives he was showered with hugs and kisses of gratitude. Each one was the "Self Prolaimed Best Cook" and they all talked over each other, all at the same time telling why they were the best cook. We heard stories that were similiar to our stories. Many of these people had seen some very rough times. There were a lot of Greek people but there was also Egyptian, Middle Eastern, Russian and Bulgarian. Many had seen war and repression of their religious beliefs, had their homes taken away by the govt. and many left their families to come to the United States. They weren't just the older people some were within my generation 30's and 40's. It was eye opening. Many were curious about my ethnicity because of my coloring, I'm sure. When I told them I was Native American they were all sypathetic and I'm sure it was because of the similarities that happened to them or their families. Some had overcame huge obstacles for their education but they were all very sure that everyone needed an education or at the very least a trade so you could contribute to your family and community. Celebrations were so fun with lots of food and food is as important to them as it is to us. When it came to ouzo several sipped it but some drank it shooter style but only once or twice. I was lucky because I said I couldn't try it because of my medication....didn't work that way. I was told to try just a sip. It might just help me feel better and after all my Dr. was there, right? I really think it could strip paint. I don't drink, never have but ouzo is not for the wusses. It can put hair on your chest! Nobody drank to excess because most did just sip it. I know you're blushing Hermin but you come from wonderful,kind, loving people. You are the best of the best and represent all that is kind and good in everyone. You have taken in our families and cause as your own. You have researched questions that have been asked of you and given us much more than just the answers. You have done it in your own inimitable way that reminds me of that community in Rochester. Any name that would be given to would be appropriate if it represents a loving and kind heart. Thanks isn't enough but it is from the heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers too.
Roxy
So well said! and I wish to say as well "thanks isnt enough but it is from the heart" and add my own thoughts and prayers along.
Roxy, thank you as well for sharing your story, I feel as if I experienced it all as well, you tell it so nicely! Leaves me with a love and appreciation for people of all kinds. We focus so much on our own ancestry, it feels incredible to add to that a knowledge and respect for all. A great perspective, to say the least.
