I can’t really talk about how each
religion celebrate their rituals, but, I daresay that faith has been, along
history, a way of bringing people together. Churches and temples welcome
people, from babies to elders, and have been places to strengthen bonds, not
only in a spiritual way, but also, in a homely manner.
St. Vincent and The Grenadines is
by nature a warm-hearted place, then imagine how sympathetic going to church here
is. I had the idea —taken out from movies like Sister Act — that it was going to be
something with amazing voices singing, dancing and basically making a party out
of worship. Well, that was not far from reality.
It was Sunday. The Pastor picked
us up and his words where wise since the moment we went inside the car. He had
lost his mobile phone, but, as everything else in his life, he let that in
God’s hand. “I can’t stop things from happening, but I choose how to assume
them, even though sometimes the situation seems to control me”.
We arrived to Petit Bordel, the
village where the church is located. Everyone looked so nice: girls were
wearing dresses that made them look like princesses, woman had fancy hairstyles
and men, elegant ties, perfect for the occasion.
That was just the beginning.
The worship started. Most of the assistants closed their eyes and raised their
hands towards God, making prayers and enjoying each second of that intimate
encounter. I was surprised when one woman started to cry, so I asked the girl
who was next to me why. She answered that the lady was feeling the Holy Spirit
and her tears were a sample of joy.
The weather was getting warm, the
location was small and crowded, but that didn’t seem to matter, because
everyone was happy to share that moment. At the same time, some little boys
fell asleep. The heat had lulled some of the children and their lovely parents
consented them gently. Melodious voices completed the scene perfectly. A choir
of women wearing colorful shirts, a man playing the piano and another one
playing the drums made a party of bliss. It was simply impossible not to feel
the music and joy, it was something contagious that unconsciously made your
hands applaud and your feet move in synchrony with the music.
The celebration finished after a
couple of hours and, to our surprise, the pastor called us forward to present
ourselves to the community. Everyone was warm, receptive and happy to welcome
us, as when a new member joins a family. It felt just like home, a new home
that since that day has had its arms wide open to this group of volunteers that
can only be thankful for all the love received from the vincentian community.
*This article is specially
dedicated to Juliet, Glenroy and their children, who have been an example of a special, caring family and unconditional friends in Saint Vincent.
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