This week's religious adventures included a trip to a Jewish synagogue and Bat Mitzvah on Friday and Saturday (as you saw in my previous posting), followed by a visit today to a Buddhist Temple, then a Tongan LDS service.The service at the Buddhist Temple was all conducted in Thai Pali, a language I can neither read or speak. But at least they had English translation in a booklet, so that helped. After removing my shoes, I entered a carpeted room where about 35-50 adults sat on the floor (and thankfully there were a few chairs at the back for some of us!). Most of the service was melodic chanting led by a Buddhist nun, while the 3 Buddhist monks served themselves food and ate it while seated cross-legged on a platform at the front of the room (there was even a life-like statue of a monk in the same position - I had to look at it long and hard to make sure he wasn't alive!). Even during the 5-10 minute silent prayer (I think they were praying, they all had their eyes closed) the monks continued to munch on their chow. It was explained to me that this service takes place every day, because the monks only eat once a day, between daybreak and noon, and they can only eat food that is offered to them. They shouldn't be bothered with buying or preparing food, so that they can focus on their religious work. After each monk finished serving himself, the food was passed out of the room to a table outdoors where everyone joined in for a lunch after the service. (Perhaps you'll see the fish heads on the platter. I skipped these and headed straight for the Krispy Kreme donuts!) Then I drove to an LDS church building and was so pleased to walk in on a Tongan Ward in the chapel just sharting Sacrament service. They were singing a gorgeous song without benefit of a piano or organ. The music leader stood up front, sang the first few words of the hymn, and everyone joined in, a cappella. They sang loud and clear and beautifully, and I enjoyed it so much. As it was Fast and Testimony Sunday, about 30 individuals bore their testimonies in front of the congregation. About 15 teenagers took part, speaking English. The rest were adults, who addressed us in Tongan. A couple recently returned missionaries also included Spanish and Tagalog in their testimonies. It was fascinating to me! I was able to snap a photo of a young man wearing traditional Tongan attire, surrounded by some of his friends in "standard" church wear, I guess you might say. Now, let's see, for next week, I think I saw a Muslim Mosque nearby.......
