Last Sunday was Pentecost. Like all fetes, the day began with food. When I arrived at my homologue’s house in the morning I was comforted to see a group of my Muslim neighbors eating rice to celebrate the Catholic holiday. I think this small gesture speaks volumes about my community. The Muslims, Catholics, and Protestants all live peacefully among each other, regardless of religion or ethnicity, while in another volunteer’s site one ethnic group told another group, who had been there for many years, they had to leave. Within a couple of days, if they weren’t out, they were going to burn down their houses. I realize I am very lucky to be in Nedogo.
The church service was long (like 3.5 hours) but was very nice. Everyone who got baptized had outfits made from the same fabric and all now wear a cross around their neck. All Catholics wear a cross every day and were shocked that all Catholics in the U.S. do not do that. After the mass I took lots of pictures of the neighborhood kids and then headed back to my homologue’s house. We enjoyed lots of rice and macaroni and chicken and hibiscus juice. In the early evening I went to a neighboring village with some of the lycee personnel to say congratulations to a coworker whose daughters were baptized. While there, we enjoyed more rice and chicken and beer and hibiscus wine gateau and popcorn. There was also to with sauce but I could not possibly eat anything else. Overall, it was another great fete in village and can’t wait for Nabasga this weekend!
