So life is really switching into gear here in Mizoram. This past week I went to a wedding, spoke at a business presentation as a creative consultant, preached, and taught classes. Now it seems I'm always moving, especially after being informed that in the next week I will deliver 4 messages in 3 days.
I also had some fun last week at a special event the seminary puts on for "freshers" (new students). During the event, upperclassmen present songs, skits, and even do stand-up. During the program, each fresher is called up to be introduced and to draw a random upperclassmen's name from a hat. The upperclassmen who gets picked then asks the student a funny question. For instance, one guy asked, "So, do you like me?" When the student said "yes," he just stood there in awkward silence then smiled and passed the mic. We all bust out laughing because it was so awkwardly funny the way the guy pulled it off. I really enjoyed the time to gather and have a good laugh at ourselves. That's something I appreciate about the approach to seminary here: full of laughter and fun. Which isn't to say they don't take studies here seriously. Principal Hnuni runs a tight shift but the school is well respected and students move on to great positions so I guess it works out in the end.
I was also presented with gifts from the seminary including a nice Mizo necktie, Mizo bag, and hat. I was very thankful and continue to feel slightly bad about my celebrity status here. Everywhere I go I'm invited to speak or stay. Some times I'll speak at the churches where my fellow AICS-ers are interning before they've recieved a chance to speak. Hopefully these churches provide them opportunities to do so because I feel as though I'm taking people's spots. No one seems too upset so I guess that's good, but still.
On another note, this week marks a full month I've been living here in Mizoram. That's a crazy thought, but I've really enjoyed my time here and I'm sure the next month will go by quickly. I'm still loving teaching english and my students are enjoying all the funny english slang I've been teaching. Last week we learned "what's up?" before moving on to Present Verbs. I think tomorrow will be "high-fives."
I use slang and other items to share about American culture then draw connections with Mizo culture. I've also been assigning free write topics to give my students an opportunity to talk about their culture. This week's question was about gender roles and how the sexes are treated (I gave a talk about the history of gender roles in the US before giving to topic. I saw a couple eyes with glimmers of feminism. Wonderful.)
Well, that's all I have for you now. I'm sure this week will provide enough for me to write about later. It'll give you a chance to catch up on some of those long posts if you hadn't made it through. Hope your summer is going well and I've enjoyed hearing from all of you!
pax et bonum
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Kirsten- Yea, apocalyptic literature is very interesting and incredibly complex. I bet that was a cool class. Glad to hear your trip is good to go! I've always wanted to go to Egypt so I'm a little jealous. You'll have to take a lot of photos for me and tell me all about it!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Preaching in Mizoram is Easier on TV
So I've met one of my first big challenges that I'll have to overcome during my time in Mizoram: preaching. For those who know me, the challenge might seem odd as I am quite comfortable speaking in front of large crowds. The difficulty comes when I have to speak with a translator, especially if the translator is not fluent in english. As a result, it's tough to build momentum in a message because I have to wait for a minute after each sentence for translation. In addition, to help with translation I've been writing manuscripts. But I really hate manuscripts because I become very mechanical as I read what I wrote and my style of preaching always relies upon the fluid expression of ideas (so I most often preach from an outline).
It's good though, I'm glad I have a challenge I can work on while I'm here. I have all this in mind because last night I was asked to speak at Romplenot (sp?) church in Aizawl. Romplenot is the second largest church in Aizawl with about 700 members. Last Sunday, one of the elders asked that I speak on the "resurrection of the dead" at their Wednesday night Bible study as part of their series on the Second Coming of Christ. I accepted the offer although I knew I would have some difficulty writing the message.
My main difficulty comes from two main points: First, many Christians today are pretty entrenched into whatever ideas they have about the Second Coming. Most people get their ideas from books like Left Behind or some supposed scholar who wrote a book on the subject. As a result, when you preach about this issue everyone feels that they are a scholar on the matter and are deadset in their ways. For instance, many Christians might be upset if I told them that most of the imagery in the book of Revelations has to do with the Roman empire and nothing to do with some future evil political leader. Although I am the one with a bachelor's degree and soon to be masters in the subject who quotes PhD scholars, you'd be surprised how many people want to correct people like me (and quite passionately I might add). So needless to say, I'm always hesitant to speak on such matters.
Second, my personal theology doesn't really emphasize eschatology. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the resurrection of the dead and Jesus enthroned in power. I just don't find conversations about who the anti-Christ is all that important. Jesus, and the rest of the Bible, seems more concerned with how you treat the poor, how we act toward one another, and who God is rather than on the end of time. So I tend to speak on these issues rather than speculating on things we just can't know.
Whew, okay, enough of my soap box. At any rate, I prepared the message for wednesday night with the idea that I'd have about thirty 40-50 yr old church leaders in the crowd. Rev. Zolawma said the crowd would be small with the World Cup going on and few young people would be in attendance. Also, the pastor fancies himself an eschatology expert (go figure) so even Rev. Zolawma told me to be careful in how I crafted my sermon.
But when we arrived, I was informed that over 100 high school students were going to be in attendance (students here stay in dorms like boarding schools so I guess they just invited the dorms or "hostels" as they're called here.). "Perfect," I thought, "I've just written a dense Bible study for old folks and now my crowd is 99% teenagers who could careless about the subject I was given." But when life gives you lemons, some times things go sour.
I'm grown enough to admit that by the end of my 35 mins, many students were snoozing. Even amongst the first 7 rows of all girls (students divided themselves into sections by sex. also, why does God like to mock me?), who were quite interested in a young western man preaching, I had some closed eyes. My 30 or so old folks, who the message was for, seemed to be with me right until the I made my third turn in the message. See, I'm a social justice minded preacher who reads the prophets and doesn't think you should give a message without some practical point. So when I started on the "quit oppressing the poor" and the "go seek forgiveness from someone you've wronged" points, the old folks were not so happy. They wanted to hear about what the new bodies of the resurrected in the future were like, I told them to go clothe the naked bodies that were here. Nevertheless, all the old folks thanked me afterward and I think I'll get a chance to redeem myself with the teenagers later. Rev. Zolawma told me next time he'll have them tell us who will be in the crowd so we can give the proper message. I was thankful for his understanding.
At any rate, below I've posted my message from last night for those avid readers who want to read more. For those of you who are worried my blogs are getting too long, this is the point in the post where you can move on to YouTube or Facebook. So like a nervous singer, I've given you all the reasons why if you don't like the performance not to be too harsh haha. But I'd love to hear feedback on the message if you feel so inclined. Until next time, pax et bonum.
Resurrecting the Dead to Lives of Love and Justice
Tonight we continue the series exploring subject of the Second Coming of Christ or, as theologians would refer to it, eschatology. For those of you unfamiliar with the word, “eschatology” is a term which literally means “the study of the last things.” To be more specific, eschatology studies the end of history. As Christians, we believe that history will conclude with the return of Jesus the Christ. As a result, Dr. Bob Patterson of Baylor University favors referring to eschatology as “the study of Christian hope.” Indeed, the book of Revelations (where Christians draw much of their imagery for the end of time) is a letter written to provide hope to the persecuted Christian community during the first or second century. Tonight, may we find hope in our study of one topic involved in Christian eschatology: the resurrection of the dead.
When we think about what the Bible says about the resurrection of the dead, we often think about the book of Revelations. We might also think about Jesus debating with the Sadducees or Paul writing his first letter to the Corinthians. But I think that few of us think about the prophets Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. As a matter of fact, the idea of the dead being raised at the end of time originates in the Old Testament. Although we often associate the discussion of the resurrection of the dead with Paul or John of Patmos, our study tonight begins with the prophet Daniel. In the book of Daniel chapter 12 verse 1b-2, the prophet writes,
The debate about interpretation was among the three major schools of Judaism that existed in first-century Palestine: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. Much of our knowledge of these schools of thought comes from the ancient Jewish historian Josephus. Josephus tells us that among these three schools, only the Pharisees and the Essenes believed in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees, on the other hand, believed “that souls die with the bodies” and therefore rejected the Pharisees’ belief in the resurrection of the dead. As a result, it’s important to keep in mind that the belief in the resurrection of the dead has a long, yet hotly debated history. This history dates back long before Jesus teaches about the end of time or Paul and John of Patmos write about it. In addition, the early Christian teachings concerning the resurrection of the dead develop from a tradition in which the issue is not agreed upon by religious leaders.
Indeed, our only knowledge of Jesus’ position on the issue comes from a dialogue with the Sadducees recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 20 verses 27-40, Luke writes:
The information given to us by the prophet Daniel and by Jesus provide a source of great hope. They tell us that God will deliver his people by raising them to new, everlasting life. For God’s chosen, there truly is no “end of time” because they will live forever. But some of you may wonder if it is necessary to believe in the resurrection of the dead considering that the early Jewish teachers in Jesus’ own time did not agree on the subject. Indeed we are left with the question, “do we have to believe in the resurrection of the dead?” If you are secretly asking this question or something like it, then you are not alone. The same question appears to have been asked by the Christians in Corinth during the time of Paul. The apostle addresses the issue by telling the Corinthian church that belief in the resurrection of the dead is essential for Christians. Paul explains his position in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, selected verses beginning with verse 12. He writes:
Paul continues his discussion about the resurrection of the dead by addressing the nature of those who will be raised. The writing found here is very similar to the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke. If you are interested in further study on the nature of the resurrection of the dead, I encourage you to read the entirety of chapter 15 in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. You will find the way in which the apostle provides hope to Christians based upon faith in Jesus’ overcoming death. But for our time here tonight, we will move on to other issues.
We have now seen that the resurrection of the dead was prophesized by the prophet Daniel, taught by Jesus, and written about by Paul. Each teacher believed the resurrection of the dead was an essential belief of the faith demonstrating God’s love, justice, and promise of hope for his people. But perhaps some of you are still not satisfied with simply the promise of the dead rising. Some may say, “I am not dead or dying so what does this have to do with me?” Or maybe since you cannot experience resurrection until the end of time you might wonder if the belief has any significance for your life today.
For those of you wondering what practical importance belief in the resurrection of the dead has for you, let us turn to Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 6 verses 8-13. The apostle writes:
The question for tonight’s Bible study is this: are you still living as one who is dead? Are you still without the life-giving breath of love in your life? If so, the apostle Paul calls you to rise to a new way of living found in Christ. Indeed, God is persistently inviting us to participate in his present, yet coming kingdom. The question we must ask ourselves is whether or not we will accept his invitation. Perhaps that means for you that tonight you need to seek forgiveness from a person you have wronged, or to grant forgiveness to a person who has wronged you. Each of us still has times in our lives where we live as those who are dead rather than those who have been raised. So tonight I challenge all of us to awake to new life and to live as those who have been resurrected. We are no longer slaves to sin and bound by death, but have been delivered by God into new life. Now our great hope is in Jesus who is the Christ, the lamb of God, who rescues us from sin. May we also live a life which rescues others from the death of poverty, injustice, and oppression. For in this way we live as true sons and daughters of the resurrection and awake to everlasting life.
It's good though, I'm glad I have a challenge I can work on while I'm here. I have all this in mind because last night I was asked to speak at Romplenot (sp?) church in Aizawl. Romplenot is the second largest church in Aizawl with about 700 members. Last Sunday, one of the elders asked that I speak on the "resurrection of the dead" at their Wednesday night Bible study as part of their series on the Second Coming of Christ. I accepted the offer although I knew I would have some difficulty writing the message.
My main difficulty comes from two main points: First, many Christians today are pretty entrenched into whatever ideas they have about the Second Coming. Most people get their ideas from books like Left Behind or some supposed scholar who wrote a book on the subject. As a result, when you preach about this issue everyone feels that they are a scholar on the matter and are deadset in their ways. For instance, many Christians might be upset if I told them that most of the imagery in the book of Revelations has to do with the Roman empire and nothing to do with some future evil political leader. Although I am the one with a bachelor's degree and soon to be masters in the subject who quotes PhD scholars, you'd be surprised how many people want to correct people like me (and quite passionately I might add). So needless to say, I'm always hesitant to speak on such matters.
Second, my personal theology doesn't really emphasize eschatology. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the resurrection of the dead and Jesus enthroned in power. I just don't find conversations about who the anti-Christ is all that important. Jesus, and the rest of the Bible, seems more concerned with how you treat the poor, how we act toward one another, and who God is rather than on the end of time. So I tend to speak on these issues rather than speculating on things we just can't know.
Whew, okay, enough of my soap box. At any rate, I prepared the message for wednesday night with the idea that I'd have about thirty 40-50 yr old church leaders in the crowd. Rev. Zolawma said the crowd would be small with the World Cup going on and few young people would be in attendance. Also, the pastor fancies himself an eschatology expert (go figure) so even Rev. Zolawma told me to be careful in how I crafted my sermon.
But when we arrived, I was informed that over 100 high school students were going to be in attendance (students here stay in dorms like boarding schools so I guess they just invited the dorms or "hostels" as they're called here.). "Perfect," I thought, "I've just written a dense Bible study for old folks and now my crowd is 99% teenagers who could careless about the subject I was given." But when life gives you lemons, some times things go sour.
I'm grown enough to admit that by the end of my 35 mins, many students were snoozing. Even amongst the first 7 rows of all girls (students divided themselves into sections by sex. also, why does God like to mock me?), who were quite interested in a young western man preaching, I had some closed eyes. My 30 or so old folks, who the message was for, seemed to be with me right until the I made my third turn in the message. See, I'm a social justice minded preacher who reads the prophets and doesn't think you should give a message without some practical point. So when I started on the "quit oppressing the poor" and the "go seek forgiveness from someone you've wronged" points, the old folks were not so happy. They wanted to hear about what the new bodies of the resurrected in the future were like, I told them to go clothe the naked bodies that were here. Nevertheless, all the old folks thanked me afterward and I think I'll get a chance to redeem myself with the teenagers later. Rev. Zolawma told me next time he'll have them tell us who will be in the crowd so we can give the proper message. I was thankful for his understanding.
At any rate, below I've posted my message from last night for those avid readers who want to read more. For those of you who are worried my blogs are getting too long, this is the point in the post where you can move on to YouTube or Facebook. So like a nervous singer, I've given you all the reasons why if you don't like the performance not to be too harsh haha. But I'd love to hear feedback on the message if you feel so inclined. Until next time, pax et bonum.
Resurrecting the Dead to Lives of Love and Justice
Tonight we continue the series exploring subject of the Second Coming of Christ or, as theologians would refer to it, eschatology. For those of you unfamiliar with the word, “eschatology” is a term which literally means “the study of the last things.” To be more specific, eschatology studies the end of history. As Christians, we believe that history will conclude with the return of Jesus the Christ. As a result, Dr. Bob Patterson of Baylor University favors referring to eschatology as “the study of Christian hope.” Indeed, the book of Revelations (where Christians draw much of their imagery for the end of time) is a letter written to provide hope to the persecuted Christian community during the first or second century. Tonight, may we find hope in our study of one topic involved in Christian eschatology: the resurrection of the dead.
When we think about what the Bible says about the resurrection of the dead, we often think about the book of Revelations. We might also think about Jesus debating with the Sadducees or Paul writing his first letter to the Corinthians. But I think that few of us think about the prophets Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. As a matter of fact, the idea of the dead being raised at the end of time originates in the Old Testament. Although we often associate the discussion of the resurrection of the dead with Paul or John of Patmos, our study tonight begins with the prophet Daniel. In the book of Daniel chapter 12 verse 1b-2, the prophet writes,
But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.In the passage from Daniel, we see very clearly the prophet writing about the “awaking” or rising of the dead at the conclusion of history. For Daniel, at the end of time all the dead will rise to either punishment or reward. Although the passage seems very clear, the proper interpretation of the writing was a debated issue around the time of Jesus.
The debate about interpretation was among the three major schools of Judaism that existed in first-century Palestine: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. Much of our knowledge of these schools of thought comes from the ancient Jewish historian Josephus. Josephus tells us that among these three schools, only the Pharisees and the Essenes believed in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees, on the other hand, believed “that souls die with the bodies” and therefore rejected the Pharisees’ belief in the resurrection of the dead. As a result, it’s important to keep in mind that the belief in the resurrection of the dead has a long, yet hotly debated history. This history dates back long before Jesus teaches about the end of time or Paul and John of Patmos write about it. In addition, the early Christian teachings concerning the resurrection of the dead develop from a tradition in which the issue is not agreed upon by religious leaders.
Indeed, our only knowledge of Jesus’ position on the issue comes from a dialogue with the Sadducees recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 20 verses 27-40, Luke writes:
27There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, 28and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30And the second 31and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32Afterward the woman also died. 33In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife."In verses 34-38, Jesus provides details about the nature of the resurrection of the dead which the apostle Paul will expand upon in his first letter to the Corinthians. Amongst these details, Jesus teaches that those who have been raised to new life can no longer die because they have been made like the heavenly beings. Indeed, those who have been raised from the dead will be equal with the angels and become members of God’s family. Jesus frames his argument in the context of Moses’ confession that the LORD is a god of the living. As a result, those whom God has called his own cannot die because the LORD is not god of the dead but the god of those who live to him.
34And Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him." 39Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." 40For they no longer dared to ask him any question.
The information given to us by the prophet Daniel and by Jesus provide a source of great hope. They tell us that God will deliver his people by raising them to new, everlasting life. For God’s chosen, there truly is no “end of time” because they will live forever. But some of you may wonder if it is necessary to believe in the resurrection of the dead considering that the early Jewish teachers in Jesus’ own time did not agree on the subject. Indeed we are left with the question, “do we have to believe in the resurrection of the dead?” If you are secretly asking this question or something like it, then you are not alone. The same question appears to have been asked by the Christians in Corinth during the time of Paul. The apostle addresses the issue by telling the Corinthian church that belief in the resurrection of the dead is essential for Christians. Paul explains his position in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, selected verses beginning with verse 12. He writes:
12Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised...17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished…20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.Paul instructs the Christian community at Corinth that if they do not believe the dead are raised, then they do not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. Yet such a claim goes against the teachings of Christianity since the belief in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the central teaching and foundational belief of the faith. Indeed if we belief anything which contradicts the teaching of God’s resurrection of Jesus from the dead, then we have rejected the rest of the faith because all other beliefs come from the confession of Jesus’ resurrection. As a result, believing in the resurrection of the dead is incredibly important to our faith and to our understanding of our identity as Christians. As Jesus says, we are sons and daughters of the resurrection. We are the people God will deliver from the grip of death. Since Christ was raised from the dead, so we also look to God’s raising us to everlasting life.
Paul continues his discussion about the resurrection of the dead by addressing the nature of those who will be raised. The writing found here is very similar to the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke. If you are interested in further study on the nature of the resurrection of the dead, I encourage you to read the entirety of chapter 15 in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. You will find the way in which the apostle provides hope to Christians based upon faith in Jesus’ overcoming death. But for our time here tonight, we will move on to other issues.
We have now seen that the resurrection of the dead was prophesized by the prophet Daniel, taught by Jesus, and written about by Paul. Each teacher believed the resurrection of the dead was an essential belief of the faith demonstrating God’s love, justice, and promise of hope for his people. But perhaps some of you are still not satisfied with simply the promise of the dead rising. Some may say, “I am not dead or dying so what does this have to do with me?” Or maybe since you cannot experience resurrection until the end of time you might wonder if the belief has any significance for your life today.
For those of you wondering what practical importance belief in the resurrection of the dead has for you, let us turn to Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 6 verses 8-13. The apostle writes:
8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.Paul’s message to the Romans tells us that the resurrection of the dead not only gives hope for tomorrow, but challenges us today. If we are raised in Christ from the dead, then we are raised to a new life as well. Such new life begins here and now, given to us upon our baptism in which we participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus. By participating in the death, we no longer allow sin to rule over us; by participating in the resurrection, we live out the teachings of the gospel each day. Therefore, as those who have been raised to new life in Christ, Paul challenges us to daily embody the love of Christ to others. We must not practice corruption, deceitful dealing, and oppression. We must not forget the poor and the needy in their time of trouble. We must not refuse to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoner. Indeed, if we have been raised from the dead then we will daily “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, [and] plead the widow’s cause,” just as the prophet Isaiah instructs us. Indeed, the resurrection of the dead is not an empty promise for the perishing but it is a challenge for the living. The resurrection of the dead is not a far off hope for some future time, but a hope to be lived today. As the church, we are the community of the resurrected ones; we are the people whose mission it is to bring new light into an often dark world.
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
The question for tonight’s Bible study is this: are you still living as one who is dead? Are you still without the life-giving breath of love in your life? If so, the apostle Paul calls you to rise to a new way of living found in Christ. Indeed, God is persistently inviting us to participate in his present, yet coming kingdom. The question we must ask ourselves is whether or not we will accept his invitation. Perhaps that means for you that tonight you need to seek forgiveness from a person you have wronged, or to grant forgiveness to a person who has wronged you. Each of us still has times in our lives where we live as those who are dead rather than those who have been raised. So tonight I challenge all of us to awake to new life and to live as those who have been resurrected. We are no longer slaves to sin and bound by death, but have been delivered by God into new life. Now our great hope is in Jesus who is the Christ, the lamb of God, who rescues us from sin. May we also live a life which rescues others from the death of poverty, injustice, and oppression. For in this way we live as true sons and daughters of the resurrection and awake to everlasting life.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Rock n Roll & Mizoram
I thought for a post I'd talk a little about what life is like for people in Mizoram so everyone could gain some perspective on the region:
As I have said before, Mizoram's population is 86% Christian. Further, most of the non-Christians in the region are non-Mizos. Some are mainland Indian working for the government or doing business while others are laborers coming from Burma and other regions to find work. As a result, there is enormous social pressure to be a part of the church. Much like in America just a few decades ago, a person who is not a member of a church is often outcast. Indeed, political leaders make sure to be seen at church on Sunday morning for fear of losing votes if Mizos discovered their leaders were not church folk.
As a result, the church dictates the lives of the people both directly and indirectly. For instance, I was talking with a young teacher during my time in Lunglei about the social lives of young people in Mizoram as compared to the United States. I explained that in the US, it's quite popular for young people to meet at coffee shops, bars, or concerts during the evening to socialize. In sharp contrast, I've discovered that in Mizoram there is virtually no such thing. Around town, shops close down about six or seven leaving the city to look abandoned. Granted, the sun sets early here and family structures guiding dating aren't keen on late night dates. Nevertheless, I expressed my fascination with the lack of social outlets for young people.
The teacher replied that not only did shops closing down affect night life, but the church did as well. "On Wednesday night there will be a special service," she said, "the same with Saturday and all day Sunday. Then there might be a committee meeting on Tuesday or Thursday. The church has so many events that no one has time to do anything at night because they must be at church or they will be looked down on." Perhaps the issue wouldn't be such a point of growing tension in Mizoram were it not for the influx of Western media and a growing number of students being educated outside Mizoram.
As the teacher told me, "many students are now leaving Mizoram to go study at schools in India or elsewhere. These places are very different then Mizoram and have many things to do at night. Not only that, but in TV, movies, and music from the West the young people are seeing people like themselves out dancing and doing things. But for us, it's just a dream or something we read about in books. I am not from Mizoram, so I am use to a night life. But many of my fellow teachers are not so some times I try to ask them why they do not go out. But the thought never crosses their mind because they have never experienced it. The young people who are coming back to Mizoram, however, do know about these things and are frustrated."
Indeed, in the past week I have heard at least two sermons about how the young people are being lost in Mizoram. Low attendence and high dissatisfaction with church services by young people is becoming an increasing issue for the church. Furthermore, many young people are professing faith in different religions (even Satanism). The church has a problem yet most of the heirarchy are unwilling to change in order to reach the young people. For instance, the worship songs sung during service are the same traditional hymns that were song by the old heads way back when. These songs are wonderful for the older generation but the younger generation finds no meaning in them. As is a struggle in the US today, churches find themselves singing in a language that the young people do not understand. Furthermore, the young's experiences of different cultures make them unwilling to perpetuate certain modes of living so popular in Mizoram.
In essence, you can think about Mizoram and the problem of the young people like you can the US and rock n roll during the 1950s. These kids have just listened to Elvis and been to a rock n roll concert only to return to a place that says rock n roll is evil. But the church cannot simply outright reject everything the young people are bringing or it will be cast off because it is no longer relevant to the people. Granted, not everything from the West or other cultures is beneficial to the young people. Trying to imitate rappers talking about "smacking hoes" isn't exactly what we want our young people doing. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that rap music is bad or Western culture is evil. It does, however, mean that everything must be filtered. The church must quickly learn to be a filter rather than a stop valve or risk the pipe bursting.
But only time will tell in Mizoram. The hierarchy of the church is unwilling to change because they don't see the need to meet the demands of young people. The young people are unwilling to listen to the older generation because they feel they know more. Some one has to give somewhere. But perhaps this is the story of the world: the older generation perserving tradition while the younger generation seeks innovation. I just hope the narrative turns out well here in Mizoram.
Well, that's all you get for today. An update about my weekend and preaching will come later in the week. Maybe today you can, like me, think about whether your church/tradition/faith/group is being a filter or stop valve. What would you do to reach the young people where you live?
As I have said before, Mizoram's population is 86% Christian. Further, most of the non-Christians in the region are non-Mizos. Some are mainland Indian working for the government or doing business while others are laborers coming from Burma and other regions to find work. As a result, there is enormous social pressure to be a part of the church. Much like in America just a few decades ago, a person who is not a member of a church is often outcast. Indeed, political leaders make sure to be seen at church on Sunday morning for fear of losing votes if Mizos discovered their leaders were not church folk.
As a result, the church dictates the lives of the people both directly and indirectly. For instance, I was talking with a young teacher during my time in Lunglei about the social lives of young people in Mizoram as compared to the United States. I explained that in the US, it's quite popular for young people to meet at coffee shops, bars, or concerts during the evening to socialize. In sharp contrast, I've discovered that in Mizoram there is virtually no such thing. Around town, shops close down about six or seven leaving the city to look abandoned. Granted, the sun sets early here and family structures guiding dating aren't keen on late night dates. Nevertheless, I expressed my fascination with the lack of social outlets for young people.
The teacher replied that not only did shops closing down affect night life, but the church did as well. "On Wednesday night there will be a special service," she said, "the same with Saturday and all day Sunday. Then there might be a committee meeting on Tuesday or Thursday. The church has so many events that no one has time to do anything at night because they must be at church or they will be looked down on." Perhaps the issue wouldn't be such a point of growing tension in Mizoram were it not for the influx of Western media and a growing number of students being educated outside Mizoram.
As the teacher told me, "many students are now leaving Mizoram to go study at schools in India or elsewhere. These places are very different then Mizoram and have many things to do at night. Not only that, but in TV, movies, and music from the West the young people are seeing people like themselves out dancing and doing things. But for us, it's just a dream or something we read about in books. I am not from Mizoram, so I am use to a night life. But many of my fellow teachers are not so some times I try to ask them why they do not go out. But the thought never crosses their mind because they have never experienced it. The young people who are coming back to Mizoram, however, do know about these things and are frustrated."
Indeed, in the past week I have heard at least two sermons about how the young people are being lost in Mizoram. Low attendence and high dissatisfaction with church services by young people is becoming an increasing issue for the church. Furthermore, many young people are professing faith in different religions (even Satanism). The church has a problem yet most of the heirarchy are unwilling to change in order to reach the young people. For instance, the worship songs sung during service are the same traditional hymns that were song by the old heads way back when. These songs are wonderful for the older generation but the younger generation finds no meaning in them. As is a struggle in the US today, churches find themselves singing in a language that the young people do not understand. Furthermore, the young's experiences of different cultures make them unwilling to perpetuate certain modes of living so popular in Mizoram.
In essence, you can think about Mizoram and the problem of the young people like you can the US and rock n roll during the 1950s. These kids have just listened to Elvis and been to a rock n roll concert only to return to a place that says rock n roll is evil. But the church cannot simply outright reject everything the young people are bringing or it will be cast off because it is no longer relevant to the people. Granted, not everything from the West or other cultures is beneficial to the young people. Trying to imitate rappers talking about "smacking hoes" isn't exactly what we want our young people doing. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that rap music is bad or Western culture is evil. It does, however, mean that everything must be filtered. The church must quickly learn to be a filter rather than a stop valve or risk the pipe bursting.
But only time will tell in Mizoram. The hierarchy of the church is unwilling to change because they don't see the need to meet the demands of young people. The young people are unwilling to listen to the older generation because they feel they know more. Some one has to give somewhere. But perhaps this is the story of the world: the older generation perserving tradition while the younger generation seeks innovation. I just hope the narrative turns out well here in Mizoram.
Well, that's all you get for today. An update about my weekend and preaching will come later in the week. Maybe today you can, like me, think about whether your church/tradition/faith/group is being a filter or stop valve. What would you do to reach the young people where you live?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Austin, motivational speaker
I'm standing in the middle of a dirt road looking off into the distance as UGK plays on my iPod. I can't help but admire the sun setting behind the mountains. Mountains, which are so numerous the landscape looks like green waves of jungle rolling off into the horizon. Behind me is a small waterfall the construction workers use to cool off from the hot summer sun. I've been walking up and down this narrow dirt road loving called an express highway for about an hour now. Landslides, which are frequent in the rainy season, have a way of holding up traffic. This won't be the last time that my travels will be haulted for a time because of falling rocks. In fact, any time I'm traveling around Mizoram I can see sections of the roadways blocked by rocks who have inconveniently fallen where cars should pass. I never really see any damages or injuries from these landslides (deaths rarely occur here from them), they just stop traffic for a while. As if Mother Nature wanted us to stop for a second to admire her. The road I'm standing on leads from Mizoram to Lunglei, a journey of about 100 miles. However, the trip will take about six hours to complete because there's no such thing as a straight road in Mizoram. The only roads that exist are the kind that snake through the mountains making their way in zig-zag fashion to whatever destination. I'm also traveling to a higher altitude making the trip more difficult on our tired wannabe-jeep with a new tire.
I'm headed to Lunglei to visit the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) headquarters. Unlike other Baptists, the Baptists in Mizoram have centralized themselves to this southern city. Thinking about the US, I wonder if Baptists just like southern places naturally. The next day is an important day for Principal Hnuni, filled with meetings for various church government groups. I have been informed that my day will be spent visiting classes at the local school.
In non-chalant fashion and without any big announcement, construction vechiles begin leaving the area signalling the road has been cleared. We make it to Lunglei in time for a late meal and time to watch a World Cup match. And so begins a hectic week of traveling and speaking for me.
Wednesday morning I am woken up to a knock at the door to my guest room on the top floor of the BCM. Luckily, I slept in my clothes so I answer the door to find Principal Hnuni informing me of my itinerary for the day. At 6 am, I'm not fully awake but I am able to catch "go to my daughter's house for breakfast" and "you will speak to students at the secondary school." And just like that, my day begins.
After a quick breakfast I'm lead into the Principal's office of the high school attached to the BCM. He is happy to have me and would like for me to speak to two classes (one 11th grade and the other 12th grade). I'm happy to oblige and am told to say whatever I would like. That seems to be a theme here, "say whatever you like," as if no particular direction is needed to talk to high school students or large congregations in Mizoram.
After meeting some faculty members, I am lead to the 11th grade class. A shy class, all sitting on long benches in front of their shared wooden tables. There are three columns of five rows filled with students. I begin to talk about the importance of education and how "education is something no one can take from you" (thanks Mimi). I talk about how "knowledge is power" and how they can achieve whatever dreams they want if they work hard. I can't help but feel like a corny motivational speaker. The kind that comes to your school trying to convince you not to do drugs or have sex. But I do my best to use the opportunity to open their eyes to the possibilities of traveling outside Mizoram or even India for school. I remind them that everything from the West isn't great and to never forget where they came from. I don't want them to forget that they have a rich culture and history even though the West seems so appealing. Apparently something works, as after waiting for a bit during Q&A time I get a question on how scholarships work. How do you get one? Where can I go? Success.
Instead of two classes, I end up talking to three. Every class gets the same speech, same message. Value your education and your heritage. I'll probably never know, but I hope one of them pursues a scholarship somewhere. Now I know how all those motivational speakers felt standing before a large group of blank faces hoping something you say matters to someone and will make a difference. Afterwards, the Principal will give me a small plaque from the school given to teachers and visitors for my work. I'd trade it to know the future of just one kid I talked to but the universe doesn't work like that.
Next I visit the junior school where children from first to seventh attend. I'm really there just to meet up with Principal's daughter so I can go rest but that doesn't happen. I meet up with the daughter but out of courtesy she introduces me around the office. As soon as "Princeton Theological Seminary" gets dropped, I am now getting firmer handshakes and more interested looks. I get asked to speak to a class of fifth graders on "whatever you like." So in a flash I am walked over to the class, handed a piece of chalk, and left in front of 30 tiny fifth grades in school uniforms eagerly awaiting the final bell which will sound in thirty minutes. The class is very shy to talk to me, as most Mizos are with Westerners even if they speak some English, so I begin to talk about whatever I want. I tell them that I'm from Texas and talk about all the wonderful things found there. How we have cowboys and cows with huge horns, how we helped put a man on the moon, and have a basketball team called "the spurs." Surprisingly, it all seems relatively cohesive. I ask who they want to win the World Cup and poll the class. Brazil is surprisingly popular, followed by Argentina. But, the most popular was the USA (course, only because I was asking). The bell rings and the children rush off to enjoy their childhoods.
I return to my guesthouse for some much needed rest before being informed I'm due at HATIM professional school to talk to a small group of twenty-somethings working for degrees in business and computer science. After a full tour of the new school, I deliver a speech about how they are the next leaders of tomorrow and in charge of leading Mizoram to a brigther future. If only I had gold stickers to hand out at this point. Although I feel like a sappy speaker, every time I speak people are happy with what I said. That's good I guess, I just wish I knew the people better so I could speak more specifically but you make lemonade when you have to. Now I know what all those commencement speakers feel like when trying to imagine what encouraging words to say before a group of fresh college grads eager to begin adulthood. But I'm happy to get the chance to speak in front of people and hopefully at some point they realize that despite the articulations of helping the system they are probably given everyday, they truly are the shapers of tomorrow. Lets hope we make it a good one.
Afterwards, we head to a relative of Principal Hnuni's house for dinner. The next morning begins promptly at 5:45 with a knock on the door from a nice AICS graduate in charge of walking me over to the Assistant General Secretary's house. I have tea there (a reminent of British occupation) and move to shake more hands before we head south again to visit Principal Hnuni's mother-in-law's home. It's a two hour journey but an important one to make.
Judith, Principal Hnuni's daughter who's been traveling with us, is in Mizoram for the first time since 2007. She lives in Canada now, where she just completed college and recently got married. The cost of travel means she can't visit often so this may be the last time in a few years she'll be able to visit. Her grandmother is so old that traveling to Mizoram for the wedding ceremony just a couple weeks ago was impossible. As difficult as it is to realize, we all know this may be the last time she sees her grandmother amongst the living. The reality makes me feel like a true foreigner for the first time since I arrived. No longer was the food different, customs different, language different but now I felt as though I didn't belong. Course, Mizo culture is so hospitable no one minded.
In fact, my entire time there everyone was delighted to have me. Family members took pictures with me and invited me into family photos. I made sure enough got taken without me in them though just so years from now when Judith is looking at her photos a random Texan isn't all of the sudden inserted into a memory of her grandmother. I enjoy a good time there although most of them don't speak English. My time in Mizoram has made me a much quieter individual. I sit in silence as people talk around me in a language that sounds quite fun. I'm constantly reminded of Shifu Jia's comment to me when I was in China, "Austin, you are always thinking. I always see you looking off thinking." I guess that's never truer than here. But I enjoy it and at times Principal will turn to me and narrate the conversation thus far so I can laugh about whatever joke has been told. Although we don't share a language, everyone does their best to incorporate me and show me kindness. Americans might remember their codes of hospitality now long forgotten.
We spend the night there and at 6:30 head back to Lunglei. There we eat a late breakfast with a professor before taking a tour of the BCM. I am introduced to just about every worker there and share the same small talk with everyone. It's a quick hour trip in total before we are back in the car headed to Aizawl. We reach AICS just before 6 and needless to say I am exhausted. In four days I've traveled more than 300 miles of mountain terrain, met almost every key leader of the Baptist church, spoken to over 100 students, met at least 30 family members, and never eaten more than 2 meals in the same place.
If you come to Mizoram be prepared for travels. Also, know that road side vendors in villages sell really great fruit for real cheap. And "hotel" in some places just means a restaurant. Well, I think I've exhausted the majority of my travels for the week in this post. Look forward to another post on some insights into Mizo culture and my sermon for Sunday. Hope all is well in the States. This week, go have an adventure or eat at some hole in the wall restaurant. Adventure is confined to Mizoram, it's all around you. Go find it.
pax et bonum
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Mom- Wow, didn't know my blog was so popular. I'll have to make sure I keep doing interesting things then haha
Mamaw & Papaw- Yes, my students are enjoying themselves. They love to hear trivia about the US and to learn kung fu!
Sara- Well maybe when I get back to the US I can teach you some kung fu moves so you can get another job teaching English. Teaching English is very little grammar and lots of kung fu I've found haha
I'm headed to Lunglei to visit the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) headquarters. Unlike other Baptists, the Baptists in Mizoram have centralized themselves to this southern city. Thinking about the US, I wonder if Baptists just like southern places naturally. The next day is an important day for Principal Hnuni, filled with meetings for various church government groups. I have been informed that my day will be spent visiting classes at the local school.
In non-chalant fashion and without any big announcement, construction vechiles begin leaving the area signalling the road has been cleared. We make it to Lunglei in time for a late meal and time to watch a World Cup match. And so begins a hectic week of traveling and speaking for me.
Wednesday morning I am woken up to a knock at the door to my guest room on the top floor of the BCM. Luckily, I slept in my clothes so I answer the door to find Principal Hnuni informing me of my itinerary for the day. At 6 am, I'm not fully awake but I am able to catch "go to my daughter's house for breakfast" and "you will speak to students at the secondary school." And just like that, my day begins.
After a quick breakfast I'm lead into the Principal's office of the high school attached to the BCM. He is happy to have me and would like for me to speak to two classes (one 11th grade and the other 12th grade). I'm happy to oblige and am told to say whatever I would like. That seems to be a theme here, "say whatever you like," as if no particular direction is needed to talk to high school students or large congregations in Mizoram.
After meeting some faculty members, I am lead to the 11th grade class. A shy class, all sitting on long benches in front of their shared wooden tables. There are three columns of five rows filled with students. I begin to talk about the importance of education and how "education is something no one can take from you" (thanks Mimi). I talk about how "knowledge is power" and how they can achieve whatever dreams they want if they work hard. I can't help but feel like a corny motivational speaker. The kind that comes to your school trying to convince you not to do drugs or have sex. But I do my best to use the opportunity to open their eyes to the possibilities of traveling outside Mizoram or even India for school. I remind them that everything from the West isn't great and to never forget where they came from. I don't want them to forget that they have a rich culture and history even though the West seems so appealing. Apparently something works, as after waiting for a bit during Q&A time I get a question on how scholarships work. How do you get one? Where can I go? Success.
Instead of two classes, I end up talking to three. Every class gets the same speech, same message. Value your education and your heritage. I'll probably never know, but I hope one of them pursues a scholarship somewhere. Now I know how all those motivational speakers felt standing before a large group of blank faces hoping something you say matters to someone and will make a difference. Afterwards, the Principal will give me a small plaque from the school given to teachers and visitors for my work. I'd trade it to know the future of just one kid I talked to but the universe doesn't work like that.
Next I visit the junior school where children from first to seventh attend. I'm really there just to meet up with Principal's daughter so I can go rest but that doesn't happen. I meet up with the daughter but out of courtesy she introduces me around the office. As soon as "Princeton Theological Seminary" gets dropped, I am now getting firmer handshakes and more interested looks. I get asked to speak to a class of fifth graders on "whatever you like." So in a flash I am walked over to the class, handed a piece of chalk, and left in front of 30 tiny fifth grades in school uniforms eagerly awaiting the final bell which will sound in thirty minutes. The class is very shy to talk to me, as most Mizos are with Westerners even if they speak some English, so I begin to talk about whatever I want. I tell them that I'm from Texas and talk about all the wonderful things found there. How we have cowboys and cows with huge horns, how we helped put a man on the moon, and have a basketball team called "the spurs." Surprisingly, it all seems relatively cohesive. I ask who they want to win the World Cup and poll the class. Brazil is surprisingly popular, followed by Argentina. But, the most popular was the USA (course, only because I was asking). The bell rings and the children rush off to enjoy their childhoods.
I return to my guesthouse for some much needed rest before being informed I'm due at HATIM professional school to talk to a small group of twenty-somethings working for degrees in business and computer science. After a full tour of the new school, I deliver a speech about how they are the next leaders of tomorrow and in charge of leading Mizoram to a brigther future. If only I had gold stickers to hand out at this point. Although I feel like a sappy speaker, every time I speak people are happy with what I said. That's good I guess, I just wish I knew the people better so I could speak more specifically but you make lemonade when you have to. Now I know what all those commencement speakers feel like when trying to imagine what encouraging words to say before a group of fresh college grads eager to begin adulthood. But I'm happy to get the chance to speak in front of people and hopefully at some point they realize that despite the articulations of helping the system they are probably given everyday, they truly are the shapers of tomorrow. Lets hope we make it a good one.
Afterwards, we head to a relative of Principal Hnuni's house for dinner. The next morning begins promptly at 5:45 with a knock on the door from a nice AICS graduate in charge of walking me over to the Assistant General Secretary's house. I have tea there (a reminent of British occupation) and move to shake more hands before we head south again to visit Principal Hnuni's mother-in-law's home. It's a two hour journey but an important one to make.
Judith, Principal Hnuni's daughter who's been traveling with us, is in Mizoram for the first time since 2007. She lives in Canada now, where she just completed college and recently got married. The cost of travel means she can't visit often so this may be the last time in a few years she'll be able to visit. Her grandmother is so old that traveling to Mizoram for the wedding ceremony just a couple weeks ago was impossible. As difficult as it is to realize, we all know this may be the last time she sees her grandmother amongst the living. The reality makes me feel like a true foreigner for the first time since I arrived. No longer was the food different, customs different, language different but now I felt as though I didn't belong. Course, Mizo culture is so hospitable no one minded.
In fact, my entire time there everyone was delighted to have me. Family members took pictures with me and invited me into family photos. I made sure enough got taken without me in them though just so years from now when Judith is looking at her photos a random Texan isn't all of the sudden inserted into a memory of her grandmother. I enjoy a good time there although most of them don't speak English. My time in Mizoram has made me a much quieter individual. I sit in silence as people talk around me in a language that sounds quite fun. I'm constantly reminded of Shifu Jia's comment to me when I was in China, "Austin, you are always thinking. I always see you looking off thinking." I guess that's never truer than here. But I enjoy it and at times Principal will turn to me and narrate the conversation thus far so I can laugh about whatever joke has been told. Although we don't share a language, everyone does their best to incorporate me and show me kindness. Americans might remember their codes of hospitality now long forgotten.
We spend the night there and at 6:30 head back to Lunglei. There we eat a late breakfast with a professor before taking a tour of the BCM. I am introduced to just about every worker there and share the same small talk with everyone. It's a quick hour trip in total before we are back in the car headed to Aizawl. We reach AICS just before 6 and needless to say I am exhausted. In four days I've traveled more than 300 miles of mountain terrain, met almost every key leader of the Baptist church, spoken to over 100 students, met at least 30 family members, and never eaten more than 2 meals in the same place.
If you come to Mizoram be prepared for travels. Also, know that road side vendors in villages sell really great fruit for real cheap. And "hotel" in some places just means a restaurant. Well, I think I've exhausted the majority of my travels for the week in this post. Look forward to another post on some insights into Mizo culture and my sermon for Sunday. Hope all is well in the States. This week, go have an adventure or eat at some hole in the wall restaurant. Adventure is confined to Mizoram, it's all around you. Go find it.
pax et bonum
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Mom- Wow, didn't know my blog was so popular. I'll have to make sure I keep doing interesting things then haha
Mamaw & Papaw- Yes, my students are enjoying themselves. They love to hear trivia about the US and to learn kung fu!
Sara- Well maybe when I get back to the US I can teach you some kung fu moves so you can get another job teaching English. Teaching English is very little grammar and lots of kung fu I've found haha
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Church visits and Bruce Lee
Yesterday I experienced my first real Sunday in Mizoram and what a day it was! Mizo spirituality celebrates Sunday, "the Lord's Day," in ways much forgotten by most Christians in the West. On Sundays, prayer services begin at 5 am and are attended by most of the community. Thankfully, Madam Hnuni didn't require my attendance at this service or I would have been struggling for the rest of the day haha. The next service is held at around 11 am.
Culturally, Mizos are a singing people so services entail at least double the standard worship set of songs found in American churches. However, the Mizo Christians were evagelized to primarily by Baptists and Presbyterians. These churches eventually became independently recognized but still remain part of the global community. As a result, many of the songs that are sung in churches are translated versions of songs popular in the West (i.e. "Amazing Grace"). Nevertheless, Mizos have also written many of their own worship songs which are sung as well during worship.
Service at 11 usually lasts for about 1.5 - 2 hours. The service encompasses many of the same aspects of a typical Western service: welcome, greeting, songs, sermon, offering, closing prayer. After the service, congregants get a small break before Sunday school at 3 or 3:30. Lasting for the same amount of time, congregants only have about two hours before Vespers service begins at 7. Basically, if you want to attend church on Sunday in be prepared for a marathon haha.
I originally thought I would be preaching but at 8 am I was informed that the dates got switched and wouldn't be preaching until the 20th. I was, however, in charge of giving the "greeting" to the congregation. A "greeting," as I found out, is really more like a mini-sermon than a welcome. The speaker really just says whatever he/she wants. So I basically gave a 5 min version of my sermon and talked about unity in the body of Christ. Next week, after my sermon, I'll post the manuscript so you can read it. The greeting apparently went well (I had to have a translator) and I made everyone laugh by the way I described Texas as "the land of cowboys."
In other news, apparently everyone in Mizoram loves kung fu. On Saturday I taught basic kung fu (punch, block, stand like a crane, etc) for about 20 mins. All the AICS students loved it and enjoyed making their best bruce lee/jackie chan sounds as they did it. I'm now suppose to teach each Saturday until my time ends here. On top of that, Sunday I made a visit to a local children's school here. I'm not sure whether it's an orphanage or a school (the language wasn't clear) but I was invited to come speak twice the first week of July. As part of my message on the importance of education, I was asked to teach kung fu for 20-30 mins. Basically, if Billy Graham and Bruce Lee had a child you would have me in Mizoram haha. But seriously, I'm enjoying teaching kung fu to everyone who wants to learn so it's great.
I'm making this post a little long because you probably won't hear from me until Friday. Tuesday I leave for a trip to visit the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) headquarters. The Baptists and Presbyterians in Mizoram are incredibly powerful, possessing enormous influence (even on the state government). In addition, as the headquarters they have important information about all the churches in the state including those involved with the tribes and in specialized ministries. The BCM is located in the middle of the state so it's going to be a 3 day trip with visits and travel time included. But I'll be back Friday and hopefully find time to post about my adventures before the craziness of the weekends gets underway.
Well, it's breakfast time here in Mizoram so I've got to go. I have a big day of writing and preparation for classes/sermons so I'll be in front of a computer for most of the day. Hope all is well stateside!
pax et bonum.
THOUGHTS:
The monk life of AICS has had me reading the Bible everyday. I've decided to make my way through the prophets while I'm here starting with Isaiah. I finished the book yesterday and I've got to say, I love Isaiah. I think we would be best friends. Isaiah 58 is wonderful. Balance of tough criticism and hope. Interesting that we spend so little time exploring the message of the prophets in our churches when Jesus relied heavily upon them in his own ministry. I feel as though we are missing an essential aspect of understanding Jesus' vision for reality by not studying the prophets closely. More on that in a later post.
I've also been writing again which is great. On the encouragement of Jamie, I'll post one of the things I've written since I've been here. I wrote it in response to the countless times I've heard the term "globalization" since I've been here. Everyone wants to be "globalized." In commercials, conversations, markets, businesses, and churches I've seen how everyone wants to take on the image of the west. I can walk down the street to see young kids dressed "emo" and "punk" while hearing akon on the radio. But it's also tough to see the ways in which globalization takes away the cultural distinctives of each region. "To be globalized" all too often means "to be like the West." So I wrote this piece (bear in mind I'm not a poet).
Globalization
Hey kid, you want some of this globalization?
Comes in bags made of neo-imperialist westernization
I know, I know its pretty confusing right?
But don't worry, one of these and you'll never have to sleep at night
You can stay up to watch the flashing lights of consumerism
Selling anything from sex, drugs, to philosophical -isms
One hit and you'll be hooked to my drug I'm sure
You'll never want to leave; a disease with no cure
Sure you can fight it, but everyone's takin hits
So even without it, I'll take your culture bit by bit
See, my precious drug eats away at your heart
Dismantling your values like they're a broken car part
Take away your family structure; give you a Christian name
All so you can chase my false Hollywood fame
You'll forget who you are so I can tell you where you're going
I'll steal your cultural heritage without you even knowing
I'll make you walk, talk, and act like me
And with all my money and power, who wouldn't want to be?
The price? Simple, just give me your soul
I'm not talkin 'bout part son, I'm talkin 'bout the whole
Maybe if I collect enough I'll fill the void inside
Cuz my greed has destroyed me in ways tough to hide
But you still want some don't ya? Can find me on the corner in
a nice suit pushin packs of Mickey Mouse, hip-hop, and Ralph Lauren
So go ahead kid, tell all ya friends what I got to sell
Makin terminal addicts is my game, and I do it very well
Culturally, Mizos are a singing people so services entail at least double the standard worship set of songs found in American churches. However, the Mizo Christians were evagelized to primarily by Baptists and Presbyterians. These churches eventually became independently recognized but still remain part of the global community. As a result, many of the songs that are sung in churches are translated versions of songs popular in the West (i.e. "Amazing Grace"). Nevertheless, Mizos have also written many of their own worship songs which are sung as well during worship.
Service at 11 usually lasts for about 1.5 - 2 hours. The service encompasses many of the same aspects of a typical Western service: welcome, greeting, songs, sermon, offering, closing prayer. After the service, congregants get a small break before Sunday school at 3 or 3:30. Lasting for the same amount of time, congregants only have about two hours before Vespers service begins at 7. Basically, if you want to attend church on Sunday in be prepared for a marathon haha.
I originally thought I would be preaching but at 8 am I was informed that the dates got switched and wouldn't be preaching until the 20th. I was, however, in charge of giving the "greeting" to the congregation. A "greeting," as I found out, is really more like a mini-sermon than a welcome. The speaker really just says whatever he/she wants. So I basically gave a 5 min version of my sermon and talked about unity in the body of Christ. Next week, after my sermon, I'll post the manuscript so you can read it. The greeting apparently went well (I had to have a translator) and I made everyone laugh by the way I described Texas as "the land of cowboys."
In other news, apparently everyone in Mizoram loves kung fu. On Saturday I taught basic kung fu (punch, block, stand like a crane, etc) for about 20 mins. All the AICS students loved it and enjoyed making their best bruce lee/jackie chan sounds as they did it. I'm now suppose to teach each Saturday until my time ends here. On top of that, Sunday I made a visit to a local children's school here. I'm not sure whether it's an orphanage or a school (the language wasn't clear) but I was invited to come speak twice the first week of July. As part of my message on the importance of education, I was asked to teach kung fu for 20-30 mins. Basically, if Billy Graham and Bruce Lee had a child you would have me in Mizoram haha. But seriously, I'm enjoying teaching kung fu to everyone who wants to learn so it's great.
I'm making this post a little long because you probably won't hear from me until Friday. Tuesday I leave for a trip to visit the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) headquarters. The Baptists and Presbyterians in Mizoram are incredibly powerful, possessing enormous influence (even on the state government). In addition, as the headquarters they have important information about all the churches in the state including those involved with the tribes and in specialized ministries. The BCM is located in the middle of the state so it's going to be a 3 day trip with visits and travel time included. But I'll be back Friday and hopefully find time to post about my adventures before the craziness of the weekends gets underway.
Well, it's breakfast time here in Mizoram so I've got to go. I have a big day of writing and preparation for classes/sermons so I'll be in front of a computer for most of the day. Hope all is well stateside!
pax et bonum.
THOUGHTS:
The monk life of AICS has had me reading the Bible everyday. I've decided to make my way through the prophets while I'm here starting with Isaiah. I finished the book yesterday and I've got to say, I love Isaiah. I think we would be best friends. Isaiah 58 is wonderful. Balance of tough criticism and hope. Interesting that we spend so little time exploring the message of the prophets in our churches when Jesus relied heavily upon them in his own ministry. I feel as though we are missing an essential aspect of understanding Jesus' vision for reality by not studying the prophets closely. More on that in a later post.
I've also been writing again which is great. On the encouragement of Jamie, I'll post one of the things I've written since I've been here. I wrote it in response to the countless times I've heard the term "globalization" since I've been here. Everyone wants to be "globalized." In commercials, conversations, markets, businesses, and churches I've seen how everyone wants to take on the image of the west. I can walk down the street to see young kids dressed "emo" and "punk" while hearing akon on the radio. But it's also tough to see the ways in which globalization takes away the cultural distinctives of each region. "To be globalized" all too often means "to be like the West." So I wrote this piece (bear in mind I'm not a poet).
Globalization
Hey kid, you want some of this globalization?
Comes in bags made of neo-imperialist westernization
I know, I know its pretty confusing right?
But don't worry, one of these and you'll never have to sleep at night
You can stay up to watch the flashing lights of consumerism
Selling anything from sex, drugs, to philosophical -isms
One hit and you'll be hooked to my drug I'm sure
You'll never want to leave; a disease with no cure
Sure you can fight it, but everyone's takin hits
So even without it, I'll take your culture bit by bit
See, my precious drug eats away at your heart
Dismantling your values like they're a broken car part
Take away your family structure; give you a Christian name
All so you can chase my false Hollywood fame
You'll forget who you are so I can tell you where you're going
I'll steal your cultural heritage without you even knowing
I'll make you walk, talk, and act like me
And with all my money and power, who wouldn't want to be?
The price? Simple, just give me your soul
I'm not talkin 'bout part son, I'm talkin 'bout the whole
Maybe if I collect enough I'll fill the void inside
Cuz my greed has destroyed me in ways tough to hide
But you still want some don't ya? Can find me on the corner in
a nice suit pushin packs of Mickey Mouse, hip-hop, and Ralph Lauren
So go ahead kid, tell all ya friends what I got to sell
Makin terminal addicts is my game, and I do it very well
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Professor
So I just finished my second English class, hoping to finish this post before the storm comes and knocks out the power.
I teach two English classes here at the AICS, one for first year M.Div.'s and the other for B.D.'s. Interestingly enough, an M.Div here is primarily for students looking to become missionaries. A B.D. (bachelors degree) is actually a masters level program more like the M.Div degree in the states. I have two students in my M.Div. class and 29 in my B.D. class. Which makes me wonder, can I call myself Professor Almaguer now? I mean, I am teaching masters level classes at a popular seminary? Just sayin.
Anyways, my two classes couldn't be more different. My M.Div's I've got to feel sorry for. There is no place to hide from my questions when there is only two people. The class is also smaller so it's a much more intimidating setting. Their English is not as strong either so we had some difficulty with complete sentences and identifying whether a complete idea was present in the sentence or not. Of course, I need to work on clarity as well and understanding vocabulary levels.
My B.D. class seems to be much more advanced with some practically yawning at my lecture on nouns and pronouns today. Next week I'll try the complete sentence session with them and see how that goes over. They're also a much more lively bunch which is good because it will help me tailor the class better to them. I made it interesting by teaching them about American slang. They learned the word "cool" and laughed when I used the pronoun section to explain why Americans use phrases like "you guys" and "y'all." Any suggestions on funny slang or cultural phrases I should teach them? They also love hearing how people in different places in the United States use different words (i.e. soda vs pop vs coke). The faculty found it humorous that Americans have so many regional sayings.
I had forgotten until I got here that I sent in my resume to AICS during my international field ed application process. As a result, Rev. Zolawma knew that I studied kung fu since my resume mentioned that I was VP of Baylor Kung Fu club. Well, little did I know that my kung fu would make me immensely popular around here. There have been at least three times some member of the faculty in jest or in talking about me has mentioned that I am a kung fu teacher. So this morning during announcements, Principal Hnuni was talking about how on saturday she wants everyone to get together for some exercise. Apparently someone on campus is going to teach some tai chi, how authentic or what style that is I have yet to see. Anyways, when Principal announced saturday excerise someone said aloud, "and kung fu." Which started a sea of voices clammering for kung fu. Hnuni smiled and said, "yes! and our very own kung fu master will teach kung fu!" Everyone laughed and after chapel some guys said to me they will be excited for kung fu on saturday. So now I am teaching a kung fu class haha. Who knew in Mizoram kung fu would be so popular?
I was informed yesterday that I will be preaching Sunday with one of the students translating for me in the second largest church in Mizoram which is exciting. However, it also means I need to type a manuscript of my sermon (something I never do). As much as I'd like to blog more, I need to go hang out with some students and work on my sermon. Thanks to everyone who has commented or emailed me, enjoy hearing from everyone!
pax et bonum.
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Kirsten- Glad to hear you are enjoyin MD. I imagine each day you walk away with a lot of different emotions. Hope you have some people to process both the joys and the pains with. I look forward to hearing some great stories from you when I get back!
I teach two English classes here at the AICS, one for first year M.Div.'s and the other for B.D.'s. Interestingly enough, an M.Div here is primarily for students looking to become missionaries. A B.D. (bachelors degree) is actually a masters level program more like the M.Div degree in the states. I have two students in my M.Div. class and 29 in my B.D. class. Which makes me wonder, can I call myself Professor Almaguer now? I mean, I am teaching masters level classes at a popular seminary? Just sayin.
Anyways, my two classes couldn't be more different. My M.Div's I've got to feel sorry for. There is no place to hide from my questions when there is only two people. The class is also smaller so it's a much more intimidating setting. Their English is not as strong either so we had some difficulty with complete sentences and identifying whether a complete idea was present in the sentence or not. Of course, I need to work on clarity as well and understanding vocabulary levels.
My B.D. class seems to be much more advanced with some practically yawning at my lecture on nouns and pronouns today. Next week I'll try the complete sentence session with them and see how that goes over. They're also a much more lively bunch which is good because it will help me tailor the class better to them. I made it interesting by teaching them about American slang. They learned the word "cool" and laughed when I used the pronoun section to explain why Americans use phrases like "you guys" and "y'all." Any suggestions on funny slang or cultural phrases I should teach them? They also love hearing how people in different places in the United States use different words (i.e. soda vs pop vs coke). The faculty found it humorous that Americans have so many regional sayings.
I had forgotten until I got here that I sent in my resume to AICS during my international field ed application process. As a result, Rev. Zolawma knew that I studied kung fu since my resume mentioned that I was VP of Baylor Kung Fu club. Well, little did I know that my kung fu would make me immensely popular around here. There have been at least three times some member of the faculty in jest or in talking about me has mentioned that I am a kung fu teacher. So this morning during announcements, Principal Hnuni was talking about how on saturday she wants everyone to get together for some exercise. Apparently someone on campus is going to teach some tai chi, how authentic or what style that is I have yet to see. Anyways, when Principal announced saturday excerise someone said aloud, "and kung fu." Which started a sea of voices clammering for kung fu. Hnuni smiled and said, "yes! and our very own kung fu master will teach kung fu!" Everyone laughed and after chapel some guys said to me they will be excited for kung fu on saturday. So now I am teaching a kung fu class haha. Who knew in Mizoram kung fu would be so popular?
I was informed yesterday that I will be preaching Sunday with one of the students translating for me in the second largest church in Mizoram which is exciting. However, it also means I need to type a manuscript of my sermon (something I never do). As much as I'd like to blog more, I need to go hang out with some students and work on my sermon. Thanks to everyone who has commented or emailed me, enjoy hearing from everyone!
pax et bonum.
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Kirsten- Glad to hear you are enjoyin MD. I imagine each day you walk away with a lot of different emotions. Hope you have some people to process both the joys and the pains with. I look forward to hearing some great stories from you when I get back!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Adventures in Conversations
So I know it may be a little premature, but I think I'm going to love it here. I've had such a great time already it's hard to see how I could possibly be unhappy here for the next couple months. Everyone is incredibly friendly and reminds me daily how happy they are to have me here. The faculty are great and are very interested in life in the United States as well as seminary life. I've even had to print out the cirriculum for PTS so they could take a look at the requirements. The students are also very happy to have me here which makes it all the more fun. I had one student tell me that he used to wish he could meet a real English person so he could have a conversation with him/her so he is now over joyed to meet me. His feelings are mutual as I do my best to remind people that I am here to learn as well and am grateful they have accepted me here.
One of my favorite conversation partners thus far has been Rev. Dr. Thanzauva, the husband of the principal. His is a prominent leader in the Baptist church in Mizoram and influential in other places in India as well. His PhD dissertation focused on Liberation Theology and he is constantly at work to develop new programs to help the poor. Needless to say, our intellectual interests are quite similar. We've spent a great deal of time talking about the church in Mizoram and various subjects of the church. He is leaving tomorrow for Delhi which is sad, but I've greatly enjoyed what conversations I've had with him as they've helped me learn a lot about Mizos and Christians in general.
I've also had good conversations with my supervisor Rev. Zolawma and Principal Hnuni as well. In addition, I'm enjoying the atmosphere around campus as well. The students and faculty make jokes about one another in chapel and there is an air of joy around here. For example, the retreat we had here over the weekend was incredibly draining for everyone. Mainly because we had at least three hour and a half sessions everyday in addition to other events. So by the time Sunday night came, everyone was exhausted. At the final service, the students made a song to sing to the principal to beg her to give everyone holiday for a day on the first week of class to rest. The song began "our principal who art in stardom, your queedom come...please give us Tuesday as holiday. Or at least Monday." It was hilarious. Faculty also opening joke about other members falling asleep during chapel, they did a group song, and other funny things. It's quite a contrast from Princeton where most people are far too stiff. If President Torrance made some good jokes at chapel I think I might actually go haha.
Rev. Zolawma has basically granted me complete freedom in ministry/teaching/life this summer which is exciting. What that translates to is that I gave him a list of the ministries I wanted to visit (AIDS clinic, drug rehab center, leprosy mission) and he added some places he thought I'd like to visit as well. It's great that everyone here is so open to helping me. One of the faculty told me today, "let us know if there are any requirements you need for Princeton. We will make sure they get fulfilled." Their willingness makes me want to have the best English class ever to give back. First class is Thursday, let's hope I can live up to the hype.
Tonight over dinner the faculty and I had a long discussion on Texas. Apparently, cowboy movies are really popular in Mizoram. Even books about cowboys have been translated into Mizo so that people can read them. They loved hearing some stories about Texas Rangers and how Texans think they are so much better than everyone else. I continue to find it funny that no matter where I go in the world people love to talk to me about Texas. The United States is great and all, but Texas is what gets them excited. Got to love it.
Well, that's about all I have for now. Been writing again which is cool and have been reading. I'll post again probably friday after my first two classes so you can hear about them. Hope all is well back home!
pax et bonum.
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Harv- haha yea, the landscape at times can be like a Star Wars film. I might call Aizawl cloud city the way the entire town becomes engulfed in clouds some time. I've always wanted to walk in a cloud, now I have. Lets just hope it's not a trap.
Sara- Estoy celoso de tu sol! Llueve aqui todos los dias. Disfrute del sol para mi!
One of my favorite conversation partners thus far has been Rev. Dr. Thanzauva, the husband of the principal. His is a prominent leader in the Baptist church in Mizoram and influential in other places in India as well. His PhD dissertation focused on Liberation Theology and he is constantly at work to develop new programs to help the poor. Needless to say, our intellectual interests are quite similar. We've spent a great deal of time talking about the church in Mizoram and various subjects of the church. He is leaving tomorrow for Delhi which is sad, but I've greatly enjoyed what conversations I've had with him as they've helped me learn a lot about Mizos and Christians in general.
I've also had good conversations with my supervisor Rev. Zolawma and Principal Hnuni as well. In addition, I'm enjoying the atmosphere around campus as well. The students and faculty make jokes about one another in chapel and there is an air of joy around here. For example, the retreat we had here over the weekend was incredibly draining for everyone. Mainly because we had at least three hour and a half sessions everyday in addition to other events. So by the time Sunday night came, everyone was exhausted. At the final service, the students made a song to sing to the principal to beg her to give everyone holiday for a day on the first week of class to rest. The song began "our principal who art in stardom, your queedom come...please give us Tuesday as holiday. Or at least Monday." It was hilarious. Faculty also opening joke about other members falling asleep during chapel, they did a group song, and other funny things. It's quite a contrast from Princeton where most people are far too stiff. If President Torrance made some good jokes at chapel I think I might actually go haha.
Rev. Zolawma has basically granted me complete freedom in ministry/teaching/life this summer which is exciting. What that translates to is that I gave him a list of the ministries I wanted to visit (AIDS clinic, drug rehab center, leprosy mission) and he added some places he thought I'd like to visit as well. It's great that everyone here is so open to helping me. One of the faculty told me today, "let us know if there are any requirements you need for Princeton. We will make sure they get fulfilled." Their willingness makes me want to have the best English class ever to give back. First class is Thursday, let's hope I can live up to the hype.
Tonight over dinner the faculty and I had a long discussion on Texas. Apparently, cowboy movies are really popular in Mizoram. Even books about cowboys have been translated into Mizo so that people can read them. They loved hearing some stories about Texas Rangers and how Texans think they are so much better than everyone else. I continue to find it funny that no matter where I go in the world people love to talk to me about Texas. The United States is great and all, but Texas is what gets them excited. Got to love it.
Well, that's about all I have for now. Been writing again which is cool and have been reading. I'll post again probably friday after my first two classes so you can hear about them. Hope all is well back home!
pax et bonum.
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Harv- haha yea, the landscape at times can be like a Star Wars film. I might call Aizawl cloud city the way the entire town becomes engulfed in clouds some time. I've always wanted to walk in a cloud, now I have. Lets just hope it's not a trap.
Sara- Estoy celoso de tu sol! Llueve aqui todos los dias. Disfrute del sol para mi!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Mizo Weddings
You remember that time that Mizo couple got their wedding pictures back and in one of the photos there was this random tall American in it? Yea, that was a good time.
So Friday I attended a wedding here in Mizoram with the principal's husband and their daughter. It was a pretty cool experience. A large portion of the wedding was much like a wedding stateside. However, often there are no bridesmaids or groomsman. There is only the equivalent of the best man and the maid of honor. But these two people play a pretty big role as they are present at every portion of the ceremony. They stand next to the bride and groom during the ceremony (even the saying of vows) and even give each other a piece of the wedding cake.
The ceremony was held in a fairly large church here in Aizawl. I would say roughly a hundred or so people attended the wedding (I found out later I'll be working in that church quite a bit which is cool). Afterward, there was a ceremony in which people made speeches, did a couple solos, and cut the cake. A private dinner reception followed that we were invited to but declined. All and all, it was a pretty cool ceremony to witness.
Fun story of the day: The principal's daughter recently got married here in Mizoram to a Canadian. He left Aizawl the day I arrived. When attending the wedding, many people who hadn't been able to attend the ceremony thought I was him. I kept getting congradulated on getting married by these people but since I don't speak Mizo I just smiled and shook hands. The daughter, Judith, tried to correct people but there's a great many people who think I'm her husband. Or they got really confused and asked her, "Wasn't he smaller last week?"
This weekend has been a big retreat before classes start Monday morning. Basically, God is mocking me for not going to chapel all year at PTS. There is chapel everyday here at 7am, which I am to attend. I don't mind as it helps show solidarity with the students and I figure after this summer I won't need to go to chapel at PTS anymore because I've met the quota haha. The services are interesting mixing in Mizo spirituality and the evangelical baptist Christianity practiced here. Most of the songs are fairly common stateside so I recognize them quickly. One of the interesting parts of chapel is corporate prayer. At this time, we all pray aloud at the same time with whatever individual prayers we have. At first, I was really confused but I've gotten use to it. Everyone continues to pray until eventually only one person is praying aloud and they close the prayer. All and all, I enjoy the services and they provide glimpses into the culture here.
I'm working on my weekly schedule and summer goals tomorrow and monday. I've been lucky enough to have some great convos with the principal's husband who's given me some great info and insight. He's been a great conversation partner as he is interested in liberation theology, community development, and poverty work as well. Through the info he's given me, I'm going to schedule some trips to visit a leprosy ministry, AIDS clinic, drug abuse center, and some of the people living in rural Mizoram. Quite exciting stuff. I'll keep yal posted on how that all develops. Course, I also have to teach English. I'm actually getting excited about it as I've seen how important it is for these students to learn English in order to be effective here and abroad. Although I have a lot of personal problems with it as well, those are bigger socio-political issues we don't need to dive into here.
Okay, that's enough for now. It's starting to rain so no telling how long this power will stay on. Well, hopefully everything is alright stateside. pax et bonum.
So Friday I attended a wedding here in Mizoram with the principal's husband and their daughter. It was a pretty cool experience. A large portion of the wedding was much like a wedding stateside. However, often there are no bridesmaids or groomsman. There is only the equivalent of the best man and the maid of honor. But these two people play a pretty big role as they are present at every portion of the ceremony. They stand next to the bride and groom during the ceremony (even the saying of vows) and even give each other a piece of the wedding cake.
The ceremony was held in a fairly large church here in Aizawl. I would say roughly a hundred or so people attended the wedding (I found out later I'll be working in that church quite a bit which is cool). Afterward, there was a ceremony in which people made speeches, did a couple solos, and cut the cake. A private dinner reception followed that we were invited to but declined. All and all, it was a pretty cool ceremony to witness.
Fun story of the day: The principal's daughter recently got married here in Mizoram to a Canadian. He left Aizawl the day I arrived. When attending the wedding, many people who hadn't been able to attend the ceremony thought I was him. I kept getting congradulated on getting married by these people but since I don't speak Mizo I just smiled and shook hands. The daughter, Judith, tried to correct people but there's a great many people who think I'm her husband. Or they got really confused and asked her, "Wasn't he smaller last week?"
This weekend has been a big retreat before classes start Monday morning. Basically, God is mocking me for not going to chapel all year at PTS. There is chapel everyday here at 7am, which I am to attend. I don't mind as it helps show solidarity with the students and I figure after this summer I won't need to go to chapel at PTS anymore because I've met the quota haha. The services are interesting mixing in Mizo spirituality and the evangelical baptist Christianity practiced here. Most of the songs are fairly common stateside so I recognize them quickly. One of the interesting parts of chapel is corporate prayer. At this time, we all pray aloud at the same time with whatever individual prayers we have. At first, I was really confused but I've gotten use to it. Everyone continues to pray until eventually only one person is praying aloud and they close the prayer. All and all, I enjoy the services and they provide glimpses into the culture here.
I'm working on my weekly schedule and summer goals tomorrow and monday. I've been lucky enough to have some great convos with the principal's husband who's given me some great info and insight. He's been a great conversation partner as he is interested in liberation theology, community development, and poverty work as well. Through the info he's given me, I'm going to schedule some trips to visit a leprosy ministry, AIDS clinic, drug abuse center, and some of the people living in rural Mizoram. Quite exciting stuff. I'll keep yal posted on how that all develops. Course, I also have to teach English. I'm actually getting excited about it as I've seen how important it is for these students to learn English in order to be effective here and abroad. Although I have a lot of personal problems with it as well, those are bigger socio-political issues we don't need to dive into here.
Okay, that's enough for now. It's starting to rain so no telling how long this power will stay on. Well, hopefully everything is alright stateside. pax et bonum.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Live from Mizoram
Greetings from Aizawl, Mizoram, India!
I arrived here on the 3rd simply relieved to be done with airports for a while. So, here's a little info about my life right now:
Mizoram is located in the far NE region of India. Geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of India, Mizoram is a predominantly Christian state. As a matter of fact, the population is roughly 86% Christian. The main denominations are Presbyterians (in the North) and Baptists (in the South), who are more influential than the government here. The Church in Mizoram is responsible for building hospitals, universities, and other public works. Nevertheless, the Indian government extends control in the financial district which is primarily controled by non-Mizos here.
The term "Mizo" and "Mizoram" are derived from words meaning "hill" and "people." Quite literally, the "Mizos" are "hill people" living in the "land of the hill people." The land here is incredibly beautiful, lush mountains filled with beautiful greenery. Indeed, riding on the roads here is akin to the mountain passes of Colorado. Roads only slightly large enough for two cars (some times not that wide) make their way snaking up and down the mountains. Aizawl is a city which sits on the side of a tall mountain, expanding down the side with white buildings making them appear to be fog. Indeed, some times it's hard to see the city from the campus as thick clouds roll over the mountains daily. I have arrived during rainy seasons, which last until August, making flash rain storms an everyday occurrance.
Classes begin next week so until then my time is spent settling into my new surroundings. The campus rests about a thirty minute drive from the city in a peaceful hill top. The accommodations are reasonably clean and nice so I am happy to be here. But there are also fun parts that I'm adapting to. First would be the fact that I don't really have a shower. I have a fosset which gives only cold water, a bucket, and a small hand pitcher. There no real drain in the ground of my bathroom either so you basically have to wash with just a bucket (if you have any tips of how to do this properly I'm open to suggestions). There are, however, a number of water filters around providing clean drinking water which is great. In addition, the principal has been inviting me over for meals which makes eating clean and easy. I might, however, try to venture to the student's mess once and a while. But the principal wants me eating at her place so we'll see where I end up. Don't argue with the person feeding you, that's a general rule of thumb.
Thus far I've had some good conversations both on my flights here and in Mizoram. I'm doing my best to make friends although most people here look at me as a visiting professor of some sorts or are intimidated by my english. I think it will be easier once classes start up though. Yesterday I went into Aizawl to run errands and check in with the government. The city is home to about 500,000 people, roughly half the population of the entire state. I was asked this morning if I'd like to attend a Mizo wedding and of course accepted. "Yes," "Sure," and "That'd be great" are operating words for me around here.
Well, I have an interview with the faculty and students in about thirty minutes so I should wrap this up. It's no big deal, mainly to ask me questions about my background, the USA, etc. so that people can get to know me better. So many things here are different than back in the states, but more on that later. For this blog post I just wanted to give everyone details about where I am, that I'm alive, and that you can check here each week for updates on the happenings of my life in Mizoram. I hope you're all doing well and I'd love to hear your comments each week. Hope life is good back in the states!
I arrived here on the 3rd simply relieved to be done with airports for a while. So, here's a little info about my life right now:
Mizoram is located in the far NE region of India. Geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of India, Mizoram is a predominantly Christian state. As a matter of fact, the population is roughly 86% Christian. The main denominations are Presbyterians (in the North) and Baptists (in the South), who are more influential than the government here. The Church in Mizoram is responsible for building hospitals, universities, and other public works. Nevertheless, the Indian government extends control in the financial district which is primarily controled by non-Mizos here.
The term "Mizo" and "Mizoram" are derived from words meaning "hill" and "people." Quite literally, the "Mizos" are "hill people" living in the "land of the hill people." The land here is incredibly beautiful, lush mountains filled with beautiful greenery. Indeed, riding on the roads here is akin to the mountain passes of Colorado. Roads only slightly large enough for two cars (some times not that wide) make their way snaking up and down the mountains. Aizawl is a city which sits on the side of a tall mountain, expanding down the side with white buildings making them appear to be fog. Indeed, some times it's hard to see the city from the campus as thick clouds roll over the mountains daily. I have arrived during rainy seasons, which last until August, making flash rain storms an everyday occurrance.
Classes begin next week so until then my time is spent settling into my new surroundings. The campus rests about a thirty minute drive from the city in a peaceful hill top. The accommodations are reasonably clean and nice so I am happy to be here. But there are also fun parts that I'm adapting to. First would be the fact that I don't really have a shower. I have a fosset which gives only cold water, a bucket, and a small hand pitcher. There no real drain in the ground of my bathroom either so you basically have to wash with just a bucket (if you have any tips of how to do this properly I'm open to suggestions). There are, however, a number of water filters around providing clean drinking water which is great. In addition, the principal has been inviting me over for meals which makes eating clean and easy. I might, however, try to venture to the student's mess once and a while. But the principal wants me eating at her place so we'll see where I end up. Don't argue with the person feeding you, that's a general rule of thumb.
Thus far I've had some good conversations both on my flights here and in Mizoram. I'm doing my best to make friends although most people here look at me as a visiting professor of some sorts or are intimidated by my english. I think it will be easier once classes start up though. Yesterday I went into Aizawl to run errands and check in with the government. The city is home to about 500,000 people, roughly half the population of the entire state. I was asked this morning if I'd like to attend a Mizo wedding and of course accepted. "Yes," "Sure," and "That'd be great" are operating words for me around here.
Well, I have an interview with the faculty and students in about thirty minutes so I should wrap this up. It's no big deal, mainly to ask me questions about my background, the USA, etc. so that people can get to know me better. So many things here are different than back in the states, but more on that later. For this blog post I just wanted to give everyone details about where I am, that I'm alive, and that you can check here each week for updates on the happenings of my life in Mizoram. I hope you're all doing well and I'd love to hear your comments each week. Hope life is good back in the states!
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