Last Saturday we were invited to join the Makivka Branch celebration of Spring. Makivka is a small town about 40 minutes by bus from the church building, too far for members to walk. We live much closer to the building. We rode the bus to the closest stop, then walked to the church. As we approached the church and saw only one car in the parking lot we wondered if we were wrong about the time or date. Not to worry. On entering the building we were greeted with music, dancing and welcoming smiles and hugs.
Here everyone loves to sing and perform. Some are very good. Even those who do not have performance-quality voices love to sing. After the prepared program has concluded, the time is opened for anyone who would like to perform and the singing goes on spilling over into the refreshment time with folk songs of the Old Ukraine. You could feel the love two older sisters have for Ukraine as they sang on and on trying to help the others remember the old songs.
Sometimes the pantomimed stories seemed to "run on" and not get anywhere or have a punch line but the audience enjoyed it all and I think it was enjoyed most by those performing. For refreshments, a plain opened faced sandwich was served, made of thick homemade bread with slices of cheese and meat on top, a banana and soda.
I can't wait until you are invited to a wedding:)!(Get lots of sleep the night before). Maybe one reason there is so much talent, so much performing, so much singing and dancing, and its all generational,may be that when so many freedoms are taken away or controlled, you hold tight to the methods of personal expression left to you... and you present it with your heart. It is your heart... as well as portrayal of your family history.
ReplyDeleteMethinks, Dad, your days of "supporting ward choir" with solely your ears are limited....
You do want to speak their language heart to heart, don't you? :) :)