Amazingly Graceful and Cheerful

Sunday in Harlem

One month since my last post which can only mean that I have so much more to tell you!

I'll start with my most recent New York experience: a gospel ceremony at a Baptist church in Harlem. I expected a colorful and cheerful sight but this was simply amazing. If only Catholic church would take an example, more people would spend their Sundays in Belgian churches!

First of all, people dress up to go to church: nice clothes, big hats, lots of color and more importantly, a big smile! If I think about Catholic church, I see grey, tired, sad and bored people dragging themselves to church "because they have to". Although we were are bit hesitant at first (you do stand out as a white tourist in a Harlem church), we were invited in very quickly with a big smile. The music is simply amazing, upbeat with drums, organ, piano and gospel choir. You can't resist to sing along... The ceremony lasts three hours but you don't get bored. One part of the ceremony is dedicated to welcoming the tourists and visitors to church (meaning you have to stand up and the regulars sing a song for you). People are not expected to sit there quietly and listen, but rather to shout out their praise and they sure aren't shy. Three times during church you are asked to give offerings (money, duh), which according to the ceremony booklet should be 10% of you monthly wages. And the sermon... well, let's just say that it was the first time in my life I heard the beginning, the middle and the end of a sermon. The minister was very very convincing, almost going in trance, and starting to sing at the end ("Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!"). I am not saying I'm converted but I finally understand why some people enjoy going to church and actually get something out of it.

Finally, I would like to apologize for the other tourists in the church... never have I been so embarrassed to be a visitor. I already feel a bit weird going to church to "have the experience" and barging in on other people's traditions, but at least I try to do it with respect. Other tourists... not so much. We were kindly asked not to disturb the celebration by taking pictures (only normal, it's not a zoo!), but 50% of the ignorant tourists just ignored the request and flashed away ("look look, we went to Harlem and saw a bunch of black people sing..."). If reminded of the "no pictures please", they nodded but a few seconds later, took out their cameras again. The tourists came in and went as they pleased (you should at least stay an hour). One guy was even drinking a coke. Grrrr, I sound like a true New Yorker now, but at that moment I really hated tourists! So people please, if you want to participate to a Baptist ceremony in Harlem, please do but remember Aretha's song: "R-E-S-P-E-C-T, a little respect (just a little bit) (just a little bit)"