The branch president is Armenian (one of paul's mission companions btw) and the relief society president is Russian, but most of the members are Georgian except for a few americans teaching English or working at the embassy. thus, as you can imagine, Language is an issue. Mostly people speak in Russian (I'm doing a dance of joy, but its not so great for the kids or other Americans) and they have a headset for anyone that needs English. One girl that speaks all 3 languages translates and you can listen on a headset. If the person speaking is an English speaker, they will have someone translate into Russian. So, sacrament meeting is mostly in Russian, Sunday school was in Georgian with English translation, and relief society was in Russian with English translation. Paul said at least a third of the branch is Armenian, so they spoke to him in Armenian. Crazy. Four languages.
Nobody brings kids to church here. One girl came with her mom for maybe the last half hour of the last class, and she just stayed with her mom. Side note: she and Luke are exactly the same age, except Luke is one day older. We will have to bring a cake or something for their birthdays.
Anyway. About kids at church. Jude was doing some baby gurgles and chewing on his hands loudly before church started, and one of the missionaries said, "it's so great to hear kids at church again!" We feel more than a little conspicuous every time one of the kids makes a peep, but what can you do. They drop stuff. They don't sit perfectly still. Jude fusses. They are kids.
Primary consisted of a craft brought by the senior missionary couple and a little lesson from Paul while the kids played with toys. They have a nice little Primary room with a kids table and chairs, a rug, and toys. But it's pretty clear that nobody brings kids to church here. Maybe we can help with that. We will at least get them used to our kids!
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Location:Tbilisi
You know what, I'm actually a little envious of this situation, because it seems like you'd be getting back to the basics of the gospel, without all the extra stuff that's more culture than gospel. Is this a fair assessment? Of course, it would be super challenging, too. But especially for me these past couple of years, I would be so much happier at church if there weren't so much judging and getting caught up on the way things are done, things that really don't matter. Basics, please. I'd love to know how this goes as you're there longer.
ReplyDeleteCrazy- I remember when we were in Armenia with Maddy and Craigy it was similar- very few young kids at church- Maddy was 4, Craigy almost 1. Although people don't take young kids out much at all there. I was a total circus act walking around with our double stroller. Getting in & out of the subway was the worst- they wouldn't open the handicap entrance for us and then they said I had to break down the stroller and hold both of my kids to go down the escalator. It was crazy! And you're there with 3!
ReplyDeleteAs far as church goes- it was in England that they weren't used to little kids at all. Several not so nice comments made. :(
Is the branch president Hayk? did he & Karine ever marry? :)
ReplyDeleteI am so sad we did not take pictures the Sunday we were there. Please get a photo of Paul and Haik, and other photos from church as well. It is such an amazing experience for you, and one not unfamiliar to us. When we lived in Tahiti with the kids, we attended the Chinese branch. We also had four languages to contend with: French, Tahitian, Chinese (Hakka) and English. We sang the hymns in phonetically written Hakka without understanding a word, but the Spirit transcends all languages. And Jude will add his unique fifth language of ba-ba gurgle gurgle!
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