Nip.

This morning I wore a jacket to walk to class. Maybe Fall is merely teasing us, but I am hoping with all my heart that he is here to stay. I love the changing of the seasons.

I have had some interesting spiritual experiences this past week. My Catholic roommate has been inviting me to mass, so I went with her on September 11th. While I think that Catholic doctrine is bizarre (and to some extent, stupid), I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the service. It was different than anything I have ever experienced. The solemnity and grace was refreshing, and especially fitting for remembrance of September 11th.

On Wednesday, I attended a class that explains Catholic doctrine. It might have been one of the most amusing things that I have seen. The class was on the Sacraments, and the focus was the Sacrament of Marriage. Evidently, this is a touchy subject considering how common divorce is in our society (Catholics don't believe in divorce: or rather, they prefer to call it a different name: "annulment"). One particularly dense man (who was wearing snake skin boots) didn't understand what Deacon Pat was explaining about the annulment process. He took it quite personally and eventially summised, "So you're saying that the kids from my first marriage are bastards!!!" Everyone was quite shocked. It isn't very polite to yell this at an elderly Catholic deacon. One "chivalrous" man attempted to defend the deacon, saying, "The church is just trying to fix your screw up!" Mr. Snake Skin Boots replied, "Yeah, it sure was a screw up." Who needs television? I found this much more entertaining...

Friday night, David and I attended Shabat at a Messianic Jewish Synagogue. The service didn't end until 10 PM! I enjoyed the service, and the Rabbi was incredibly funny. One thing I didn't respect was the Rabbi's "Palestinian/muslim bashing." He was obviously biased due to being Jewish. His main points were that there is no such thing as Palestinians: they are Arabs. According to him, Palestine belongs to Israel. I guess this is a very real issue for Jews, and its something I don't really have any personal contact with. During the service, an elderly Jewish lady interjected frequently with expressions such as, "Totally," "Good for you," "That's right!" etc. After a little of this, the congregation began to laugh. Finally, the Rabbi said, "Shirley sure is excited tonight! She's an 84-year-old born-again Jewish lady, now that's something to be excited about!" Hehe.

I would really be interested in comparing a Messianic Synagogue to an Orthodox Synagogue. Isn't religion an interesting thing? There are so many different beliefs and ideas, even among what is considered the same religion.

After Shabat, David and I went to Starbucks. When we ordered, the barista asked what we were up to on Friday night and why we were dressed up. We both laughed when we had to answer that we just came from Shabat, which is the Jewish "church" service and Friday is when the Sabbath begins. She quickly remembered that Thursday was Rosh Hashanah.

Happy New Year to you all, by the way. It is now the year 5768. = )

Wishing you all peace and happiness.

<3
Caroline