The Buddhists help rebuild a church...or why I love Vermont

[kittynh]

So today I went to church.

Well I went to a Buddhist string ceremony at a church.

Seems the church in town needs a new roof. So the Buddhist community offered to throw a fundraiser dinner. I'm talking GOOD food, with 100% benefiting the roof fund. The Buddhist community made and donated and served all the food.

After there was a string ceremony, yeah, I'm wearing white strings, and dancing and cool cultural stuff.

And it all took place in the church, cause hey, it's VERMONT, no one cares.

Kids were running around the church yard barefoot. Everyone was laughing and having a blast. During the ceremony I tried to figure out why everyone was wearing Tevas. I think it's a law (I had my pair on!).

I know, all religion BAD, but today I just think it was good. The sort of community building that religions like to think they promote, but usually don't. Anyway, as an antidote to fundamentalism, today was nice.



the man here was the biggest composer in Loas before he had to leave in a hurry. He still composes operas, which open in Vermont now!

 

[kittynh]

Here is a schoolmate of my daughter, with her sister.

 

[kittynh]

and I don't know what this is called, but this guy is supposed to be the best in the world at playing it.

It sounded wonderful...

 

[kittynh]

then everyone in town had to get into the act! I'm telling you!!!

 

[kittynh]

if you want to find the town where this happend...well, follow the signs.

I happen to know quite a few atheists that had a good time at this.

 

[Ryokan]

Sounds fun, I wouldn't mind to have been there

I'm sorry to say that's not how things are done in my hometown. Here the immigrant Buddhists are preyed upon by the Christians.

I do some volunteer work for the Red Cross, and amongst them is what's called a refugee guide - helping refugees and immigrants to find their place in Norwegian society and teach them our ways and culture, etc.

I think I'm the only atheist who does this, the rest are Christians who get their 'clients' involved in church meetings and things like that. It's sad, really.

ETA:

Oh, one more thing....

Here is a schoolmate of my daughter, with her sister.

[qimg]http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/897/thailittle54ru.th.jpg[/qimg]

Are they single? Can I come over?