It's hard to believe it's 2014, and that I've been in Southall four full months! It seems like November and December whizzed by me, and now I'm here in January trying to catch my breath. In the spirit of slowing down, taking stock, and heading into a new year on a clean slate: I'd like to share here some interesting parts of my last two months.
First: Marching.
So it's a thing in Southall to 'march' or parade down the broadway. Every religious group here in Southall has their own march. In November I saw thousands of Sikh believers march down the broadway with their holy book, celebrating their great Guru's birthday. Not only did they march, but they handed out TONS of free food--samosas and pakora, fruit, water, and sodas. I stood on the side of the road and watched the procession pass, amazed at the color and sheer amount of people.
Then came my turn: the Jesus March in mid-December brought out all the Christians in Southall and the surrounding areas. We followed the three wise men on a large truck covered in christmas lights, and sang christmas carols. Celebrating Christmas on Southall Broadway meant feeling a part of a greater community of believers in Jesus. That night on the broadway, a street I usually as a foreigner feel self conscious walking down--I was one of the crowd. Together with my family of believers, we sang and praised our heavenly Father together. It's a moment I still hold onto.
More soon, blogger friends! Thanks for reading!
