You need to first realize that Bud and I are not Catholic so the goings on during the service are not what we are accustomed to. But you have to add in that it was entirely in Spanish.
We arrived early and sat with the family. Our understanding was that service was to be at 10:30 but as with so much here in Panama it did not start until well after 11 and concluded around 12:30. As we sat and waited it gave me a chance to people watch- you could tell that this is a huge event in the families lives and the church seemed to buzz with excitement. Finally the service began and in through the balloon arch marched all the kids. The girls dressed all in white with lovely head pieces, some with white gloves and some of the dresses were very elaborate. They all were carrying candles. From the balcony came live music with guitars etc and it was some of the most beautiful music I have heard. During some of the songs the people clapped and swayed and many joined in singing.
We sat in pews that were very hard and very upright - the kneelers did not fold up out of the way but were boards with iron work to hold them in place. One of the things I found strange was the comings and goings of the people - it was not a sit quietly, it was children and adults walking around. There were people who came in long after the service had started.
Parents of the children got up took pictures even going right up to the pews at the front where their kids sat. When it came time for the actual ceremony a man with a lighter lit the candles and the children held them high over their heads while the priest spoke. The candles were blown out and then the communion- the front of the church was totally crowed with parents taking pictures. Communion was then opened up to the remainder of the church.
I did discover that Amen is the same in both languages- they also did the greeting and sign of peace among your friends.
Jarellis is a very shy little girl and she reluctantly allowed her picture taken with her family. She is one of 5 children in the family that is a blended family. She has aspirations of becoming a doctor and is a leading student in her class. We had taken small gifts and Bob and Pat gave her a small cross necklace that brought tears to her eyes when she opened it.
The entire experience was fantastic and gave me a true feel for some of the Panamanian culture. We two gringos sat for almost 2 hours not understanding what was being said ( but I did take it Father was somewhat of a comedian as there seemed to be a lot of jokes which were greeted with much laughter)
I was amazed at the beautiful floral decorations that were white roses - not easy to find here I am told. The entrance of the church is undergoing renovation with new concrete steps and a ramp being put into place. In fact we walked by on Sat. and they were working - mixing the concrete in a wheel barrow and on Sunday there were not barricades but the piles of sand and mix were removed.
It was a day that we will long remember- attending Panamanian church all in Spanish yet getting the same feelings I would have at home. No matter what the religion or type of service it is a bonding expereince with those around you. Language barriers come down when a common thread runs though life.
In a couple of weeks we will be attending her sisters 15th birthday party - this is some what like our sweet 16th - it is a very large affair we have been told and hers will be held at the fairgrounds
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