Observation 1
Date: Sep 17th, 2006 12:08:26 am - Subscribe
To describe this observation, I must take time to describe the setting where the scenario took place. My husband and I drove approximately eight miles north of (town). This may not seem like a significant distance, but in (town) we were headed out of town. We arrive at (name) Park. This park is a City park that is used for family reunions and community functions. In fact the only time I have spent anytime at this park was for a family reunion. When we arrived at our destination we observed a large make shift church in the form of a very large tent. Surrounding the church or tent were pickup trucks many connected to horse trailers. We were greeted by some very nice men that are unmistakably cowboys. We find the opening and enter the tent. Once we are inside I observed the wood rails and hay bails that surrounded the sanctuary. The congregation was singing along with the praise and worship team. The songs were surprisingly current Christian standards that I could sing along with. I did not know if the music would be traditional hymns. After the singing the preacher began to speak. His message was so simple and easy to understand. I forgot about the hay bails, pickups with horse trailers, and the fact that I was in a church that was erected that very day. After service the people were so friendly and made us feel so welcome. I plan on attending another tent service soon. I truly felt God in the basic frame of that church.
One of the first connections that I made between the experience and the text were the hidden cues of behavior in this culture. The men seemed to be very respectful of the woman in attendance. And the woman seemed to serve in different aspects without being asked to do so. Culture is emotional according to our book, and I could tell that these individuals were proud and passionate about who they were and their lives that they share in the ranching and farming community. This was really great to see. I did not consider the ranchers and farmers of our community a culture all by themselves until now. This class is allowing me the opportunity to experience different cultures that I may have not experienced on my own.
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