We started our Easter weekend on Thursday night with a mini-Seder at MCC. I wish I'd had a camera because the set-up was so cool. Big cloths were tied up to enclose our area (remember we meet outside under the tent) and the floor was covered with rugs. Low tables (maybe 20 of them?) with carved woodwork were scattered around and each had five poof cushions to sit on around it. Each table had a pitcher of grape juice, some flat bread, a plate of lamb, and a plate of herbs (parsley, lettuce, and horseradish). Pastor Steve talked us through the traditional Passover meal and the symbolism of each thing we were eating (parsley dipped in salt water for salty tears, bitter herbs for the bitterness of slavery in Egypt, lamb as the sacrificial lamb, the various wine cups - redemption, blessing...). It was cool to see how the symbolism referred both to the Passover (when the angel of death "passed over" the homes of Israelites in the 10th plague) and to the death of Christ. And the lamb was really good (made by one of Egyptian staff, Neamma).
On Friday, our "normal" church day, we had a Good Friday service. It was necessarily a little depressing. I sang with the worship team and all our songs were slow and reflective and about the cross. I'm not saying this is a bad thing at all, we should reflect on Christ's death and suffering. We watched part of a video about the crucifixion and Steve talked about Jesus taking our sins on him. The conclusion was more upbeat - as Tony Campolo said, "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming." =)
Saturday was our day for fun Easter activities - we made egg shaped cookies and frosted them in different colors and made deviled eggs (they don't sell those egg coloring kits here). We had quiche, which is probably Dylan's favorite food here (one of my favorites too). In the evening we watched Godspell, which is an interesting portrayal of the gospel of Matthew. It was made in 1973. That's all I'll say.
On Easter morning we woke to find that the Easter bunny had scattered chocolate around our living room - it probably took us a good 10 minutes to find all of it too. We breakfasted on waffles and bacon and settled down to a game of Settlers of America. Our Easter service isn't until 7:00 tonight.
Monday is also a holiday in Egypt. Sham el-Nessim is a national holiday rather than a religious one, dating back to ancient Egypt. People traditionally go for a picnic on this day and eat some kind of pickled fish (I have no desire to try it). Colored eggs are also part of this holiday (rather than Easter). I found out from my students that you can color eggs using vegetables (red onion for red, mint for green...). Who knew?
On Friday, our "normal" church day, we had a Good Friday service. It was necessarily a little depressing. I sang with the worship team and all our songs were slow and reflective and about the cross. I'm not saying this is a bad thing at all, we should reflect on Christ's death and suffering. We watched part of a video about the crucifixion and Steve talked about Jesus taking our sins on him. The conclusion was more upbeat - as Tony Campolo said, "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming." =)
Saturday was our day for fun Easter activities - we made egg shaped cookies and frosted them in different colors and made deviled eggs (they don't sell those egg coloring kits here). We had quiche, which is probably Dylan's favorite food here (one of my favorites too). In the evening we watched Godspell, which is an interesting portrayal of the gospel of Matthew. It was made in 1973. That's all I'll say.
On Easter morning we woke to find that the Easter bunny had scattered chocolate around our living room - it probably took us a good 10 minutes to find all of it too. We breakfasted on waffles and bacon and settled down to a game of Settlers of America. Our Easter service isn't until 7:00 tonight.
Monday is also a holiday in Egypt. Sham el-Nessim is a national holiday rather than a religious one, dating back to ancient Egypt. People traditionally go for a picnic on this day and eat some kind of pickled fish (I have no desire to try it). Colored eggs are also part of this holiday (rather than Easter). I found out from my students that you can color eggs using vegetables (red onion for red, mint for green...). Who knew?
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter and, if you're also on Spring Break like we are, a relaxi