It is now Wednesday afternoon, just over 24 hours left until we pass the next frontier, our first Nepali congregation book study.
The whole affair will last only 15-20 minutes and yet, the preparation, the anticipation, the heartbeat: intense!
Opening night we are inaugurating the meeting in a study from the ‘Growing Older Together’ chapter in ‘The Secret of Family Happiness’ book. I think I was sub-teen when we studied this in the English, and as I prepped (prepared) my appreciation for advice on a 'not so spoken of' subject soared: How to maintain our happiness as we grow older.
I’m on the precipice of 25, so not quite dependent on a walking stick, but it is apparent in society that youth and beauty are synonymous with happiness, and as these fade so can contentment in one’s self and/or mate. (Incidentally the first subheading is entitled, ‘Adapting to Your Children’s Independence’…hmmm could it be that for some, letting go of their children is like letting go of their youth - hence the knot in the apron strings?)
Though this topic interests me in Times New Roman, once the Devanagari script appears, meditation is quickly transferred from thoughts such as ‘a man will leave his family and stick to his wife’, to, ‘does this word end in “sha”, “sa”, “sh” or “s”!?’ – who needs a mintie?
I've undertaken the task of finding my own answer so I actually learn something...but given the length in time I've spent perusing my dictionary for words like 'buddhi' (wisdom) and 'buudhaa-buudhii' (FYI folks: the elderly), I'll be satisfied with just the one comment - short and sweet.
Someone shared a tip with me once that they always answer right at the beginning so they can relax for the rest of the meeting. I have stolen this plan and am endeavouring to answer in the second paragraph (think I'll need my scuba-tank;)...
Yes nerve-racking as they are; exciting times they be!
If y'all ever find yourself in Marrickville on a Thursday evening circa 7:30 pm, feel free to drop by (315 Enmore Road).
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I thought I should add an epilogue to this post.
ReplyDeleteAfter racing frantically to the meeting so I'd arrive with enough time to practise/ensure I wasn't making any too radical mistakes, I composed myself and forced a few rushed greetings before lassoing Adean Bai (Bro Dean).
I hurried him through just the one answer (resigning myself to a 'do or die' attitude). After a couple of minor alterations I was pleased that yes, it made sense. Five minutes later, my head assumed the ‘crossing the road’ position and looked right, then left, then permitted my hand to drift a little too slowly in the air.
I missed my chance. Guilt transpired. Plan B surfaced.
Plan B involved reading a scripture I had practised should the conductor ask for volunteers. I quickly turned to the scripture, and consoled myself with the thought that it probably would not be asked. My consolation was short-lived, and my earlier guilt returned. This time the reaction was prompt and I found myself 'on air'. The page blurred, then refocused, and I commenced a paced reading of no more than 5 lines, yet 5 lines more than needed to cause a rose eruption in my cheeks and chest. I exhaled a quick "that was the right scripture, right?' to Anju, and was relieved in her confirmation. The pulse subsided; the rose began to pink.
As we approached the final paragraph I pondered over the Plan C option I had prepared 'just in case' at home. Does it really make sense? Is that really how it is pronounced? Can I really leave this brother out in the cold waiting for an answer?
Yes
Yes
NO! The road was clear, and so I crossed! Up went the hand....blah came the answer!
In all seriousness though, aside from nearly suffering a coronary, it was lovely to see the effort everyone had put in. Even more memorable was seeing the Nepalis express themselves so openly and from the heart! I can't wait to I can understand more of these moments.
That sounds so fantastic - and good on you for getting in there and commenting/reading! So exciting when you make the effort huh?
ReplyDeleteYes endorphins are great! And there is nothing like the feeling that you are 'involved'...I think that's partly why I've always been fascinated with languages...human interaction=priceless!
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