Pam chose the theme for the weekend, which was "Honoring the Light of God in the Child". Each day she would tell the campers at least one story which related to this theme, and the crafts for each day were co-ordinated with the story.
The story for the first day was about the Love Light. This introduced the campers (who were, roughly, K-5) to the notion that we may look different on the outside, and are unique in our own ways, but have at least one thing in common: we all have Love Lights inside us. Sometimes it's bright, and sometimes it's dim, but it's always there.
Pam told two stories for the 2nd day. She talked about the Peace Flower first. The Peace Flower is a method of conflict resolution. The person holding the Peace Flower may express his or her feelings for as long as s/he needs to without being interrupted. Each person involved in the conflict has the same opportunity. Two teenagers from our church demonstrated how it could work while Pam acted as mediator during the demonstration.The second story talked more about the Love Light. Pam explained that one way of strengthening our Love Light was by being very still and quiet. One way to help us become quiet is by watching a candle. She also gave the campers a felt Love Light to take home as reminder.
Here's one for you:
Friday was the last day of the Vacation Bible School. Pam told the story of humanity dispersing and reuniting. The dispersal was primarily based on color, but some dispersed seeking people who believed or thought as they did.
But separation got lonely, and loneliness made the Love Light go dim. So people reunited, celebrating their diversity, and the commonality of their Love Light.
This Pam I speak of is the same lady I was "sweet on" earlier this year. We spent some time together during the week, and things seem to be getting back to normal. We were able to visit and tease with each other, like the friends we are meant to be.
Another treat of the week was coordinating music with Mary R. Mary is one of the premiere musicians in Oklahoma City. I've had the pleasure of working with her for Peace Walks as well as the Taize Service at church.
Working with Mary always raises my game, and I learn something new from her every time. She says that she enjoys working with me as well, and I have no reason to doubt her.
This last story is another reflection of how humanity's foibles can cross cultural lines. It's very common for a person to emphasize how right his or her beliefs are by denigrating another's. We see this in politics as well as in religion.
Wednesday evening, after Deacon Jim told us that Gordon Yellowman had invited us to the Sundance, another Native American, named James, had some negative comments. "Oh, that Sundance is just a show for the white man. We do the real thing up in Ceiling [Oklahoma]; no outsiders are allowed."
Later on, Deacon Jim was instructing us in proper etiquette for the Sundance: no water near the practice tent; don't try to enter the tent; don't take any pictures; women should keep their legs covered (by wearing pants or long dresses).
James had an addition to these cautions: Don't take your dog. According to him, a dog is sacrificed during the Sundance. Puppies who have recently been weaned are especially prized. Then people eat the dog meat.
This may be true. There was a time, after the buffalo had been slaughtered (primarily by the railroad companies) when the people were very hungry, and dog meat was the only food available. So, this sacrifice may be a memorial of that time.
However, it seemed clear that James was trying to shock or offend. I got the impression that he objected to our being invited to the Sundance, and suspected that he was trying to discourage us from going.
I don't intend to sound judgmental of James. I heard his comments as a reflection of our common humanity. Which is to say that I am equally capable of making disparaging remarks about others' traditions or beliefs. For the others in our group, seeing this very human flaw might have been a corrective for any notion of the "Noble Savage".
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