Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As I did not have a suit, I wore what I assumed were smart casuals. Manu took one look at
me and clucked in disapproval. With a motherly scowl, she addressed me sternly, “Jonath-
an, you can't go to church in a T-shirt!”
“Well, I'm sorry, but I don't have anything else!” I said defensively.
“Wait, let me get something for you.” She disappeared inside the hut and reappeared mo-
ments later with a clean, white dress shirt.
“Here, this is Faali's shirt. He says its good size for you.” She grinned at my embarrass-
ment.
“But I can't wear this with my shorts!” I protested.
“Is better you wear that shirt with your shorts than a T-shirt, Jonathan!” She spoke with au-
thority, and I was losing ground by the second. The two boys and Maleea were now watch-
ing with amusement.
“OK, OK, I'll wear it, thank you Manu. So do I really have to go to church?”
“Yes! All family must go to church on Sunday!” That was the end of that! In addition to
going to church, it was heavily frowned upon to do anything else on Sunday! Swimming
and sleeping were permitted!
We were late and all trooped off to church walking down the dusty lane to the large stone
church on the southwest side of the island. I was horribly embarrassed by the outcome of
my dress code and burnt with shame as the other villagers, all dressed immaculately, openly
giggled and gawked at my ridiculous choice of clothing. Tongi's little hand was in mine as
we drew nearer towards salvation.
Inside the church I knew that if this sinner wasn't struck down by the wrath of God, the
oppressive heat would kill me. I was already in hell. The villagers found their seats, which
were plain, wooden benches shiny with age. The church was actually quite fascinating in-
side. It had a high roof made of galvanized sheet and heavy wooden beams. Open ring-
lets of rock had been fashioned by excellent stone masons, allowing ventilation. There was
even a stained glass window with a picture of Christ, now emblazoned with the bright,
morning sun streaming through the several colors. The pulpit was set very high up on a
wooden platform, and an elderly and kindly pastor waited patiently for his flock to be
seated. On either side of him sat two elected elders, attired suitably for their ecclesiastical
duties.
There was the usual giggling and coughing, greetings and rustle of clothing on benches,
scuffling of feet and handing out of tatty, old, dogeared hymn books, and then silence. The
old pastor stood slowly to his feet and cast a fatherly eye silently around his congregation.
