So we went down for lunch at 1pm because we had to meet our organizers at 1:30. All we wanted was a bowl of borsch and a salad. It took forever and I ate my too hot soup and went up to see the conference room where we would conduct the service. We had finished writing the ritual for blessing of relationships and communion and sent it to our translator earlier. It seemed like the two couples who sought blessing, one male and one female and a very few spectators would be the only ones. We thought that because in previous years, people were afraid to come. Well, were we ever wrong to think that! The room was filled to capacity, probably 50 or 60 people by the time we started. The table was covered with a Christian rainbow flag made by Rev. Lu at my church. The flag had been blessed and passed around Open Arms on Easter and every one in the congregation held it and offered prayers. I began the service by explaining the origin of the flag and said that it represented my people's presence with us in the solidarity of prayer.
It was really a beautiful service and then Florin and I offered communion. About 30 people received which was also more than we expected. I have pictures of the whole thing but am not free to post them on my blog because of the need for privacy for the couples and attendees.
We have heavy hired security around us at all times because it is still dangerous in Eastern Europe to be openly gay and gatherings cause fear among those who dare to come. The organizers were very pleased at the turnout. The director of the host agency has called me Djimmi since the first time we met in 2009 and continues to do that.
Florin and I met at 7 for dinner and walked through a huge street festival. A main street was blocked to traffic and the streets were full of people. There was a stage set up at one end of the street with live entertainment. We found a great restaurant and were able to eat outside. I had cheesy onion soup and a pork cutlet with green beans. Dessert for me was a hot fudge sundae and cappuccino. Florin had miso soup, a veal cutlet with fries and for dessert chocolate ice cream. We took a long time over our dinner and walked through the streets down to the stage. When we got back to the hotel, Andrey was waiting for us with a taxi to take us to the evening festivities that started at 10pm. It was great good fun. We had taken over a bowling club. Very modern, automated scorers, ten or so lanes, heavy rock music, American and Russian - it was great to hear Cher in NIkolaev, Ukraine. At midnight or just after, there was a reception for the couples we blessed, all the customs were observed. For the first time in Nikolaev, two of their mothers came to offer the traditional gift of bread and salt to the couples. It was very moving and emotional.
It was a wonderful party and when we wanted to leave at one, a security man came with us back to the hotel in the taxi to insure our safety.
It was a truly wonderful and blessed day. I participated in great happiness with two beautiful couples and many young vibrant people. Tomorrow, Florin and I will present a workshop which we have to put finishing touches on. It's almost two a.m. here and we decided to meet at 9 for breakfast and to work. So, till Sunday.
Love,
Jim
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