I went "in service" (if you could even call it that) with someone I knew from an Arabic congregation. The Service Arrangement(TM) was much the same as any other, except that it was conducted in Arabic. Everyone stated their plan for the morning, oddly enough it was not lists of Not Homes(TM). Each couple/car group had ONE call to make.
I was confused until we arrived to the call. It was, apparently, a Return Visit(TM). The four of us piled out of the car and converged upon the door. The Householder(TM) opens the door and, as is the custom of this particular culture, invites the group inside. Pleasantries are exchanged. Children in the home are hugged. The lady of the house serves coffee and LOTS of sweets. Cake, baklava, candied almonds, chocolates. To decline, I have been warned in advanced, is highly insulting to the hostess, so indulge we must, for the sake of the Good News(TM). The scripture from Paul about becoming like those around us was quoted as justification of this form of Theocratic War Strategy(TM).
The visit continues with pleasantries and off-topic conversation, topping up of the coffee cups, passing around of the assorted offerings, and when the supplies of sweets are dwindling, more are brought out from the kitchen. Near the end of the two-hour visit, the 'leader' of the group presents the host and his family with the latest magazines. We spend a few more minutes saying good-bye with hugs and air-kisses on both cheeks exchanged by everyone.
On the way home, everyone kept saying what a wonderful morning they had in service. I asked if this is how service is like all the time. "Yes," they tell me, "isn't it like this for the English brothers and sisters??"
I told them about going door-to-door in sub-freezing blizzards (and having to wear a skirt and nylons while doing so) for hours at a time and finding nobody at home. They had never done anything like that. It must be because the Arabic people are so hospitable compared to other Canadians. Yeah, right, that's gotta be it.
I guess they took pity on me because they invited me to go with them again, any time I wanted. Funny thing was that I never did again, because their way of doing Field Service(TM) felt like "cheating" compared to the way I was taught to do it. Possibly one of the dumbest choices I ever made as a JW.
Love, Scully
