On Fasting with Rachel: Tonight We'll All Go Out Dancing
In West Africa Ray Ray's friend Rachel is fasting. -gw
Because Rachel is Baha'i, and this is her holiday this month (Ayyam-i-Ha), we are celebrating and fasting with her for solidarity. (It was Mariema's idea first, because Rachel fasted with our Muslim colleagues during Ramadam.) For the past four days we've been pigging out and today we are giving small cakes to the little Talibe and fasting. Fasting means that you can't let anything pass your lips after sunrise and before sundown.
Ray-Ray with friends
Rachel began her Baha'i fasting today and twice this morning (before lunch even!!!) P brought in snacks for the whole office!!! Then he made attaya (traditional sugary tea) for everyone. Rachel, of course, is convinced he did this all on purpose. I think it's hilarious if he really did do it on purpose. It's not a bad bit of passive-aggression! M said that she was going to fast with Rachel, in solidarity, and then did not. Madame Fall told me to return in a demi-heure and then had closed up shop. I gave lots of little gateau to Talibe who were so adorable and heartbreaking. Giving them gateau makes them smile and you feel awful because it is such a tiny thing and they are so needy. I'm going to start shaking their hands. I think that is a good thing. Respect from an adult. (Unless they are being taught by their marabouts to not shake hands with women. Sigh.) I am fasting in solidarity with Rachel but I'm drinking and I forgot earlier and ate some peanuts. I'm only fasting for today. I think fasting is dumb, all things considered. And I sure don't believe in any god who would advocate it. Rachel's reasoning is respectable, though. K and A are fasting as well, today. We're going to break the fast with cheesy garlic bread and vanilla milkshakes. Tonight we're all going out dancing.
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{Re-posted with permission}
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