The Melting Pot
When I finally awoke from my 16 hours of sleep I realized that I really wouldn’t be able to do much that day. I had meeting at 7:30 after all, so by the time I could take the tube to Central London I’d have to come back. So instead I had a leisurely afternoon of exploring Tottenham. Tottenham, possibly even more so than Central London, is a hodgepodge of culture and people. By walking around, taking the bus, shopping in the grocery store etc, I have met people from Russia, Poland, South America, Vietnam, Jamaica, loads from Africa, even more from Lebanon, India, Pakistan, etc. I read somewhere that there are more languages spoken in London than anywhere else in the world. And I believe it, you almost never hear English. What is great about all the different cultures is that it adds such a variety. Everyone has their own fashion style, smell, and accent. It is wonderfully refreshing.
I also spent part of the day learning more about my host. He is of Jamaican decent but he and his mother have lived in Tottenham since the 1960’s. The house in which I’m staying was bought by him about 11 years ago when he married his wife. Sadly, he lost her just over six years ago to cancer. His mother was just recently diagnosed with cancer as well. Despite hardship his spirit is amazing. He has learned to fend for himself well. He is an excellent cook and even has grown to enjoy it. More importantly he is also quite obviously large help to the congregation. As an elder you can tell he is very loved and comforting to a great deal of people. In fact he is soon to be interviewed on a special assembly day program which will undoubtedly prove to be a tearful example of coping with hardship head on with Jehovah’s spirit. It’s funny, any time some one finds out I’m staying with him they have nothing but good things to say. He is described as “lovely” in every single instance and everyone calls him “Uncle”. One thing is for sure is that I’m lucky to have him looking after me over these next few days.
All and all the day was relaxing and rather uneventful. Well needed I might add.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:15 am
Please give this brother a big, well deserved hug from Carrie and I across the pond. I’ll be praying for him tonight. What a blessing to the brotherhood to have ones like him enduring faithfully as a shepherd despite the weight of his own personal loss and continuing hardships. His faith is definitely worthy of imitation. People say “uncle” when they see me coming, but I think it means something else here.