Rammadan

For several nights, I have heard someone singing at night and wondered why anyone would make such a mournful sound. In fact, at first I thought it was a cow crying in the rain. Upon listening closely, I realized that cow would have to have had singing lessons to be so well pitched.

The last few nights I've also heard a horn being played at various times-also mournful and similar to the animal horns often used in movies about Biblical battles.

I asked Kate about these things this morning, and she explained the Moslems had just completed 1 month of fasting for Rammadan. The music is part of their religious celebration.

I was a bit surprised, since Tanzania seems to be a mostly Christian country. Churches of various affiliations are scattered throughout Tarime, and buses have Christian posters, pictures, and even praise videos playing throughout the long rides.

Nate and I talked about Islam, and he remarked how impressed he was with the devotion it required. Devotees pray 5 times daily and fast 1 month a year. What possibilities might these observances allow us as Christians to achieve?
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T