I've been doing a lot of research lately on Native Americans, and more specifically Native Alaskans. I'm working on a project for my Global Floristry class. As a demi-anthropologist-in-the-making, I get so into learning about these different cultures. After reading about their culture and listening to their music, I want to go visit them and join in their dancing and singing! I also feel this way after traveling somewhere, especially on mission trips. I want to take on a bit of every culture, be an everywoman, and join in! When imagining it, though, I realize how silly I must appear, all blonde, white (unless sun burnt), and slightly less than coordinated. Try and practice as I might, I will never be a full participant of that culture. I'm not born into it.

Then I begin to be a little saddened because what culture do we have here in America? My family in particular? Knowing I am a mix of Irish, German, English, and French doesn't seem to help me tap into ancient roots. We don't go to clan gatherings or have drum circles, or at-the-top-of-your-lungs singing. But after a moment of feeling too bad, I remember what a blessing that is!

What is my identity? Who am I? What defines me? I am an Orthodox Christian, follower of the One True God, lover of Truth and Beauty.
The Church provides me with everything I need! The identity, culture, music, festivals, and even dances are built into church life. And though it's not something I was born into through family history, it is something I was meant to be as a human being. My "people's" history doesn't go back to our settlement of an area, or separation from another group, but goes back to the CREATION OF THE WORLD! A lot of indigenous culture groups have their own religious beliefs, particular to their group. When they learn of the Truth, they feel like they have to give up a large part of their culture and identity in order to follow Christ. I am lucky that I do not have to worry about that. I can give my whole self to identifying as an Orthodox Christian, albeit in America.

A beautiful thing about the Orthodox Church is that It is for all peoples. We see Greek, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian African, Indian, Native American, and European cultural traditions found within the church. It's beautiful. Here I have the safety to embrace many cultures' ways of praising God and celebrating life. I think back to my time in Cameroon, where I danced in a circle, with blonde ponytail and red t-shirt, alongside a couple generations of Cameroonian men and women in celebration of the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Orthodox Church building. I may have looked ridiculous (I may even have video of that somewhere) but I shared in their joy, and we thanked God, together.