Mom, it's Sunday, we have to go to Church! God is waiting for us!

More than one Sunday has started out with Kajal waking me to the same chant. I thought... how hard can this be? Finding a church in the 'city of churches'. Charleston has more churches than any other city in the US. Summerville, our historic town just outside of Charleston has more than most major cities. I thought, no brainer, we'll find one in no time.

Not.

We tried a lovely historic Episcopalian church, the same as what we attended in Boston. Perfect we both thought, this will be great, just like home. Until I found out that the church was taking a stand against the national church and against all the beliefs that made me feel right at home with the church in the first place. Then the church was predominantly white... I mean, really white. We were at one service that had over 300 people in attendance and Kajal was the only person of color in the entire church. Part of the reason I moved to Charleston was to have more integration, more diversity. It didn't help that only three people said hello to us and not one child was kind to Kajal.

Next.

We joined a new and yet dear friend of ours to attend their church. A non-denominational church. The music was beautiful, we were off to a great start. The children's program seemed very sophisticated and exciting. Perfect. We were hopeful. The Pastor spoke with passion although I will admit, much more energetically than what I have experienced before. That's okay I thought, I'm from Boston, I'm used to more conservative. This is the South. They get more excited here... I can get used to that. Then I walked back to the room that Kajal was trying out a lesson in. The youth pastor was teaching his lesson and as the children followed along I saw two men wandering amoung the children. Not parents. Not teachers. Not even really doing, anything. Just watching the children. Standing close to them, watching them work over their shoulders. These men, didn't look educated or as if they were participating. They were just there, watching the children. I grabbed Kajal and practically ran for the door.

Next.

We tried a church we've heard alot about. It's huge, massive. Different. But Church. The church is so large that people attend services around the Charleston area  and the pastor is only present one location. The service is then broadcasted live to all the other locations. Yes, you watch the service on a large screen. Okay, it was different but I'd met some people who really loved it and spoke so highly of it, I thought, we'll give it a shot. The children's program was huge! It seemed like there were classes spread out through a massive building. Kajal loved it right away. There were games and everyone was really friendly.  The children seemed to be having a blast so she was thrilled. I walked into the main room and noticed tremendous diversity and everyone was incredibly friendly. Hmm... okay, maybe watching a service on a screen isn't so bad if you you've got all these warm and outgoing people around. Seems spiritual enough.  Then the music started. Christian Rock and Roll. Really, really rock and roll. The lead singer was screaming at the top of her lungs and an electric guitar played along side two drumsets on raised stages surrounded by glass sound partitions to control the sound level. Kajal loved it. I ran.

I was so spoiled by my church in Boston, by the people, by the love. By the simple but inspirational service, It felt so right. Church has been the center of our lives since I brought Kajal home and we are missing that more than I can say.

When I woke up and suggested we just stay home one Sunday, Kajal told me that God wouldn't want us to 'quit' he'd want us to keep looking.

Yeah... I'm trying, but lately, it just seems easier to stay home.

Kajal at Sunday brunch after our foray into the world of Rock and Roll, Church