We were able to visit a mosque in Cherry Hill. It was called the Gracious Center for Learning and Enrichment Activities (GCLEA), and the group shared the building with two other companies.
We were confused on where the main entrance was because there were two doors on opposite sides, labelled “sisters” and “brothers.” Men and women come in through different sides and worship in different areas. Traditionally, the Muslim garb is very modest, but it has changed over the past decade. To prevent worshipers from getting distracted by each other, they separate the genders, which Imam John Starling explained to us. He is the director of the center and gave us a lecture about the religion. He prepared a slideshow.
There are six pillars of faith, including believing in Allah (God) and only Him. There are five pillars of Islam, including the pilgrimage to Mecca that is required at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime. Mr. Starling’s son came in and showed us a prayer call. They were kind enough to purchase pizza and brownie bites for us. Right after visiting the mosque, we went to a small Korean restaurant called Kimchi Korean BBQ, which is owned by a MFS parent. She told us that, in Korea, the mom stands up to serve food for the family. Kamsahamnida means thank you in Korean!
Once we got back to the school, we were supposed to have a parent talk to us, but she was unable to make it because of work. She emailed Ms. Li a little about Korean culture. Pepero, biscuit sticks covered in chocolate, are popular with teenagers in South Korea. February 14th is Valentine’s Day where the girls give chocolate to the boys. March 14th is White Day where the boys give chocolate to the girls. November 11th is Pepero Day because the ones look like couples. There is a game where couples would each take one end of the Pepero and bite it to get closer. In a group of friends, whoever has the smallest piece wins. We were able to get Chocopie and crackers. We also listened to Korean pop music (or kpop), courtesy of Blair and Han.
