Sunday

This morning we went to the Grace Brethren Church of Ali. We went to the first service - the French service - which turned out to be in Sango anyway. Their pastor was preaching at another church, and the man that was filling in for him didn't know French, so he preached in Sango. He preached on getting ready for Christmas - and giving Jesus your heart. It was a nice reminder. Then the choir sang, accompanied by synthesizer, guitar, and drums. It sounded very similar to the church recordings that Jason brought home with him. Then we had the offering. They were having a special offering that day, and called up the people by the area of town that they lived in. We had arrived late and were sitting in the back, so many people did not know that there were 6 white ladies in attendance. We created quite a stir when we walked to the front to put in our offering. You could hear the buzzing of talking start as we walked from the back. Then we had to stand and Barb introduced us.
We closed the service singing, "How Great Thou Art". Which was really special. It was so cool to be able to sing along with them. It didn't matter that we were speaking 2 different languages, we were both worshipping one God.
This afternoon has been restful. The other group just left to go back to the center to finish the High School student's pictures. I am staying here because my church will be calling soon. PTL for Skype. I will be able to talk through the sound system at church so that everyone can hear our phone conversation. I'm not sure what I will say yet. It is hard to figure out how to share this whole experience in a few minutes. Barb was afraid that I wouldn't be able to find a quiet place at the center to talk on the phone, so I am by myself at the mission for this phone call. When they get back, we are hopefully going to the pool. :)