Sunday....
We walked to the church this morning. Church was supposed to start at 10:00....just like in the states, we started late. The singing was amazing. Many of the songs I couldn't sing because they were in SiSwati. I tried to follow along but it is a difficult language to read and they make IMPOSSIBLE sounds. Then came Amazing Grace, finally a song I know! Yeah, they don't sing it the same way at all. I did catch on though. The women take the lead in many of their songs and many times start a song for the leader. They also read scripture willfully. Bible study was first. The children all go to their classes. The Lord's Supper is next and then the sermon. While the sermon is going on the children are being fed. Many of the children that come are orphans. They will melt your heart.
I have learned the hand shake, don't be surprised if I shake your hand the new way I am used to when I get back. People's names here however are very difficult to say, let alone remember. There are a few, Ruth, Edith, Moses...I got those. But, Ntombikayise Gule... I tried and she laughed. I tried several times. After church I got to meet Ruth. She is an RN and will be helping me out identifying needs and approaches.
View of the church's main hall
After church we walked home, had some lunch, had my first nap since coming here and then headed to the African Christian College. The service at ACC was held under a thatched shelter. It got a little cool (it is winter remember) but was very nice, maybe in the 60s? The singing was all in English since the students are from many different countries. Tomorrow starts a new mid-mester for them so new teachers were here. There is also a library going up so others were there for that. Lots of people to meet. Tebo, a student there who I met that morning, did the sermon. It was great. He is very passionate about his faith. Afterward, I found out it really is a small world after all. I met Doug and Linda Foster who know Wilson McCoy and I met Jim and Jenene Marnach who know Mike and Karen Stroud. Many know Homer and Joree Dudley from their visit last fall.
Sunday flew by! This is going to be a busy week!
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