Sunday

This  morning we worshiped at the IMASAKA Church of God, a very different experience from what we, as sober, reformed people, are used to at home. The congregation is very small.
The choir, and the children sitting in front of them, were singing lustily, accompanied by a jembe drum and tambourine and much hand clapping, when we entered.
We were warmly welcomed at the door and shown to our seats and sang and clapped along with the choir and congregation. We were asked to come to the front and introduce ourselves.
The message was on the 5 wise and the 5 foolish virgins. Be prepared for the Lord is coming! Interestingly, the collection was counted immediately after the service while the congregation was still there. The amounts of the tithes given with the names of those who gave them were announced, and then the totals of the "2nd" offering, and after that the total of the offering given by us as guests. How would you feel if it was announced from the pulpit how much you had put on the collection plate? Would you be embarrassed?

After the service some of us talked to the women about general and feminine hygiene. Linda and myself headed outside with the youngest children and Linda told a Bible story. Colouring sheets and some crayons were handed out. The children listened and coloured very quietly and attentively. No running around or being rambunctious. Then Linda and I took out our bubble blowing "equipment" and blew bubbles for the children, which they love. Of course they wanted to try it too.

After church our van would not start and most of us decided to walk back to the house which took about 15 minutes. We are at an elevation of 7000 feet here and it is..hot so, needless to say, you don't walk at a fast pace.

Lunch was ready when we came home. We had planned to visit two widows in the afternoon. The first one was within walking distance, the second one farther away. Between the two we went back to the house. Marcia was worried we might have to walk again so she was contemplating to hire a boda-boda (motorcycle) driver. Since there was no helmet available one of the ladies fashioned one for her out of a deflated soccer ball and a big ribbon around it, tied under her chin, to keep it on her head. Upon further  consideration she decided that maybe it was not such a good idea after all.

Our van only needed to be boosted so, thankfully, we did not have to walk. We visited a widow in her eighties, who lost her son just three months ago and now cares for his two boys.

For the first time since coming here we have not had a thunderstorm this afternoon or evening and it has not cooled off much.

Greetings and much love to all our loved ones and friends.
Mary