Just to clarify-I love my home church! I was only teasing in previous comments on the last post. I apologize if they seemed offensive or critical. I was only intending to be playful and poke fun at my own Presbyterian stereotype here in Uganda.
Today was our first day at Dwelling Places. We mainly just met more people and are still getting acclimated. However, a marvelous part of the day was devotions this morning. All of the staff gathered together at 10:00 this morning. The men picked up the drums, and I could tell we were ready to do some singing. Before we began, they asked us to teach them a song. I quickly suggested “I love you, Lord” knowing that it should be something easy, short, and not childish. They caught on rather fast and it was fun to teach them a new song. After this, Betty began to lead devotions. She is a tall, slender woman with short hair and glasses over her eyes. She was dressed very nicely in business clothes that you would find on any woman back in the States. Quite frankly, it was us Americans who were dressed the most informal. Betty suggested singing a song and then letting anyone share what they have learned lately from scripture. We opened with singing “This is the Day.” The drums sounded and voices rang. I loved getting to worship with the people this morning. I was moved to look up and see that I was worshipping Christ in the same room with people from Scotland, the U.K., Uganda, and America. Sometimes I feel like I need someone to pinch because this all seems like a dream.
Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with how blessed I am by the people around me. They are all so hospitable and kind. They give so much more than I feel I would ever have to offer. Not much work gets done, because the people are very relational. They take their time getting where they need to be, and enjoy their day. They plan their days one at a time, which is very different from the fast pace of life at home. Sometimes I miss the business, but I love learning and appreciating the way things are done here. I’ve not much else to say, it was a slower day, but any day in Africa is still an adventure.
I try to comment on every post, hoping ONE will go through! Let's see if this is the one... :) Louise, I caught the spirit of what you were trying to say in your last post and I was tickled. Surely, we could learn much from the African church and they could from us. Christ has given us all strengths and weaknesses. You are so precious and you know that you don't exactly fit the stereotype either, and I love that about you! Praying for you every day. So thankful for every word you have posted. The pic of you and Sirus is the wallpaper on my phone. Looking forward to the next account of God's mighty work in you! Love, Katie Elliott
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord for you Louise! You are such an encouragement! Know that I am praying for you. Thank you for being such an awesome example of what a servant of the Lord looks like. Love you!:)
ReplyDelete-Christy
"I Love You, Lord" was the song that Paul and I sang at our own wedding. I know - not so traditional - but then, after so many years spent in Europe, we are not what you would call traditional! We just love when people love the Lord and worship Him in spirit and in truth! I am envious of your time in Africa - a continent that I have never visited - yet! Soak up every minute - it will go by so quickly!
ReplyDeleteLouise, I have been enjoying reading your blog. All that you are seeing and experiencing is a profound witness that it is Christ that unites us. I love that we can "listen" in on all that Christ in doing both in and through you. Praying for your health, safety and the spiritual and emotional strength to do what God has called you to do.
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