Sunday, May 17, 2009

I got up early once again, but I relaxed in my room. I was just going to relax but Leah came and said I was going to church in town. I got ready and met the drivers outside. Josh came with me too. When we arrived at the church we could already hear the singing from inside. We felt very late, but the drivers said that they are there all morning singing and dancing and then the service starts around 9. We had arrived right at 9, but the priests didn't come in for at least a half hour. All their songs were so beautiful and happy. Jeremiah would tell us what the songs meant and we clapped along. It was so amazing to see all the people. If singing is like praying twice as I've heard this should be the most blessed community in the world. I was very emotional thinking about their faith through everything they've been through. One of the most prayerful and joyful people I saw was a young man who clearly had nothing. His clothes were far too small and very dirty. But he danced and sang with so much passion. I envied his faith and his love of life. Imagine not knowing where your next meal might come from but knowing for sure that there is a God in heaven. Imagine having missing limbs because of a war you had nothing to do with, or not knowing where any of your family members are, but believing with everything you have that God is in control. They have a faith we can't imagine, because they have been through things we can't imagine. But through all that, surviving so many difficulties, and dealing with circumstances so foreign to us like not being able to care for yourself or your family, they praise God with a faith and passion we could never compare to. We complain about trivial everyday things and they literally have nothing and are thanking God for just being alive. And to top it all off, they welcomed us with open arms. They came out to the truck before we'd even stopped to welcome us and see us in. We represent everything they don't have, there wasn't even a car in the parking lot. But they were so happy to see us, not a sign of resentment. They even recognized us and sang a song to welcome us. The whole service was songs and joyful dancing and praise. No sadness or sorrow. Everyone was so into the service. Not one person was dozing off or being distracted. Even the children, who didn't leave for Sunday school until two hours into the service. It was simply amazing and I wish everyone could experience what I did in that tiny 4 wall tin roof chapel. They are strong in ways we could never be.

After church we came back for lunch and then headed back to town for our day in Rubavu (Gisenyi). We toured the Great Ape Trust of Iowa's office and then went to the market and to an internet cafe. Then we went to the border of the DRC to check that out and headed to the Serena for supper. It's so beautiful there. Yes, girls, I did have one of our AMAZING drinks, but it was quite different :-) Supper was good, and after we went to go see the Congo's glowing volcano, Nyiragongo. Another busy busy day!