I was having a rough day. This might surprise you. i would hope not. just because I'm in a mission trip doesn't mean I don't have hard, difficult of sad days. Things were heavy on my mind and heart from the moment i woke up. I was emotionally drained and needed a good cry. Duty called though and I had to go to church. Although I wasn't in "the mood" I still went, also grateful that I didn't have to preach.
Sitting third row from the front in a white plastic chair with my Bible and journal in my lap is where I sat. Freddy played the keyboard well as the choir sang and swayed to the music. An hour later the children all stood on stage and sang with their whole hearts as they tapped their toes and moved with the rhythm. Even though majority had straight faces they sang loud and clear for all of Kanombe to hear. Whenever the kids sing songs to The Lord, all in unison, it cheers me up. There is a young girl in particular, she stands on the right side of the stage in the front row. She is probably 12 years of age. We hit it off since my first Sunday in Rwanda. Aubrie and I lead Sunday school previous weeks and she was always there. Although we never exchanged words we did exchanges smiles!
There I sat, and a smile crept across my face as we locked eyes. There she stood singing with the microphone in her hand. She wore a blue floral sundress and white strappy sandals with a little one inch heel. Her hair was a wiffle and her little gold hoop earrings stood out against her beautiful brown skin. I wish I could take her home with me. Her face was very neutral but after a few moments a faint smile progressed into a smile with a glimpse of her pearly whites! Highlight of my morning for sure!
Leanne and Brian spoke and gave their sermons. Both friends spoke with eloquence and boldness as they spoke truths and stories from the Bible! The drama team performed a choreographed dance to some upbeat and fast paced African tunes. While I journaled and listening to the service I drank two water bottles full of water and had to pee like a elephant, so immediately after Anna and I bolted home to use the porcelain throne!
During lunch our team all shared how we were doing and what we were feeling. It was refreshing to hear each other and express my thoughts. I didn't feel as heavy and sad but my day wasn't anything worth writing home about… 😉
Lele and I laid on our bed talking about Kenya and next thing I knew i woke up from a power nap. we had fallen asleep and Aubs and Anna had also joined us.
Feeling slightly rested and rejuvenated we walked to church again for another session of praise, worship, sermons and dancing! The party really started to get going about three hours into it. The kids lead more dances and then frolicked into the aisles to grab our hands to join them on stage. She leaned in over two people with an outstretched hand inviting me to come up front and dance together! How could I resist! My favorite little girl sought me out and dragged me up. We jumped, kicked, raised our hands in the air and praised The Lord! Hand in hand lived life. I hope to never forget that moment. The way she picked me out of two hundred people. I felt so loved and pursued. Little does that precious girl know, she made my day. I only hope I made hers too!
Hugs,
Muzungu
(White girl)
🙂
