Church. Weddings. Fun. Goodbyes.

Our Last Sunday. God is doing great things!

As Saturday neared its end one of our “Adventurous Nine” was affectionately kicked off the island and sent back home. With her torch dimmed and tears in our eyes we left Tica at Jomo Kenyatta, leaving us four more days to the next elimination (where I have a hunch all but “The Enforcer” will also be kicked off.)

Sunday was a very typical Kenyan Sunday, and oh how fun it was! We woke up bright and early and all piled into our little green car (minus my dad and evan) and drove across pot holed filled, speed bump galore, insane Kenyan roads to the church oasis*. My mom was able to lead the choir for a final time in Kenya. Jacob gave a sound talk to the choir (telling them that really the point is not for them to hear themselves) and the rest of us talked with the rest of everyone hanging around before church began.

Service was just as Kenya, Fun, and Exciting as I remember. There weren’t as many drunk guys hanging out, though we did have our fair share. Song service was lively with people dancing, white guys clapping, and Chris slightly perturbed. One thing that is very apparent in Kenya services is the love of praising God. Few people do the white guy shuffle most really do break out in a jig. More than that though just watching people’s faces their smiles and their sincere heartfelt praise no matter the song. It is genuine, like my grandpa says “When your problem is bigger than your pride you will reach out to touch His garment.” Many (not all but many) of those in the church realize that our God is bigger than our problems and they really are reaching out to touch His garment.

Dad preached a holy ghost sermon and at least 5 people went down to the altar for salvation. It was a tremendous service.

After church we had a Jesus people wedding. Both couples had been “together” for many years but after a series my grandpa preached on marriage they wanted to do it right. There were many differences: both brides wore playschool tiaras, they walked to Kenya jig before the service, they didn’t like to kiss each other, the family of the bride sprayed cologne in the audience, they had them sign the marriage license at a table at the altar while everyone watched, the bride then opened up his jacket and put in a second copy of the license in his jacket pocket, and really many more too much to name.

Then we had a fellowship lunch. Delicious.

Saying goodbye was not easy, so I really didn’t, but rather “see you later”, and a smile and a wave. I love Kenya. It is a part of me, more than even my left arm. I love the church, oh and I love the people! We still have three more days, thankfully!
*Church Oasis: a shining white tent with one flat Acacia tree (or as I like to call it Zaceheus tree) standing tall in front. Bright green bushes lining paths around the plot. Beautiful flowers livening up the plot. And the best part, people, smiling people dressed in their Sunday best bustling around the church practicing for choir, sitting in adult and children’s Sunday school, talking to one another, laughing, and showing a complete peace in where they are.
-The Negotiator

Sunday was a jam-packed day. We had a holy ghost filled, Pentecostal service. The Jones family had a chance to express their goodbyes to the church, which made it easy to see that they weren’t saying goodbye to their church, but more, their family and home. Pastor Paul preached a powerful message on the myths about sin, and I’m happy to report that the altars were full! God is really moving in this church. Then, just when you think it cant get any better, we got to see an old fashioned Jesus people wedding! There was not one, but two couples ready to honor God by marrying. Good food, good fellowship… What an awesome day it was.
-Camelbak

Sunday was always the best day of the week. I got to speak to the praise team and the sound crew on how to help the service and eliminate problems they might have. Then after the service we had two weddings in a row. It was very different but was pretty cool. Later on we got to fellowship with all of the church. The sad part was we had to say our goodbye to the members.

- Out on a Limb

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