Hey everyone!
While in Makueni on Sunday, we (Kimber and Bonsai), went to
Pastor Steve’s Church along with Beth, Christine, and Daniel (all attending
training with us). Due to our bus overheating we arrived 45 minutes late, which in Kenya time is not
bad at all. The church had waited for us to start and the Pastor greeted us
outside to let us know where to sit. As
soon as we sat down they began doing choreographed dances to songs which told a
really neat message. It was fascinating seeing authentic, African dancing. They
then had offering, and, as you can see from the other blogs, they auctioned off
agricultural items that were given in lieu of a traditional offering. That was
interesting to see and hear. (Imagine an auctioneer speaking in Kambo-their
tribal tongue). When we had to get up to say a few words to the church, Bonsai
tried speaking Swahili to the church but it was not until after the service
that we learned they spoke Kambo.
After the service (3 hours later) everybody greeted the
pastor, then got in line behind him, shaking everyone’s hand in between;
definitely a smart way to meet and greet everyone. After the greetings, we
joined a group of all ages (3 years to 80 years) doing an African line-dance in
the front of the church. We were definitely the least coordinated there by far.
Before we left, they brought us sodas (a very well established Kenya tradition)
as we talked with Pastor Steve. He told us of the progress his church had been
making as well as his involvement with the LIA programs. We soon thereafter
left the church, not only with a better understanding of how LIA works with the
church, (and how to African line-dance), but with an understanding that we all
worship the same God, just in different ways. We are both looking forward to
going back to Makueni this coming up week and we are hoping to be better
prepared for the dancing… maybe we can teach them some American dance moves?
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