...Karibu sana...

Swahili for very much welcome and something you hear around here a lot. Today I had my first experience of an African church. We arrived just in time to hear the end of the English service and the entire Kiswahili service. I only know kidogo (a little) Swahili so to say this was a different experience would be an understatement! The service ran for just over four hours- but it was anything but boring. We got to introduce ourselves to the congregation and then were clapped as a welcome and did praise and worship like I’ve never heard before! African voices are something I’ve always had a soft spot for but this was seriously incredible but loud and not for the faint hearted! People danced and sung in a gospel like style and the music was cut by the high pitch trilling which only an African can truly pull off. Pastor’s shout when they pray here- passion or excitement? And despite sitting through a long service where I barely understood a word but just about worked out when you were supposed to say Amen after certain cues- It was amazing!

After the service was a baptism- did I mention there were at least four churches present? At my home church, when a baptism takes place the pastor calls for a cheering team to come up on the stage and support the one who is getting baptised- here- all the churches gather round the pool and 20 or so baptisms happened- one after the other it was a beautiful sight and one I won’t forget.

Later we were welcomed back to a friend’s house for lunch. She is a beautiful woman who lives in Mathare and is so generous and her family are so kind. I got to spend a few precious moments with some stunning African children whom I love so much!

This weekend I have seen the slums of Kibera and Mathare- two places I thought I would only ever read of. What I am beginning to see here is that although people here live very different to me, many of them are more grateful and joyous than many I know back home who live in better circumstances. They love God and love others; they have strong friendships and a close community to rely on in many cases. Yes it’s different and at times it’s a bit of a shock- but I’ve got to admit- the people I have met so far have what many in the west crave- meaningful relationships and a wealth that stretches far further than money ever could. I am learning a lot from my new
friends they never cease to amaze me…

"And out of all the things I know for sure, your the only certain one, you are the one I want, you are the one I want..."

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