A Day Across the River 7/23/16

There are currently 3 priests here at the Sancta Maria Mission, Fr. Chris, Fr. Hector, and Fr. Lazarus. Fr. Rene is also a priest here, but has been ill for the past several months, being diagnosed with cancer. (Please keep him in your prayers). The priests here are responsible for mass at 74 churches in many villages around the area. The closest one is right on the property. The farthest is about 8 hours away. The churches are located on both sides of the Zambezi River. The Sancta Maria Mission is located on the beautiful Zambezi River. Today we went across the river to the village of Sinjabata. We met the grandfather of our friend Michael from Sancta Maria. His grandfather is 103 years old. We also had a beautiful 2 hour mass. It started on African time because when we arrived everyone was down at the river bathing, getting ready for our arrival. It was a beautiful mass full of A LOT of singing and dancing. The choir sings so beautifully and the congregation dances just as beautifully!  

After the mass we enjoyed a nice lunch in the church, prepared by the village. Then we broke into small groups to work with the children of Sinjabata. Alisha and John played games with jump ropes and a parachute. For some of the children it was their first time ever doing either of these activities. Jim and Suzanne read scripture stories about David and Goliath, Moses and the Bulrushes, Jesus and His Disciples and also Daniel and the Lions. We had a translator helping us to share these stories from the Bible. The children were very good listeners and seemed to enjoy the stories. Andy played the guitar and sang while father Bob and the children danced until their hearts were content!  Scott and Tom made beautiful handprint cross banners with their group and even had time to paint their faces. The children LOVED this!  Joshua worked with both the children and adults while they colored pictures form scripture coloring books. They loved this so much they didn't want to leave. Shomari, Marie, and Kendal helped the children make a "colors of faith" bracelet. The adults even wanted to participate. It was a beautiful experience. The whole afternoon was incredible. We felt so blessed to be a part of this wonderful day. 

Later in the evening we had another bonfire, our biggest turn out yet. Again the kids enjoyed some roasted marshmallows and Michael made his famous popcorn. Boy will we miss these evening rituals around the bonfire. 

The day started out great and ended even greater. Thank you God for another beautiful day!  

God is great, all the time!