Worship is Universal

As we sit here on the eve of our departure and reflect on our week, we are struck by many things.  Listing them all would be impossible but what we can all agree on is that we have more questions than answers.  How can God allow people to suffer this way?  What impact did we have?  Did we do enough?  What else could we have done?  How do we process what we've experienced?  How can we help people understand what we've encountered?  Why is it so much easier to feel God's presence here in the midst of such devastation than in the comforts of our home?  What now?

We may never know the answers to these questions but as we sat in worship at Grace church this morning one thing became clear than ever to all of us...He does.  

Upon our arrival into Titanyen, we were struck by the vast number of people hiking up the dusty hill and orphans from Grace Village coming over in their Sunday best, (mismatched shoes, clothes that were too big or too small, wearing their new beaded jewelry from yesterday's craft project) taking such pride in their appearance, just to show their love and appreciation through worship.  They pack into the small, hot space...people sitting in "pews" and on the floor, standing in the back and pouring out the doors onto the stairs.  

Although the service was mostly in another language, we all felt what Pastor Gary and Pastor Wesley were preaching.  Their passion for Jesus was clear.  And while we didn't understand a lot of what was said, we all agreed that it was one of the most powerful worship experiences we've ever had. 

                                                   

After church, we had the chance to stay and play with the children at Grace Village for awhile.  We were grateful to get the chance to spend more time with them.  The tap tap was silent for most of the ride as we reflected on the deep impact these amazing children made on our hearts in such a short period of time. 

Our day continued with a trip into the mountains to shop in the local markets.  Standing at the top looking over the city, we were amazed by how calm and beautiful everything looks from so high above.  Another reminder of how God's light shines in even the darkest places.  

Trying to sum up the week during our group discussion was difficult.  The "words of the week" from the group; love, objective, serve, stay, family, Bondje (God), called, moment, awake, impact, relaxed, privileged, community, immeasurable, worship.  

While we may have experienced this week in different ways, we experienced it together.  And though our hearts were broken time after time, we pray that as they mend, they do so in a way that more closely resembles the heart of Christ. 

Glwa pou Bondye...Glory to God.