Sunday's theme was "This is my Father's World"
We started out having a relaxing morning, no rush because we weren't going anywhere till lunch. We walked around town listening to various church services. Christian and her husband picked us up to have lunch at a restaurant. It was nicely set up along the water with various outdoor seating and a large playground for kids.
They had hamburgers on the menu and as we were all tired of rice and chicken that's what we ordered. It was a very large patty, or two and tasted delicious. We walked back to the hotel to wait for the ride to church which was in the village where Christian lives, a small Presbyterian Congregation. There, we met Dorothy, a teacher from the US who is sponsored by Grace CRC in Chatham and Dordt College. She has been here for 32 years and plans to stay here after she retires. She was able to translate the sermon for us. We also sang a few songs for the congregation, accompanied by Tom.
All the people were very friendly and thanked us for coming.
Supper was served at the church of Pastor Alvera, and we were taken back to the hotel. By that time a few of us were feeling unwell and throughout the night we all were sick with vomiting and diarrhea.
We had been able to view more of God's world but we did not sleep well.
Mondays theme was "Count your blessings"
We straggled in for breakfast. Luckily we were not planning to work today. Only John, Dan, Betty W and Rien were spared - the only explanation seemed to be undercooked hamburger!
We toured the school next to the church, which receives no government funding so has some leeway with the curriculum. The inclusion of Christ centered education is obvious with posters and sayings everywhere.
Next we toured a high school also Presbyterian who's principal grew up in Smithville although he is now married and will stay here. He was very informative and answered several questions for us.
We went back to our school and the workers had started laying the cement blocks. Only John, Tom and Dan felt well enough to work so the rest of us went back to the hotel to rest.
Our list of blessings seems rather short today but we still have much to give thanks for.
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