make a joyful noise

Though Dr. and Mrs. Thuma gave us an idea of what to expect at church on Sunday morning, nothing could have truly prepared us for the amazing music we encountered upon entering the building.  What seemed like seven part harmonies floated up into the ceiling, surrounding us in the rhythm and joy of African worship. Girls from the boarding school down the road sang with such gusto and energy it was hard to sit still and just listen.  Many of us were disappointed not to be able to fully join in due to the unfamiliar language, but listening provided it’s own unique pleasure.  Song after song, even those sung by the entire congregation, wrapped us up together in worship with our African brothers and sisters.  The bright blue walls of the church resounded the joyful noises contained within.

As we stood in front of the congregation of about 300 and introduced ourselves, we were warmly welcomed.  The beautiful African children proved to be quite a distraction for many of us during the service as their cherubic faces and shy smiles beckoned us to engage with them.  The message for the morning – preached in English and translated into Tonga, the local dialect – was based on John 8:1-11 and encouraged us to worship God by leaving our burdens at His feet.

After the two-hour service, we signed the guest registry in the church office and made the ten-minute walk back to the MIAM compound at an easy Sunday-driver pace.  A hearty lunch followed (chicken, potatoes, green beans fresh from the garden, and cake). 

In the afternoon, many of us walked down to the village soccer game, where the Macha Mission Hospital team was set to take on some out-of-towners.  The game, which was “scheduled” to begin at 3 p.m. finally meandered to a start around 4 p.m. (we are quickly learning about “Africa time”!).  As we joined the crowd watching the game, a herd of lazy cows meandered by on their way to the field next door!

After a dinner of meat and veggie pies, popcorn, carrots (and the ever present, much appreciated PB&J), we had a time of praise and worship together as a group.  Each person was asked to say one word that represents his or her experience in Africa thus far.  Words such as surprising, heart, stretching, contrasts, spacious, and challenging began to express the incredible opportunities that have come our way.  As the students signed up for opportunities to do rounds at the hospital with the doctors, or to observe an operation, we sensed a new anticipation for the new experiences this coming week holds!

We are working to find the balance between being and doing in this beautiful place – wanting to actively learn the course material, yet also desiring to be fully present to the experiences we are having.  With class beginning tomorrow, we will all have ample opportunity to begin finding that balance!