Visit to southern churches

We made a trip this past weekend to visit 6 churches. Luke and I had never visited these churches so this trip was planned so we could see the locations.

Amosi at Kirando chapel

First place we visited was Ilagala. The believers there meet outside still and are trying to get a building of their own.

Ruth (mom) teaching the kids at Kirando

The second place we visited was the village of Songambele. This was the only village of the 6 that wasn't along the lake, we drove inland a bit. The people there are farmers and not fishermen, therefore of Waha origin as opposed to Wabembe (the Congolese that live along the lake).

Fishing village of Sigunga

The third place was Sunuka where we spent the night.

Talking and relaxing with Isaac and Lameck

The following morning we went to Kirando where the believers eagerly awaited us. We had an impromptu service at their chapel. They fed us a delicious meal before we went on our way.

Women getting the meal ready

The fifth village was the village of Kahwibiri. They are mostly Burundian refugees so the people preferred to speak in Kirundi. However the service that was quickly scheduled at the elementary school was held in Swahili.

Luke speaking at Sigunga

The sixth and last village was Sigunga, lying on a mountain side next to the lake. The homes almost seemed to be one on top of the other and we had to park the car at the very top and make our way down to our host's home by foot. The following morning was Sunday and we enjoyed fellowship and breaking the bread with the saints.

Weddings

The bride and groom are never to lift a finger. Their assistants are there to fuss over them. Like, wipe the sweat from their faces, adjust the veil, and adjust the "cool" sunglasses. The bride does not show emotion and has her eyes downcast at all times and bows low to her husband at the appropriate times. The groom however is more free to "be himself".

Attendants fussing over Abeli and Bernadeta.

The "Icky, Mud-wedding"

On Saturday we attended a wedding in a nearby village. Our car was loaded with people as we headed out at 9 am to get there in time for the ceremony that was to start at 10 am. Just before noon the bride finally arrived with her attendants and proceeded to the nearest house to finish getting ready. An impromptu meeting was started while we waited for the bride, and the rain started to pour! The man leading the ceremony eagerly called for the bride, asking that she'd come because we had all waited long enough. She finally made it out, under umbrellas and some 3 girls helping her keep the white dress from getting all muddy. 

Bernadeta, the bride being escorted to the chapel.

The rain never let up, and the walk to the reception was a mucky mess. 

People trying to stay dry during the reception and walking barefoot for a better grip.

Finally wanting to head home after 4 pm we made our way to the car to find that the kids had tried their hand at some "mud art" on the windows of our car. So, the wedding will go down in history, as Esther likes to call it: "the icky, mud-wedding".

May 1, 1915 - Sept. 13, 2011

Eleanor Loizeaux Johnson passed into the presence of her Savior on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 2:40 AM.

Grandma enjoying a sail with her son Harry.

Visiting Grandma in Virginia July 2011

Our last visit with Grandma this summer was especially sweet. She was up early, making her mile-long walk before the heat of the day. At meal times we lingered at the table to chat. She was happy to meet Emily and watch Esther in the pool. She spoke of loved ones that weren't following the Lord, and you could see that her heart was really burdened for those individuals. She wanted to know of the work in Tanzania and how Luke was managing with the many teaching engagements, glad that he was using his spiritual gift. She encouraged me (Gina) to devote my time to my children during their young age. That visit will never be repeated, but we're so glad we could see her one last time this side of Glory. We will miss her greatly.