Last Sunday

Another great morning this morning. I woke up and read through and updated my message for today. I then took my shower and got dressed for church. I came out of my room and it appeared everyone was a little slower getting ready this morning. The challenges of getting ready in Liberia from still needing water for the home to getting your Sunday clothes ready and maybe needing to iron your clothes with the coal iron, things just take longer. I feel very privileged to have my needs met as they go out of their way over here to make sure I’m watched over and anything I need is taken care of.

From my morning relaxing here on to Sunday school where we discussed Simon Peter. It was a good discussion of how God used him even with his shortcomings.

From SS we moved directly to the worship service. Today was special for me for two reasons. One, I was able to preach again and two, I was able to sing with the LCMI choir. I want to give a special thank you to our music team back home and especially Erik for preparing a recording of a song I hoped to teach the choir here at LCMI. Even though I was in Yekepa I left a copy of our practice time at CBC on a phone with Wonder, the choir director, and asked if she could teach a new song to the choir. When I returned late Friday night I didn’t want to ask if they had a chance to work on the song. It wasn’t until Saturday as Blessing was doing her wash next to my favorite spot to sit and she started to sing the song I brought over. I was excited and said, ‘Yay, you guys learned the song!’. Blessing just smiled and shook her head yes. As she started to sing the song again I joined her and pretty soon Abraham Youndo came out of the house singing and we all sang the song through. I knew there was a choir practice on Saturday night and I found out I was able to sing with them. The practice went great and I looked forward to today to sing with them. They have such strong and great sounding voices, so I was intimidated to sing with them. As we went through the service with the choir singing just before the sermon I felt nerves and excitement as I would be able to sing and preach. What a great opportunity.

One other thing that I was able to share, with Jenny at least, is I was away from her for her birthday so the congregation sang Happy Birthday for Jenny as I recorded it and later sent it to her. She was here last year for her birthday and they wished she could be here again so they wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday in song at least. From singing I went right up to speak on Daniel in the lion’s den. I pray that the teaching encourages people here.

After church and lunch we rested a little as we visited in the living room and I even recorded Wonder and Matthias singing a few songs. Then we headed out to visit. This time it was Wintee’s sister, Anti and her husband, Samuel. I’ve met Anti many times, but today was my first time meeting her husband. We had a great time of visiting there and before long it was time to leave and Anti, Samuel and Kristie, Anti’s daughter who I met on past trips, headed out. I had no idea where we were going as Abraham drove us around. Before long we pulled up to Princess’s house. Princess, who now goes by the name Success, was one of Jenny’s favorite funny people who could always make Jenny laugh. It was there I FaceTimed Jenny to wish her a happy birthday and it turned into everyone there singing to her. It was then Jenny got a special singing of happy birthday by Success (Princess). It was great because Jenny got to remember what she always liked about her.

Shortly after my call to Jenny Emmanuel got a call from one of the kids at his house and found out Titus and Mercy were at his house waiting to see me before I leave later this week. We hurried back and had some tea and cake with them. It was great to see them again before I leave.

After Titus and Mercy left I was able to meet the parents of two of the little people brigade. Praise and Praises parents.

Tuti told a great story about the twins when they were sick one time and she ended up giving 2 doses of medicine to one of the twins thinking she was giving one to each. She couldn’t imagine why one twin slept so good and all night. At least it didn’t hurt the one who had the double dose.

To end the night I went outside to find a game of Uno going on. That is always a must, taking some Uno cards, as they love to play the game. I always tease them that they cheat, but maybe that’s just because when I play I never win.

Tomorrow I have to start to plan for my return trip already. I need to go to get my Covid test 72 hours before leaving. Another $75 to be able to travel again. I still plan on enjoying my remaining time here. I’ll keep sharing.