Hello there! Today one group traveled at 7am to an outreach village to continue our mission and share our faith. We started out the trip with a intense game of duck duck goose. Alexis Notter and Sarah did a wonderful job reading a children's bible story to the group. Ann then related the bible story that was read to our faith and experience as missionaries. As we were taking seats in the church, it quickly began to fill up. Therefore, we had to continue mass outside. This is where Tom and Mitchell excelled at dancing, just like the locals. Kendal and Shomari were presented a tied up goat along with many other gifts from the generous people of the village. We then were able to present all of our gifts to the locals such as clothes, school supplies, and some fun games that the village of Kamilende was very excited about. After church was finished we were able to play some soccer games and paint the children's nails. This heartfelt experience was one that will never be forgotten.
The other group was hoping to leave for Muyondoti village at 7:00 but our land cruiser fuel pump didn't cooperate so with the help of our mission mechanics we were on our way by 7:45. Our team crossed the Zambezi River on a ferry and eventually arrived at Muyondoti village around 9:15. From there, we hung out with kids until the school was cleaned out and church was set up. In this village, 4 or 5 other church outposts joined up for mass and a day with their michigan missionaries. A moving mass, literally and figuratively, was the start of our day. Father Lazarus had us sit up next to the alter where he would whisper to Steve in English what was taking place and Steve would pass it down to the rest of the team. After mass we had lunch at the assistant principals house. Chicken, rice, nshima, yum yum! Sassa and Harriot graciously traveled with us to cook the lunch we had. As well as introduced us to the Zambian way of dessert. Alexis, Megan, and Robby found their adventurous side and indulged in rice, spoiled milk, and sugar for a Zambian delicacy. To their surprise it was decently scrumptious. Although their stomachs didn't exactly agree! Always exciting to soak up the culture of the locals. After lunch we split the team up with Megan, Hannah, and Lyssa hanging out with the youngest kids and playing soccer, doing the limbo, and painting beautiful fingernails. Father Lazarus wanted to make sure that the mission team addressed the young adults as well so Alexis K, Kristin, Robert, and Steve met with 60 or 70 between the ages of 16-35. They introduced themselves, talked about why we they were there and shared a personal story along with a reading from the bible. Each of them tried to emphasize the value of faith, education and hard work. Robert was very passionate in his moments at the podium about this and seemed to really make an impression. They all took turns speaking and eventually answered questions from the elders. Afterwards father Lazarus thanked us for relaying a critical message of staying in school, finishing your eduction, working hard, and thanking The Lord for this life he has given to us. Father Bob stayed back in Lukulu today and had two different masses where his homily had the whole church laughing..they love when Fr. Bob gives mass here in Lukulu!
It was an amazing day and we are very excited to get back to work on the girls dormitory tomorrow as well as spending time helping with the Mothers Milk Program!
We can't thank you enough for your continuous prayers and support.
(Locals teaching Robby to play their handmade instruments)
(Our greeting by numerous children upon our return on the ferry)
Shomari also wants to give a shout out to her mom and grandma for being there for her throughout her journey to get here!
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