Yesterday we packed into a couple of SUVs and drove through bumpy roads to Lubaya village. People were gathering for a mixed church service-- both the Maasai people and the Swahili people from the surrounding villages. We played with the children and chatted with the adults as we were waiting for church to start. When we asked what time the service started people would reply, "eh, whenever." We taught the children singing games like "Going on a Bear Hunt" and The Hippopotamus Song and they taught us Simama, kaa, luka! (Stand up, sit down, jump!). It was interesting to watch the Maasai and Swahili children interact because the traditions of the Maasai were just as unfamiliar to the Swahili as they were to us. A blending of cultures.

The Maasai choir marched in singing in a line. All the women are dressed in blue, purple, or red and wore long, long silver earrings and necklaces. They danced in a circle and invited us to join them until we all (girls and boys) were trying to mimic their rhythmic movements. The women removed their necklaces and draped them around all the girls' necks and we led the entire group into the church where the service started. The service was entirely in Swahili and Pastor Hafermann performed 14 baptisms and 2 confirmations. Many Muslim women had their daughters baptized Christians. There were representatives from the Catholic church and the Muslim church that came to welcome us and partake in the service. Many backgrounds but one service. During communion, a woman started convulsing from a demon possession and some men had to remove her from the church. We were told it can be common during the sacraments. We're starting to recognize some of the Swahili hymns.

After the service everyone in the whole church shakes hands with everyone else in the whole church. We had an auction and donated items like caps and soda and sugar cane were bid on (the profits go to the church). Supper followed and we ate meat, rice, and beans from large pots.

Stars seem extra bright when days are mostly governed by natural light. On our drive back we watched the upside-down Big Dipper from the back of the truck.

We played Yan Koloba just for Mwalimu Strickert and Mama Monica tonight.

Morale is high!