The day of rest that wasn't.

Sunday we rose early and walked from Freedom Lodge up the hill to the school, and to the church next to the school. We were to attend worship with in the church whose diocese owns the school. After church we were to attend a dedication of the new clean water well.

There is a small church next to the school and a larger worship space under construction. The local Bishop was to lead the worship service, so they decide we would use the “under construction” space for worship. A large white, satin backdrop was hung in front of the alter wall. Benches and resin chairs were brought in from the church and a PA system was assembled. The service was ready to start. Now, realize that this worship space is open to the sky as the walls are done but the roof has not been installed yet.

The Bishop welcomed all the worshipers and announced that the Safi Volunteers were visiting and that there would be a well dedication after the service. The service itself included a baptism, confirmation ceremony, lots of singing and a sermon/homily from the bishop. The travelers enjoyed the service even the one who got a sunburn because he just couldn’t bring himself to put on a hat in church, even a church without a roof. (OK, he is me.)

The clean water well dedication took place right after the Mass and was attended by the Safi Volunteers, staff at the school, school board members, Arusha Rotary Club members and of course the students,. After the dedication, all had the chance to draw clean water for our water bottles.

The Students that were at the school for the dedication were happy to meet new travelers and get reacquainted with the Safi volunteers that they met before.