Synthese de Travail

Russell here, pinch-blogging for Lauren...
Sorry we have been out of contact now these past two days... it seems our schedule is not in sync with that of the seminary computer lab, so we have to juggle some ministry priorities in order to get word back home...

Today was the second day of English Bible Camp; we discussed the idea of brokenness (being poor in spirit as a prerequisite for revival) during our Bible lesson and I taught about present perfect and present perfect continuous tense during the English lesson. It was Congolese Independence Day when we arrived on Saturday, and now it is Independence Day back home. We started the celebration last night with warm bucket baths, and I whipped out a new shirt (it's blue) this morning, even though my old one wasn't due to be retired until tomorrow. We even had an American treat - corn on the cob - for breakfast.

Confidential to all of the parents of the team, your watoto (children) are all in good health, are all doing an amazing job, and are adapting extremely well to life in Africa. You would be very proud of all of them!

And now a page from Bethany's journal:

We have a lot of fun practicing our Swahili with the little children on the street. We make complete fools of ourselves, but they think it's great. I'm really excited to possibly have the opportunity to meet some of the people in charge of working with and caring for street children. I would love to talk to them about their ministry, struggles, and victories.

I very much enjoy learning new songs in Swahili. They are so lively and fun. Also the Congolese sound so good they do echoes, harmonies and many other amazing things that make them sound so beautiful. I'm also really looking forward to singing with a Congolese choir while they practice. That will be so fun!

I have had an amazing time so far bonding with the team. I really appreciate their support and care to include me in most things. I am so blessed to join such an amazing team! We have had rain the last few days, which makes the air fresh and cool. It's very enjoyable. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement cards.

- Bethany for the team

P.S. from Russell - I haven't gotten wind of any official proposals for marriage, but at least one member of the team has been offered a potential job.