Church - lots of it

Day 3

Well, today was Sunday. We woke up this morning to the beautiful singing (or should I say shouting) of the Pentecostal Church that is apparently right behind us. The music they were singing was very interesting. We all had a good laugh. Once we got ready today we caught a cab and went to church. There only 2 wards here. The church is in the same complex as the temple. It was a beautiful place. The church is lined with windows and ceiling fans to help keep us cool, but the humidity is so heavy here that we feel hot and sticky the whole time. From the window, we could see the temple. It was beautiful.

This is the walk way to the church. It was so beautiful!!

After church was done, we were walking out to take some pictures of the temple and there was the sweetest little girl who wanted to hug all of us white girls. She was so cute, she told us her name was Stephanie, and she really wanted to follow us home. It was so cute.

Later on, after dinner, we decided to go for a walk. As we were walking, a little boy named Isaac started following us. He was probably 10 years old at the oldest. He was a cute kid, and very friendly. He decided that since we didn’t really have any direction to our walk, he would show us the ropes around here. So, we followed him. It probably wasn’t the smartest idea we have ever had, but it was an adventure.


We went to a couple of churches. One was a Pentecostal church. In order to go in, we have to cover our heads. So they gave us some scarves, that smelled TERRIBLE might I add, and we all headed in. The people are so friendly, the church was actually closed, but they let us in, probably because we are white. After we left, they told us when they held worship, and asked us very sincerely to come back when they were worshiping. It was very sweet of them to let us in.
Then, Isaac thought that we needed some more worship in our life, so he took us on quite the adventure. It was an experience that probably wouldn’t have happened if he wasn’t with us showing us the way. We walked through back roads and gutters and dirt to get to our next church. It was crazy! The way people out here live is absolutely amazing.

The exterior of the Pentecostal Church

This is the alter at the Pentecostal Church.

When we finally made it to our destination, which was the Presbyterian Church we were greeted with many smiles. They were so excited to have us there. They were a bit crazy though. The music was cool, but it was so loud! It was a really fun experience, but probably not one I will be repeating anytime soon. It really makes me grateful for the quiet, serene atmosphere of LDS churches. I mean, the dancing and singing was fun, but it really doesn’t do much for my spirit. When we were leaving, a man and a woman followed us outside. They begged me to come back next Sunday. They said that they loved having us and they wanted us to come back soon. I told them I would try, and as I was trying to take a picture of the bus, they begged to be in the picture. I couldn’t say no. Not that you can really see them, since they blend in pretty well with the night (hehe). Every one wants to have their picture taken. It is cute.

Then we headed back to our hostel. It was quite the night. Quite the Sunday. Oh the adventures we have here in Africa. I love it!