August 16th

We got up this morning. It was freeeeeezing in our room. There's a small panel on the wall that's supposed to heat up. Well, if you're 3 inches from it, it's warm. We also had no hot water and it was in the 30's last night. Getting ready for church was tough.

We drove from the Guest House where we're staying about 10 minutes down the road to Ensemi (the UM Conference Center) for breakfast. After that we split into 2 groups and headed to 2 different churches. My church was Benoni East UMC (in Benoni). It is a very diverse congregation. Before we got in the door I was hugged tightly by no less than a dozen complete strangers (it was so nice). Half of these strangers, I noticed, were British. The visiting pastor of the day was also British.

The service was what one would best describe as traditionally Methodist. We sang “Magesty.” We also sang some songs in two different Africa languages—I know that one was Zulu but I can't remember the other. I'll try and find out what it was so I can let you know. I learned that there are 11 different national languages in Africa! Our van driver, Bong, could speak them all!

During worship we prayed, we lifted concerns and celebrations, we had 2 testimonies (both given by my group) and a very good Sermon on what it means when we say God. The Pastor actually comments on American TV shows that say “Oh my God!” all the time. I couldn't help but think of just how often I say “OMG!” Oops! We held hands at the end of worship and prayed. I'm not sure I've ever felt so hospitably embraced by a congregation.

After the service we were invite for “tea and cakes” down the hallway where we got to spend time chatting with some from the congregation. They were all very gracious!

We came back to Ensemi for lunch, changed clothes, and ventured out to “change money.” It's so funny! The bus drivers took us to a CASINO to change out money. Shhhhh! Don't tell!! LOL. We changed out money and quickly left.

Next they took us to a flea market where I snagged suvineers for the whole family and soon-to-be hubby. We also found correct plug adaptors for the walls since no one hit the nail on the head when it came to that. Ugh!