Day 11: Worship, Wonders, Reflection
Sunday, August 1, found us first at the David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church, where Pastor Graig immediately noticed the nicely carpeted chancel that was the result of a gift left by last year's GoTeam. Although the lead pastor was not present, lay leaders did a capable job of leading worship. It was good to be among God's people for service to the Lord. Above the chancel was a huge banner with these words from 2 Chronicles 7: 15, 16 : "Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place... My eyes and my heart will always be there." Graig left an encouraging greeting for Libby during worship,who is the only one from the pastoral staff is present for worship this communion Sunday at LGPC.
Sunday, August 1, found us first at the David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church, where Pastor Graig immediately noticed the nicely carpeted chancel that was the result of a gift left by last year's GoTeam. Although the lead pastor was not present, lay leaders did a capable job of leading worship. It was good to be among God's people for service to the Lord. Above the chancel was a huge banner with these words from 2 Chronicles 7: 15, 16 : "Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place... My eyes and my heart will always be there." Graig left an encouraging greeting for Libby during worship,who is the only one from the pastoral staff is present for worship this communion Sunday at LGPC.
From the church,we proceeded to Mosi-Oa-Tunya, "Smoke that Thunders", the local name for Victoria Falls. After the heavy rainy season, there is a high volume of water pouring into the chasm, and we were drenched by the "smoke"/mist of the falls. But what a natural WONDER! On the way back, we were thrilled to encounter a pod of "ellies", as Lake View's South African manager Keith would have said - about two dozen elephants refreshing themselves at a Zambezi tributary.
After dinner we met for our "final" debriefing, as team members were encouraged not only to process their experiences here, but to shape some "accessible" vignettes that they can share with folks back home, and to think about action steps that will help them support Sinazongwe in coming months.
The team now begins to "break up"... Scott Fortmann was able to get an early flight back to Singapore today, Alan Shiffer leaves for a conference in Denver tomorrow, and LuAnn & Jill will be heading back for Lusaka tomorrow after seeing the rest of us (Alan M., Emily, Graig, Laura) off at the Livingstone airport. But we may manage one more post before we leave; today our post-debriefing relaxation includes a game drive and a boat ride on the Zambezi... preceding our grueling journey back home tomorrow!
God bless each reader of this post! Thanks for your interest!
Just read all your blog posts and feel transported. So many blessings occurred for each and every one of you and the people of Zambia - water, sanitation, child sponsorship, WV staff support, Gold Pillow, and seeing familiar faces - Betty, Fordson and Chim. I am looking forward to hearing about your transforming experiences - big and small. Love the opportunity to read your well-written posts. Linda Favero
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