After church yesterday we all looked at each other and can't believe the trip is comming close to an end! At the same time, we all are amazed at all the incredible experiences we've had, friendships we've built, and encounters with God and His people in Congo.
Yesterday, Paul delivered a wonderful sermon at chapel on what biblical evidence we have that God is with us answering our prayers even when it doesn't fully seem like it. Steve sang two worship songs, which included 'Shout to the Lord' and another worship song where he had the whole church singings in rounds. Andrew taught Sunday school through a translator, and never imagine that well over 100 african children would love 'simon says' so much.
After church, the doctors and nurses checked in on their patients and prepared for their last full day of working in the hospital. Then we took a nice Sunday drive across the shore of Lake Kivu. Upon returning to Maji, where we are staying, we all enjoyed the beautiful weather and a much needed day of rest and regaining energy. Some of the boys couldn't fight the temptation and went for a swim in the lake. Others events of our afternoon off included: good conversation, reading, brunch by the lakeside, a massively large centipede looking bug in the girls bathroom, and booksignings by Harper McConnell, who is featured in the NY Times best-seller 'Across the Sky'.
Today is Monday and the doctors and nurses are again hard at work. This morning Chris operated on a 4-year old boy with a hernia. On Monday's the hospital welcomes people from the community to come pray for the patients. Members of our ministry team was each assigned a staff pastor to go room to room in prayer. Every patient welcomed us, told us why the were at the hospital, and how they would like to be prayed for. We sang a song in each room and then gave over their circumstances to God. For those part of the experience, it was the most moving part of the trip.
We are now finishing our last day of work at the hospital. We will return tomorrow morning, but only to say our goodbyes. Then we will begin the long journey home, starting with a 3 hour drive back to Kigali. Then we are praying to make all of our flights... to Nairobi, London, Chicago, and home. We here we have not so good weather upon returning. Hoping we'll bring some of the good weather here back with us.
Thank you for your prayers! Pray for a safe journey back, and stay tuned for individual reflections to be posted after returning!
-The Team.
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