We set out for Kolokani at 6:30 am, with excitement and anticipation to meet the sponsored children from our Sunday schools, community members, and our families. We wore our traditional Malian dresses, and entered the Kolokani Evangelical Church shortly after 9 am. Church lasted until 11am (no 1 hour services in Africa!!). The Sunday School kids sang and danced with so much joy, that it had even the four of us Scandinavian Lutherans clapping and swaying along. They were followed by a mother's choir, and a youth choir! WOW! The pastor's underlying message was "UNITY". Unity in prayer, Unity as people, Unity with World Vision. He equated a prayer group to soldiers preparing for battle. He also recognized World Vision staff and visitors as honored guests. There were both Muslim and Christians in church. (many of the sponsored children's families are Muslim). Side-note: in Mali 90% are Muslim, 7% are Animist, 3% Christian.
After church we were served a traditional Malian meal of chicken, potatoes, rice, and onions. The meal was beautiful and it was served on a large platter and set on the floor. Everyone gathered around and ate with their hand. (we each tried a little bit out of respect, but were a little nervous about our weak stomachs!) After our meal we met with each of the 20+ sponsored children from our community. Everyone was given a package, and we also distributed the special care packages sent along. We were also given extra one on one time with our personally sponsored children and Sunday School children. Words cannot describe this experience. Some of the children were shy, others were very affectionate. All were curious about us. Check the pictures out - Bonnie was presented with a chicken, a gift given with much honor and highest regard. (We really wanted to bring the chicken home with us, but World Vision staff stepped in and offered to give it to someone in need).
We were told by parents, siblings, and grandparents that accompanied the sponsored children, how grateful they were for sponsorship, and how it has made a wonderful difference in the lives of their children and their community. We get this message from World Vision and have believed it, but we now have personal testimony, and encourage everyone to consider and pray about the possibility of sponsoring a child. We met with a village yesterday that has no sponsored children (World Vision is a presence in the Women's garden which is a micro-finance project), and their health and physical condition was poorer than the sponsored children we met with and the other sponsored children we saw while in Kolokani. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
Great day, lots of love all around.
I can't even imagine how overwhelming the emotions were during the church experience! I just love the updates. Keep up the outstanding work girls.
ReplyDeleteKathy H.