This post features student writing.

Happy Sunday everyone! Today we were invited by the community to church. Although our group is nondenominational, we were excited to share in the tradition. Dressed in our Sunday best, we walked to Maji Moto Evangelical. We were greeted by the pastor and his wife, and waited in a kind of office while Sunday School praised the lord with loud and proud voices next door. Many community members came to see the church leaders, and greeted us as well. We shook many hands, said many ”hellos” and many ”thank yous.” Once in church, pasionate prayers, sermons, and psalms commenced. The room was full of love and joy, the feelings resonating off of every bare surface and beaming face. Without a common language, we were able to understand the support that the communion of faith lends to a people. The choir rose to praise the power of Christ, the congregation echoing every beat with a melodic sway and common call. Clapping as best we could and sitting in the first two pews, we resolved to simply be present and in the moment. We were acknowledged and welcomed by the congregation, and our benevolent leader Sam thanked the community for welcoming us with open arms and open hearts. We all agreed that the songs of the church were the highlight, probably because music is universal and transcends the barriers that language, culture, and religion can impose. We left elated and content, and walked home for lunch and rest.

— Lillian W.