Day 7

Today completed our first week of being in Antigua. It was a very brief day today. We had church this morning and that was a great experience. It was the same in content but different in culture. The thing that made me really sit and think about was what happened during the offering. As the offering was gathered, we sang a song. I had never heard of it before but it was a song about giving thanks. After we were done singing it, the musicians started to play music for the last hymn. As that was being played, I could hear people both around me and all over the church hum or even quietly sing the song. Now this was something totally different than what I have experienced in worship. I think it is safe to say that is not the culture we are used to in worship. I think I can even go as far as saying that if that would happen in church, people would look around and possibly even frown as to why someone would be humming so loudly or singing out loud during the offering. But what a great way to let your light shine! Also, before the last hymn, there was time to greet those sitting around you. This is something that I have seen before. But the way in which people have done this is simply turn to each side and greet those sitting next to you, in front of and behind you. This morning people were all over the place. There were people going both next to you and also across the aisle. I even saw people come from the back of church up to the front where we were scattered just to greet us. The congregation is incredibly friendly and it left us feeling very welcomed there. After church we visited with a few members and then went back to our residence to eat. We spent the afternoon at the beach as we walked down to a smaller beach where we baked in the sun, did a little swimming, and even ate a coconut that was found. This was the last relaxation before our week of VBS and it was much enjoyed!