Stepping into the large church hall which doubles as a dining room (blue benches for eating, cream benches for church), I was met by the sight of hundreds of children and some adults filling the many benches. All were dressed in their best as church is the main even of the week. I sat down next to some ladies on a bench. Friendly smiles and some hugs and kisses greeted me and it was clear to see that this was a day of joy that they had been looking forward to. Behind me a small lady with a huge smile and a worn face sat down with three little children. They're clothes were well-worn but made so very beautiful by the beautiful little persons wearing them.
As it neared the time of the church starting more and more people filed in. Children and staff from the base but also many many from the community nearby. I sat next to some teenage boys who look 11 but are 14-15 year old. Very sweet but also smart and they were constantly trying to fiddle with my pen and Bible and it brought back memories of taking streetboys to church in Brazil, where I sometimes found squiggles in my Bible at the end of a service. The church service was good and quite long, but good.
At the end of the service a young girl who looked maybe 14 started talking to me. She had been sitting behind me with her little 4 month old baby during the service and we had a nice little chat. I complemented her on her cute baby and she started talking about getting her baby baptised because she now had a job and a place to live. And then went on to say "and I have chosen you to be her god mother". It was one of those moments I was not prepared for and as a much as I would love to pour into every child and person I have met here, I knew that what she was asking probably meant a lot more then committing to pray for her little daughter. So as clearly as I could I told her I was only here for a short time and that unfortunately I couldn't be her daughter's god mother. She was fine with it and said she'd come back next Sunday and find someone. But it made me wonder what her life is like and if I was something that represented future for her little girl.
The rest of the day went by and everywhere I'd meet different people and see different faces; from those of other visitors and missionaries, to the smiling and joyful cooks in the kitchen and children forever wanting attention.
It was a good day.