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Beautiful Sunday in Rabat!
Hello from Morocco! I am writing from the computer that is in our hotel lobby while the rest of the group rests upstairs for a little while before we meet again for our second worship service of the day with a migrant community. Everyone is still healthy so that is good news... and we are working on our French but there is still much room for improvement!
Here are the highlights...
Travelled yesterday in a bus to Vollubilis and visited the ancient Roman ruins - no shade to be found and it was very hot, but the breeze cooled us down and our guide who spoke English kept us quite entertained. We then met up with our guide in Meknes and had a long lunch of Tangine chicken and then walked the windy streets of Meknes and learned a lot about Moroccan daily life and architecture. Exhausted from the heat, we returned in our bus to Rabat and had dinner in the hotel.
This morning we got to sleep in until 8:30 and then met Anne Marie (who Roy knew; previoulys worked at the British Embassy in Rabat) and sat out at a cafe and got to hear about her life of travel and work. Then we went to the church in Rabat for the first time and enjoyed a 1.5 hour service in French composed of mostly students. Apparently, they just thought we were tourists buit when they found out afterwards that we were from Kentucky, there was much rejoicing and clapping; and many apologies for not publicly welcoming us in the service. They were so happy we were there that they brought us up to the front where there was still a crowd and made us introduce ourselves. Then, they told us that we had to sing together - and they began singing the song that they learned from the previous group with the sign language - Rejoice and be glad! Holy are you, blessed are you - rejoice and be glad! Yours is the kingdom of God!
When I told them that I was Phil and Kathys daughter, they burst out with joy - and the same for Holly when they realized she was Libbys daughter. We met Elje, Carlos, Michelle, Amin, and many others. We stayed outside and visited for a long time and then we made our way to lunch with Benjamin, Apollonaire, and Michelle. In 45 minutes, we are meeting with Benjamin and Apollonaire again to go out 25 minutes to a migrant church service.
It has been a great joy today to meet up with those at the church who welcomed us as family with open arms and big smiles. It is obvious the impact that the choir group has had on the hearts of those who they were with. When Elje realized who I was, he started conducting and imitating Kathy with a great big smile! Michelle even pulled out the groups poster which he carries with him in his briefcase.
I have uploaded photos on Flickr so you can see more.
Blessings on all of you and I hope that everything is well in Louisville!
Carol
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Carol, the church is a mess without you; please hurry home. Carly, Brody is a mess without you; please hurry home. Wade, Adam is a mess..... with or without you, so no rush to get home!!!
Seriously, we think of you throughout the day and hold each of you before God. We are immensely proud of the group representing Christ and Highland. It was fun to report on what we knew last night at Deacon's meeting (Carol, they opted to give you an excused absence but to put you on probation for being gone).
I know how challenging it is to sit and write a note after a day's work so we understand if you can't get to it, but know that your fan club and prayer partners await word from you.
with love,
Joe/Dad
We are keeping you all in our prayers. Please give my love to Alecia, whom Mark & I are sponsoring. I am so excited for the new and marvelous ways God is moving in all of your lives and the lives of those you will minister to. Care well for yourselves and know you are loved.
Kathey
You smile at things new and strange;
Your faces say it all.
You cannot fake the looks of awe, wonder, blessed astonishment.
You are forever changed.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God keep you all safe.
Virenee
Great to hear your experiences so far! Kathy read your blog to us this morning at church, and hearing about the students' response to you in Rabat and that Michel carries the group poster around with him brought tears to our eyes - just so precious.
We send our love and prayers for everyone in our group - especially Wade, who is the one we're praying for specifically. And please greet Michel, Benjamin and Helge (and others who are there from the
student choir) with much love . . . tell them we said "Alleloya!"
Blest are you!
Cheryl & Robert
I can see the pews and walls of the Rabat Church vividly, as I can see the faces of the congregation singing along with us. Now you are in the "frame" and I share your experience from afar. The blessing and the connection are not diminished. Please share greetings and blessings with our good friends and may your days be filled with God's presence.
Shukran bezzaf!
Phil