Sunday 21st October

Cold shower this morning! It's been a few years since I had the benefit of one of those. Father Stephen gave us a nice, simple breakfast.
Mass is at 10 a.m. There is tremendous energy in the music and dancing and great enthusiasm from the congregation (probably 1,000 strong) including quite a bit of whooping at key moments! There was lots and lots of music, with typical African rhythms, harmonies and drumming. The Mass was concelebrated by 5 or 6 priests, including Father James, and lasted three and a half hours, including a long homily. Much of the Mass was in the local language, so we were unable to understand it, but we could follow the sequence of events and knew which prayers were said when. We were seated up close to the altar and were warmly welcomed. I recorded a lot of the proceedings on my camcorder, which I will edit when I get home. At the end of Mass there was an exchange of gifts. Apart from mention of the solar panel and the children's sports kit that we have brought with us, Father James gave our children's collage, the photo album from Worth, a Bible and a signed copy of Abbot Christopher's book containing a personal greeting to Father Stephen.
After Mass and lunch we were treated to more dancing and singing from various groups in the parish, from various schools, the women's group and a charismatic group. There were also reports from Father Stephen and the PPC and an address by Father James. Again, much enthusiasm, clapping and laughter. Afterwards we had a meeting with the PPC and discussed many interesting ideas for developing the relationship further. It was good to see the PPC members expressing their opinions and reassuring to see that generally their priorities agreed with ours and those of the previous Worth visitors.
Off to dinner with the Sisters of Grace and Compassion tonight.
We have all shaken countless hands. Today everyone is very pleased to have us visiting and some are incredibly grateful. It is very humbling that we have so much and they so little. I will not forget the expression used by the little boy in the fishing village we visited yesterday - he said "You must be a very expensive man" (i.e. rich).
George