We had such a great service on Friday - the perfect way to end our time at MCC. We arrived to find the chairs all set up in a circle, with the worship team in the middle on the floor, the idea being that our services are meant to be corporate worship, not "us" staring at "them" up on stage. (Remember, we meet outside in a big open area so we can rearrange when we want to!) It was really cool to be able to look across from you and see faces of different colors and varying styles of clothing and remember, this is the body of Christ.
Of course, Friday was the hottest day we've had yet (high of 104), and that means more people are running their ACs, and that means power outtages. Sure enough, after our first worship song the power cut out, including the precious fans that help us survive sitting for over an hour in the heat. Fortunately the music could continue; since they were not set up in their normal place they were using only acoustic instruments. The power ended up coming back on just as we were finishing, "How Great is Our God." =)
As we were sitting/standing, I was thinking, Wow, we have finished a whole year here. And finished well! I feel at home here at MCC. It's always encouraging, when you're about to move somewhere new, to know that last time you tried that it all worked out. =) God has really provided for us here, with jobs and family and safety and lots of good connections and relationships. We could've stayed here another year, had we not put all that effort into the Peace Corps application (no way we're giving up after that)!
Pastor Steve prayed for me and Dylan at the end of the service and lots of people (some of whom I didn't know) came over and hugged us, shook our hands, and wished us well. A great send-off.
Of course, Friday was the hottest day we've had yet (high of 104), and that means more people are running their ACs, and that means power outtages. Sure enough, after our first worship song the power cut out, including the precious fans that help us survive sitting for over an hour in the heat. Fortunately the music could continue; since they were not set up in their normal place they were using only acoustic instruments. The power ended up coming back on just as we were finishing, "How Great is Our God." =)
As we were sitting/standing, I was thinking, Wow, we have finished a whole year here. And finished well! I feel at home here at MCC. It's always encouraging, when you're about to move somewhere new, to know that last time you tried that it all worked out. =) God has really provided for us here, with jobs and family and safety and lots of good connections and relationships. We could've stayed here another year, had we not put all that effort into the Peace Corps application (no way we're giving up after that)!
Pastor Steve prayed for me and Dylan at the end of the service and lots of people (some of whom I didn't know) came over and hugged us, shook our hands, and wished us well. A great send-off.