Busy busy busy!!!

Since i last had a chance to upload some of our adventures we have had such a fun and busy schedule going from one side of Huntsville and North Alabama to the other. On Tuesday we went out to Cullman Alabama which is about an hour out of Huntsville where we were welcomed into a very small congregation. The first thing upon arrival after introductions was to drive 3 miles back the way we came to a famous Grotto! I know, I was picturing this spectacular water fall with pools and amazing trails and wild life. No! This Grotto was a memorial to a catholic priest or Brother Joseph who designed these small rock features of different places in the world and bible. If you picture a mini version of Jerusalem - thats what we went to view. Interesting and such a strange artistic expression.

Following this we settled back at the church for a wonderful time of fellowship and luch before travelling on to a huge Catholic Shrine out in the countryside. WOW! Some people have too much money. But still very beautiful in its own rights - i was forced to wear longs over my shorts so my judgement may be biased. We left here to start our trip back to Westminster Presby in Decatur in Alabama. We were meeting with the church here to disucss our first Seminar on the missional church which was a super time of ministry and fellowship with some of the congregants in Decatur.

Wednesday has just come and gone so quickly for us. We awoke to a wonderful day of cloud assuming it may be a little cooler but unfortunately it was more humid and sweat drenching. Today we spent our moring and afternoon with two special elementary schools in Huntsville. Ang, Chris, Mkondi, Komnani, Mabela and myself went to the University Place elementary school where we had a special and fantastic time with the children. Firstly we got to share in a meal with them in their cafetaria. Then we went on a well guided tour by miss Dollie throughout the entire school visiting a few classrooms. We were then paraded a little with the grade 3-5 in a short assembly where we could speak a little about South Africa. After this we were requested to visit some of the classes and read some of the books we brought over to the children which i found to be the most fun.

When we eventually left for Nancy's house we had experienced such a wonderful time with the children we needed to rest and discuss our plan of action before the rehearsal this evening for the celebration service on Sunday. Then we arrived at Faith for dinner and the rehearsal where again we were put on the spot to perform a traditional song for our guests. Fun!!!! We were also expected to sing in the choir with these amazing vocalists which was terrifying for me - you know i cant sing! Anyway we had fun and survived only to be blessed by the A & M University choir mixed with the Fellowshp Presby choir who performed some amazing songs just for us as we gave them a small South AFrican Reception.

We are looking forward to our next visit with a new family from our church congregation and too exploring more of this beautiful country.