From Jessica -- Today an African Choir performed in our living room. Yes, I'm serious. Two weeks ago, Todd and Ben visited an Anglican church with our guard and new friend Alfred. They met the pastor and several of Alfred's fellow choir members. A few days ago, Todd received a call from the pastor, Jean Paul, who said, "Can I bring a few choir members by your home on Sunday afternoon?" Todd, with his Missionary Baptist upbringing, pictured a Baptist "visitation" with the pastor and a couple of church members. So he said, "Sure." So the next day I began asking Alfred some questions. Here's how that conversation went...

 

Jessica: So Alfred, we're excited to meet some of your friends in the choir. How many are in the choir?

Alfred: About 30.

Jessica: Oh really? And how many of them will come on Sunday?

Alfred: All of them.

Jessica: pause....OK...Well, what time do you think they will all be coming?

Alfred: After the church service.

Jessica: And when does the service end?

Alfred: Oh, it depends on how long we go. Maybe noon.

Jessica: OK. Should I have some food prepared?

Alfred: Yes, that would be good.

Jessica: I've never cooked for 30 people with a tiny stove, tiny fridge, no disposal, no dishwasher, inconsistent water, inconsistent electricity, and all of my cookware on a container in Tanzania. (No, I didn't really say all of that. I just thought it. What I actually said was, "Do you think I could just offer them a dessert?)

Alfred: Sure!

Jessica: Great. Now, will they speak English?

Alfred: Not much.

Jessica: That's OK. But what should we do with them while they are here?

Alfred: We will sing for you.

Jessica: Oh wonderful! We would love to hear one of your songs.

Alfred: Oh, we will sing many many songs.

Jessica: Oh, good. Um, how long do you think they will stay?

Alfred: Until about 6 p.m.

 

Obviously we have much to learn about African culture. Once all 30 of them and their keyboard managed to get into our little duplex, we had a wonderful time. Rebecca decorated our home with her latest artwork. They were sweet people, and their music was beautiful. The pictures in the blog library don’t do it justice. (Nor do they show how many were really here. We couldn’t get them all in one picture!)