Beyond a Weekly Meeting

When we walked into homegroup this past Sunday, it seemed strange that we couldn't understand the language - it felt just like walking into homegroup:) Does that make sense? The people were very welcoming, and the atmosphere had a very "homey" feel to it - which was enough to make both of us get very teary-eyed. We all sat on the floor around a table (as shown in our pictures) which held fruit and cookies and pie. Conversation flowed freely. We started with a time of worship - it was so sweet the way they chose songs that we knew in English. Micah and I were both crying during worship because of how real and heartfelt it was.
All of the homegroups in the church are going through a book right now (of course I can't remember the title!). Not only did every person in the room share about what God had layed on their hearts as they read the book in their quiet time, but they also shared very openly with each other how they were doing in their personal lives. I nearly cried as one couple shared the struggles that they were facing in their marriage and in raising children (people translated for us periodically - several people in the homegroup speak English). Their (the whole homegroup) hearts were open to each other and there was such a bond of trust that was quite evident. We could also feel the Holy Spirit very strongly in the room - again, I just felt like crying because it felt so much like home. At the end, we prayed for everyone. It's so neat how prayer is done here. Everyone prays out simultaneously - and not just little wimpy prayers either! Everyone prays fervently and with such sincerity! As I'm writing this, I just keep thinking, "Why were we having such a hard time figuring out where God was trying to plant us?" I think this homegroup meeting has really solidified in us the knowledge that this really is where God has lead us. As we were leaving, the homeowners told us to drop by any time now that we knew where they lived. It was such a good feeling - and again, seemed so much like home.
The school reminds me of home too (maybe I'm homesick?) - there are several faces that I see at the school who are also involved with the church. And it is so neat to see a girl who teaches special ed. also get up in Thursday morning chapel and lead worship. The staff at the school don't just "punch" their "time cards" and have nothing else to do with anything related to the church or school. These people are here all day every day of the week, and they fulfill multiple functions. They really love the students and are dedicated to seeing them receive a Godly education - for the purpose of raising up a generation who will go out and affect the culture around them towards Godliness.
And this afternoon! It was so lovely and not too unusual for one of my co-workers to drop by and let me know that a group was meeting in her classroom to eat some strawberry pie and drink tea. No other reason, just to hang out. We sat around talking and just enjoying being teachers - it was so great. I just sat there and thought, "How in the world did I of all people get here?" God is so good. So...while we are quite homesick, we're also quite "at home" here too. God is tremendously faithful - His Kingdom transcends cultural bounds. It is awesome to experience that first-hand! We love you all so much, and we cherish your continued prayers - and comments too! They are invaluable to us! Love, Sarah