Class 8 Prayer Day

When they say Prayer Day they really mean Prayer All-Day-Long. I have nothing against prayer….but that’s not exactly what went down! Anyway, yesterday (Wednesday) was Prayer Day for the Class 8 candidates. Kevin and Doris will be sitting for their exams next week, please keep them in prayer for this very important exam. Here’s a look at the day:

The program was to begin at 10 am. Ann and I walked to the church (next to the school) and arrived at 10:30….now to my credit I’ve lived here long enough to know nothing EVER begins on time but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t a bit anxious about being late (guess I’ll never really get over that).

We arrive, half the students aren’t there and some of those who are head back to the school for desks! Finally 10:45 the PA system arrives! Now the party can start, right!?

11am (there hasn’t been electricity all morning) and they now look at the generator to see if it has gas

Finally around 11:30 they call everyone into the church….my “mom instincts” wanted to kick in as students, carrying desks into the church, pushed past adults as it seemed to be everyone for themselves to get a seat! Honestly I wanted to grab the closest kid by the hair and yell “you all are so rude!” (something I’d do with my own kids!) But I stepped aside, waited for everyone to go inside and found a seat next to the door.

I guess another mom’s instincts kicked in too (she pulled out needle and thread to sew her daughters dress). Reminded me of my grandma at my wedding….I needed a part of my wedding dress sewn and grandma folds over her collar to show needle and thread at the ready!

After the teachers introductions, the preacher’s sermon, students singing, parents singing and a collection Boniface (principal of the school) addressed the students

And what normally happens, Boniface singled out the only white person in attendance (yup, me) to come up and say a few words…why oh why!? He asked me what I liked and didn’t like about the program. I did hold my tongue and simply said the lengthy speeches were a bit…lengthy. But I commended the Class 8’s on their enthusiasm and encouraged them to do their best on the exam, asking them to seek God’s help before, during and after the exam.

This has nothing to do with the prayer day, but I had to take a photo of this guys ensemble…shiny silver suit, purple boots and a green jacket!

Finally the speeches were over, preaching was complete and it was snack time…good thing because it was 2:30 and I was hungry! Loaf (bread), biscuits (cookies) and warm soda.