Sunday we loaded up and headed out for our first experience in the work camps with a church service at Batey #6. To say it is a little more casual than a service at Westminster is an understatement. But one thing is for certain–The folks aren’t at the service because they have to be, they are they because they want to. Church is clearly the rock for many of these people. While everyday life here may be about struggle and survival, Sunday is clearly a day of rejuvenation and hope; the day that keeps them going.
Of course, while we had interpreters for a good deal of the service, we could understand very little of what was being said. But the energy was infectious nonetheless. Dave Sems gave a great Sermon, Mark Kemp looked right at home with the band and Kelly Kemp stunned the audience with a solo great solo. You should have seen the congregation light up when she began to sing. It was like a star entered the room!
Following the service, we took a quick ride through a couple of the Bateys and headed to Wilfrido’s house, where his wife prepared a nice meal of chicken, rice and maybe the best potato salad I’ve ever had. Then it was back to the hotel for a little relaxation–a few of us even ventured down the road to “The Big Tree” to watch the Super Bowl.
Monday morning, work begins.
