A remarkable Sunday: from Mkowela to Mtwara

In the morning after breakfast, we return to the tarmac road heading east. We have about an hour and a half drive to the place where we attend the church service. So, nine of us squeeze back into the car, we know the ritual already. It is a small village on the road, Mkowela, in the area with the large, interestingly shaped mountains. The church is a simple, square house with a tin roof, and we are greeted by 3 men in suits. The suits are a contrast to the poor surroundings, but everyone dresses up nicely for the service!

Some of us women need to use the restroom again, and we go with the pastor to his house. It is a closed courtyard, open fire, rooms on three sides. The children are being prepared, a button on a dress is sewn back on, and the woman disappears into the shower (bucket of water over the head…)

In the church room, we have to sit in front facing the congregation, they sit separated as men and women and conduct their service in a joyful manner together.

There is lively singing/dancing, the