Day 20 A Sunday in the Rain

Today it rained all day long. A perfect Sunday to chill.

In the morning, we all got ready to go to church. Victor had cooked half the night and continued this morning right from seven. I really admire his dedication. Just before ten, we were styled and ready to go, picking up a few people along the way who didn't have a car, and we drove together to the 'church'.

Although – church might be the wrong word. The 'service', as they call it, took place in a small meeting room in a hotel that they had rented specifically. There were about 12 or 14 people. Victor opened the service with a Bible verse from a small booklet, then someone else asked us to consider what we wanted to thank God for. Everyone mumbled words of thanks, some with raised hands – Mika and I were rather quiet. Afterwards, a live broadcast from Nigeria was shown, where a priest healed people while a gospel choir sang. The lyrics appeared on the screen – sing-along encouraged. We remained observers here too.

At the end, a table was placed in the center. Everyone shared where they had encountered God while we ate the food that Victor had prepared. And then came a touching moment: Victor told everyone that we had accepted him – and that it had deeply touched his life. He said he would never forget us. Everyone agreed and thanked us. That really moved me.

After two hours, everything was over. The room was cleared, the hotel bill was paid, and we drove back.

This is not my way of praying, not my approach to faith – but I am deeply impressed by the commitment and conviction with which Victor and Stephanie pursue their path.

In the afternoon, Mika and I took a little trip to the capital of the island – about 40 minutes away. It was nice, nothing more. But there was ice cream and cappuccino – what more could you want?

At home, we had a long discussion – about Trump, refugee policy, and how the state can be exploited. I must say: Stephanie and Victor have a very reflective, healthy attitude. Responsible, independent, self-sufficient – that impresses me.

Later, Victor and I tried to hang a sideboard on the wall with very few tools. Lots of tinkering, not done yet – but we had fun.

And Perri? He is slowly warming up. Now he won't stop talking. That's sweet.

I already know why I liked this family from the very beginning. I simply embraced them in my heart. ❤️