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This reflection was shared by Sarah L:
What a day we have had! I experienced one of the most sacred church services of my life. It was beautiful and so spirit filled that I choked up. I had no idea of what they were saying but you didn’t need to. It was felt. After 2.25 hrs of service, they had us leave early and go upstairs for a meal. We happened to be visiting on their 39th year anniversary. When we left, the service was still going. The minister had preached for 2 hours! No stopping! His preaching style I sum up as a charismatic televangelist auctioneer. Of course since I know little Spanish it all sounds fast.
They have all been super friendly and church was no different. Offering time was amazing. You line up and go up front and drop your money in the basket. They would dance up there. Such pride and I would see that they were putting in a dollar or a few coins. One dollar and you would of thought they put in a hundred dollars! We spent the next couple of hours in traffic. The cruise ships were docked in San Juan so the crowds were crazy. We went to the Fort and the guys toured the inside while us ladies walked and looked for shopping. We had Burger King for supper and they were so kind and patient with us reading a Spanish Burger King menu. They even handed us coupon books and they were so proud and kept saying God Bless You.
In my heart, I wish that everyone could see beyond San Juan. The housing, the road side stands, the food trucks, etc. To me that is Puerto Rico. You talk to them and they want to be a state. They want to feel more connected to us. Every house or shack of a house is built on the mountain side. We saw some really nice houses in like gated communities. Asked what the price of those houses were, they were $150,000. Astonishing to think that is what a lower to fair priced house is in the states!
I am signing off as it is late and we start work bright and early. It’s is raining and some funky birds making calls outside my windows. We are all excited for work and think a little nervous too. We will be working at a DOC church and a Methodist church on Monday.
