Don't go chasing waterfalls, just stick to the coffee shop that you're used to...

Not the most normal walk to church on a Sunday!

This morning we attended a typical church service in Arishi, which is the next village from Mirishi where Chem Chem campsite is based. 

The walk took about 20 mins through what can only be described as a jungle! We walked down some really steep, slippy slopes and a couple of members of the group went down but the scenery and the beautiful streams and scenery we saw on the way was well worth the falls.

We arrived at church just in time and we had to be seated with men on the left hand side and women on the right. As you can imagine we stuck out like a sore thumb (Murangas!) We attracted a lot of stares, but just through interest and not in a threatening way.

The service started with singing, which was obviously in Swahili so we just stood and watched on as the choir led the singing. The priest then started the service and welcomed us and came over to speak to us in English to express their delight with having us there for their service. 

The service went on pretty much in Swahili and when I say it went on, I mean it went on!! 

Nearly two hours later we realised something was happening where we could join in. The whole congregation were taking it in turns, row by row to go up and give some money to the church offertory. It was a bit like a conga line where you drop your money in the basket as you pass at the front, before returning to your seat. 

The strangest thing was yet to come. After the close of the service, everyone makes their way out to the steps of the church outside and anyone who was unable to give money during the offertory, auction off food goods. There was an auction of some fresh goat, milk and three sugar cane trees. All very strange but in a way quite practical I guess.

We spent a while saying hello to the locals as they all wanted to shake our hands, and then we headed back up to Chem Chem. 

We had lunch at the site, which consisted of lentils, banana stew and spinach. This is pretty much the diet we are living on and I have to say it is lovely, however is becoming a little 'samey'!

We then split off in the afternoon. The girls visited the coffee shop for a relaxing time and the lads went off to see some waterfalls, which by all accounts were pretty special. We might be able to go again later in the week but have lots of photos and videos to bring home.

We had another relaxing evening at the campsite and played a team game called 'Tell Me'. Things got pretty competitive but quite frankly there was no competition. My team, led by Ryan and Toni, were victorious!

Second day of project work tomorrow.

Over and out for now
"Pole Pole"