coptichymns.net - Sharing the Joy of Coptic Hymns Around the World

This morning, we went to the construction site of the new church to begin setting up a meeting place for a general meeting with the public, to introduce them to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Although the meeting was initially scheduled for this evening, it was postponed until later in the week, after half the group will have left.

This news came as a surprise to a few of us, and for a few moments, we felt disappointed that we would get the chance to meet the people of St. Kitts. However, Abouna reminded us with a very important point - it does not matter whether we attend the meeting or meet the people. We should not be seeking the attention of the public or the praise of people. Our service also pleases the Lord when it is invisible and silent. Speaking only for myself, I, the unworthy servant who felt disappointment, may God forgive me for this feeling and for forgetting the goal of this service.

We continued to clean the construction site and set up cinder blocks, upon which humble benches would be made for the people to sit. We also spent some time with Abouna Shenouda and Tasoni and other servants, discussing how the presentation would be made.

In the afternoon, we stopped at the town center to buy souvenirs and groceries. Everything on the island is so expensive; many items are imported with a hefty tax or surcharge (groceries at the grocery store cost three times the average prices in the U.S.). We were told that there is a large disparity between the economic classes on the island, with not much of a "middle class".

Speaking for my weakness, I remembered how many times in my life I was wasteful and reckless with my money, when I realized how costly it could be to feed an average-sized family on this island. May the Lord forgive my prodigal living and teach me to live simply and be content with all that I have.

Tomorrow, half the group will return to the States. After lunch, the group sat together and discussed some of the things we were thankful for on this trip, as well as some of the things we learned about one another. We also took this time to apologize for things that happened during the week that made others to stumble (I led the discussion with many apologies for my iniquities!) I especially thank God for this time with the group today. Tensions had been building the past couple of days, most likely warfare from Satan and due to our many weaknesses. After the discussion and prayer, it felt as if a large burden had been removed from us, thanks be to the Lord for covering our faults with His abundant grace, for we truly are unworthy servants undeserving of His care.

Because of the rains in the evening, we were not able to paint the rafters of the new church (it was too muddy to walk up the mountainside to the current church). Instead, we went to the nearby ocean, where we walked and sang hymns. The views at sunset were amazing; may the Lord continually provide us with the opportunity to see and praise the mighty wonders of His hands.

I thank you all for reading my (CarolB's) humble posts on this travelogue so far; I am unworthy of your attention, support and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for me and my weaknesses, and pray for those servants who remain in St. Kitts for the service. They will, God willing, continue to post in this travelogue. Glory be to the Lord and His ever-growing Church, Amen.