ululation!

Comer, GA

Yesterday soon after we walked into the library a man struck up a conversation with Heather. He introduced himself as "Pastor Lobe." An African, from Cameroon. When Heather told him her great-grandparents were missionaries there years ago, he got excited and began asking more about our walk. Soon we were at his house, sharing a dish Heather remembered from Nigeria: cassava dipped in a soup made from chicken and spices and greens. Quite good. And he was very impressed that Heather knew how to eat it and dug right in with her hands.

Pastor Lobe also offered to drive us a way down the road. But as we described our next planned stop at Jubilee Partners, and their work with international refugees, he decided he wanted to take us all the way and see the place for himself. So we made some phone calls and by dinner time we arrived here!

We were warmly welcomed and ate with the community and summer volunteers. Then helped unfurl the homemade banner and welcome some new refugees just arriving from Burma. Later we visited some houses of the other families there, from Chad and Burundi. I thought they wouldn't appreciate a crowd appearing at their door, but they seemed quite pleased and welcomed everyone in. Soon the singing started, traditional African songs in their native language, with everyone clapping along and singing and ululation for applause.

Just before we left, Pastor Lobe stood up to say a few words and pray. He spoke in French so someone could translate to the African dialect, while Heather translated into English. He was very impressed by his experience here. I remember him saying before he drove away, "This is how it should be." (Which reminded me of Luke's comment a couple days before.)