Church

I was just in church with these girls – IN CHURCH.

Full bodied, make a joyful noise, raise your hands and dance – church.

Such faith and love brought every day. Unbridled enthusiasm. Deep hearted appreciation.

I can learn lessons from these girls in faith and joy.

We sang songs at the top of our lungs, call and repeat, clap and drum, danced in circles and raised our arms. We took turns and gave testimony.

I stood up and shared – my struggle of theft versus the beauty of these marafiki (friends) and how muraimbo these (beautiful girls) are.

I sang a freedom song – Ain’t gonna let no hard times turn me around.

The girls cheered.

The chickens clucked in the space next door.

Church. God is in this house. Church.