Hey everyone! Felicia here. Just wanted to start out by saying thank you for the many prayers you've devoted to our team. We're really feeling God work already!

Yesterday, we met Albert at the church office for a morning devotion, where he also introduced us to the other staff members. Every morning, except Sunday's, the church's staff members meet for about a half an hour, starting their day out with prayer and worship, as well as time in God's word. It was exciting for us to share that time with them, and we know it will be a great way to start out the day and further our relationship with God. I know that for me, it was convicting knowing that they set apart this time every day, when I find Facebook or Glee a better filler of my day! We also learned that Albert and the staff teach students English by having them type out Bible verses in the computer lab. So they learn English and the Gospel all in one! We thought that was a creative ministry,

Later that day, we went shopping with Dolon, Metali's brother, to get fabric for our 3-piece outfits. When we got to inside the building, there were beautiful fabrics of every color and design, jeweled and sequined to catch any girl's eye, hung from the walls in countless small shops. Being girls, we naturally had the workers pull countless outfits down to find the perfect ones. After picking our final choices, we all had big smiles on our faces and couldn't stop laughing about how excited we were for the outfits to be made! I felt bad for Dolon as he bartered for the outfits, which took a long time, but he got us a good price! For having put up with 6 giggly girls for a couple hours, we should have bought him a new outfit! He's a very brave man.

Today, we attended our first church service, which acutally occured in our apartment! Since ours is right next to Albert and Metali's, this is where they have church services. Also, unlike our early bird services at home, church started at 4:30pm, which was nice. The church is not very big, but it is very strong, as Albert has explained. Danielle and Casey led the children's sunday school with stories, games, and fun songs. They did a great job and the kids loved it! During worship time, the congregation sang their hearts out, praising God and leaving all other thoughts aside. It was so encouraging to hear them give testimonies and praises to God, as it showed our dedicated their lives are to Christ and His plan for them. Andrea and I also got to lead worship, sharing some of our songs as Andrea played her guitar and I sang. Jen did an amazing job giving her sermon today, and it really touched everyone's hearts, while also making them think and grow in their faith. We all loved that the church service didn't have a set time and as Metali explained, "We have the rest of the week, we can afford to give God our Sunday afternoon and evening." It's so true!

We are all very touched by the hearts and lives of Albert and Metali, as well as the people of the church. Hearing their testimonies and stories of their lives really encourages us as we get ready to dive into ministry tomorrow. WE ARE SOOO EXCITED!! Please pray for hearts and minds to be open for not only our team, but also the people we minister to in the villages. For Muslims, it's very hard to become Christian because there is a great deal of persecution. We know nothing is too great for our God though, and we have faith that he will do mighty things through us and the Friends church here!

Because of His Love,
Felicia and the team :]