Dancing Queen!

The title is not from the musical Mama Mia, although I will admit that I have seen the film a total of three times in the movie theater here. A friend of mine said the other day, “I don’t think I would tell people you saw that three times…it sounds pretty sad”…But he doesn’t know me that well and the fact is I LOVE musicals! Ok, back to my main story…the reason I am now known as the dancing queen is because I danced in front of the church this past Sunday! Surprising I know, but to be honest Africa has restored some beat in me and I actually find myself dancing quite frequently…especially in church! Well it was a normal morning of worship at Khanysia, as the young and old were out of their seats dancing in praise to Jesus around the room. At one point our pastor, who is originally from the UK, began to tease the Brits in the room on how they dance, swaying ever-so slightly and barley moving their feet or lifting their hands. We all laughed. Then he asked the English within the room to come up front and prove him wrong…we laughed more and danced while the music started up again. After, Nigel looked directly at me said, now let’s see how the Americans can dance…ahhh I was stuck and knew that I had no choice but to bravely go up front and have fun with this amazing congregation. I was no longer a visitor, but a friend to many, and I think the only American who is regularly attending Khanysia at this time. As I stood up front, I looked around and wondered if anyone else would join me, for there are always American visitors coming and going on Sundays…just then two others came up and the music started. Thankfully I was wearing a fun skirt and twirled and danced across the stage, while everyone was up on their feet clamping as they rooted us on. Once we were finished, they did the welcome and had newcomers stand and introduce themselves. I was shocked to find that not only did we have a few American visitors that morning, but 15 people from a church in Atlanta, and about 4 others besides them! Well, I guess I was the brave one and thankful for the opportunity as that was definitely an experience I will never forget, nor the church!