Bishop Janice Riggle Huie serves communion to Rev. Nancy Kellond during Sunday worship at the Methodist Hospital in Dabou.

My first glimpse of long-awaited Africa by plane from the north across the Sahara Desert… a vastness of barren sand drifts. The desert spoke of power in its own way. There was nothing to rely on, but the power of God to sweep you along toward somewhere. Only God can provide within this long journey. How much longer? What will it be like?

Driving through the country side on a sunny Sunday morning… rows and rows of banana trees, like corn stalks, colors and patterns in fabrics and buildings reflecting the rhythm of the people. Even in the midst of extreme poverty, one can find some beauty and make music.

Thousands of people gathered for worship under bright colored tents — with drums and trumpets and glorious voices of praise. Holy communion was an explosion of joy, and, in that moment, oh so close to the fullness of the Kingdom! I will always remember.

Nancy Kellond