San Bernardino's UCC Church

Today was a wonderful and full day - this morning we were divided into groups to attend local congregations for church. My group attended a Lutheran church which serves as a mission to people who are deaf. Not only was there a sign language interpreter, but the pastors both also used sign language during the service. The congregation was very welcoming to us. Then we returned to the hotels, and had a short amount of actual free time - about 3 hours, the most since I've been here! I did some work, but also went with a group to the Sunday arts and crafts fair at the main city park, and had a lovely lunch and found some gifts too.

Then, we headed back to the university campus where all of the WCC events take place. Today is Latin American day, where our hosts get to share about their region. There was a wonderful plenary in the hall telling the story of how God is working in Latin America - with lifesized puppets acting a drama, and videos telling the history and current story of the people of this region. It was a wonderful experience, and then after dinner we gathered for a great cultural celebration outside to hear renowned musicians from all over Latin America. There was much dancing in the aisles by the visitors from all over the world, as well as the people from the region who have come especially for today's presentations, including many extra people from Brazil who were just visiting for today. It was made very interesting by the rain, which kept starting and stopping. Some people left, but many of the rest of us used their chairs upside down as umbrellas and waited it out - and it was worth it. The music was incredible, including the most amazing accordian player I have ever seen (and I'm Swiss, so I've seen some really good ones before). It was a full day, although a nice change from the hectic schedule of "regular" days here. Back to that tomorrow!