Changing it up

Why do humans like routine so much? Sit in one place once and you'll sit in the same spot every time. Do something one way once, and it'll stick forever. I've pretty much got the church routine down. After Sabbath School, we sing the opening hymn. Then there is a welcoming and prayer. Then we sing a song(the same song each week) as people get on the stage. Then we have offering collection and sing a song. Then children's story, and after the deacons bring the money up to the front as we sing Praise God From Who All Blessings Flow and then they pray over the money. Then we sing or someone does special music. Then we have the long prayer and sings a song after. Then the sermon, and when it finished, another song. Got it! I feel like even though there is complete freedom here in Palau, I am just walking in circles. So, today I decided to break out of my circle. I started by going to Palauan sabbath school and actually trying to participate. Then, during church I found passages in the Bible to read on my own. After, when I'd usually go to potluck and sit with the other SM's, I was approached by some of my students. One gave me a letter and cookies to apologize for cheating. The other one, and another little girl in 3rd grade, grabbed my hand and begged me to sit with them. I also sat with 2 new little girls that somehow knew me, and some parents. After getting our food, the little kids had to move to the kids table so I just stayed and sat with their parents. Nice change of pace! After potluck I decided to go to prison ministries. The prisons here are so different from in the States. The people can just walk around wherever and talk to eachother. We went in to do a church service for them and they just were sitting right beside us, shaking our hands, and singing hymns. It was really cool! I really liked talking to them and the service was great too! Afterwards, Jeanine and I watched Amazing Grace and we all relaxed and watched the sunset.