Where He leads...: September 2010

Today marks one week since I have been back to Namibia. My first visit back to FHS was Friday. I thought I would share some of what's been going on even in just the few days that I've been back.

This morning I helped Linda with her glue and dirt craft. The kids "painted" a picture with the glue and then we went outside and put dirt all over it. I was just as excited as the kids were to see what the dirt would reveal. They absolutely loved it and really did a fabulous job!

On goes the glue...

...then a bit of dirt...

... carefully lift up the paper...

... and voilà! You have something like this...

... or this...

... or these!

Even Teacher Elizabeth took part in the fun.

Months ago, FHS received a donation from UNICEF who had partnered with CROCS to put their shoes on the feet of those who often go without, or who could at least use an improvement for better comfort and protection. We are down to the last few boxes, but I wanted to share this donation with you because we were all very happy about it. They donated over 400 pairs of CROCS--all sizes, colors, and styles!

This week we are also working with all of the sponsored kids at FHS to draw a picture for their sponsor. This happens once a year and FHS staff and volunteers go to each of the main schools and assist the kids with their drawings. Not all of the sponsored kids come to the center regularly, so this is the easiest way to ensure all the kids complete them. It is always fun to see what creative ideas the children have for their drawings. Of course, not all the children at FHS are sponsored yet. About 150 children (out of 450) at FHS are still waiting for a sponsor. I have given some information before about this, but if you would like to know more about how to sponsor a child at FHS please email me. Sponsors help pay for their school fees, school uniform, hygiene products, etc. Most families in Namibia live on $1-2 a day, so it is difficult for them to pay for these things--especially considering that most families have several children in each household.

Speaking of children... There are often babies and toddlers hanging around FHS. Meme Esther, for example, is always taking care of children other than just her own. She'll have a baby on her back and be working away preparing food for some 200-250 kids at the center each day. The baby below is named Danke, which means "thank you" in Afrikaans. He's a cutie and getting very talkative. He fell asleep on her back while she was serving lunch today so I took him from her and laid him down on his "cot". He woke up later with even more energy!

My precious friend Shiwa still hangs around. She's been "attending" the kindergarten in the back of the building with Kaita, though they are both often found wandering around amongst the big kids at FHS. They sure are cute, but they are cute little trouble-makers at times! :) I am still working with the grandmother to obtain Shiwa's birth certificate so we can pursue an application for her to attend a special school.

Finally, I am still meeting with my older girls at least one afternoon a week and working with them as they write their story of what it's like to be a child in Namibia (see this blog for more info about my creative writing class). Many have finished and the rest are at least halfway done. This has been a wonderful and heartbreaking experience for me as I read through these stories. They seem to be enjoying the creative aspect, and I hope some of my goals of increasing their self-esteem and confidence are being met as we continue with this and other activities.

Today I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a young girl. I was with a group of AIMers and we had stopped to use the ATM. I was thirsty as the temperatures are rising much earlier in the morning these days. I went to the supermarket nearby for a drink. While standing in the slow line, I had noticed the child behind me. Honestly, for a long while—even at the beginnings of our conversation—I thought the child was a boy. I later learned, when she told me her name, that she must actually be a girl. Girls often keep their hair as short as boys and it can be difficult to tell them apart depending on their facial features. Her name is one that is difficult for me, so I can’t remember it now. We have similar names at FHS like Ndamonohenda and Ndaudaleni, I haven’t yet been able to easily commit them to memory.

As we were standing in line, before she spoke, I had already decided that I would buy the small item she had in her hand. It would be a quick and simple gesture, not for show, and no one would really notice but the girl herself. Before it was my turn to checkout, I heard her softly say to me, “Are you a Christian?” I turned to her and answered yes.

“Are you a Christian?” I asked.

“No,” was her simple response.

”Why not?”

“I don’t know, but I have a friend who is a Christian.”

I wanted to find out what the girl knew about Christ, Heaven, and being a Christian, so I began to ask her questions. “Have you heard of Jesus Christ?”

“Yes.”

“What have you heard about Him?”

“He’s the King of Kings.”

“Right. And He is also the Son of God.”

She nodded.

“Do you know what He did for you?” She shook her head no. “Did you know that He came to earth as a man?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Do you know why?” She didn’t, but I could tell that she did know some things so I wanted to learn more about what she already knew. “Do you know how Jesus died?”

“On the cross.”

“Do you know why He died?”

“For our sins,” she quickly responded.

“Right. He died for our sins, so that if we believe on Him we will be saved and live in Heaven one day.”

About this time it was my turn to checkout. I took the buttermilk she was holding, grabbed a nearby chocolate bar for her, and paid for my drink and her things. I didn’t want our conversation to end, so after we were finished at the register I continued talking to her as we walked outside the store. I went over everything we had just discussed and asked her a few more questions. I told her that becoming a Christian gives you hope and peace in this world that nothing and no one else can give. I told her about my sister Liz and how much joy I have in knowing that one day I will get to see her again in Heaven. I also told the little girl that her Christian friend probably has a Bible and she should ask if she can read it. I asked her if she knew how to pray and told her that praying is as simple as having the conversation she was having with me. Talking, asking questions, no formality needed. We went over one last time what it means to be a Christian and how she can believe in Jesus with all her heart. I told her she could pray herself and ask Jesus to be her Savior.

“How old do you have to be to be a Christian?” she asked.

“I was saved when I was 5.”

Her eyes lit up, “5?!” I would guess the girl herself was around 10 years old.

“Yes. And once you ask Jesus into your heart, He is there forever and nothing can take Him away. Do you want me to pray with you now?” She said she would pray herself when she gets home. I told her my name and that it was nice to meet her and we parted ways. As we were pulling out, she was walking alongside of us, smiling and waving. We kept waving at each other until we were out of sight. I made a new friend today, and hopefully one whom I will see again… at the most beautiful of reunions.

There are more than a few contrasts when it comes to East Tennessee vs Namibia. For example, here is a photo of what East Tennessee looked like as I was taking off from there earlier this week...

Now here's a photo as I was landing in Namibia two days later...

Just a tad different, wouldn't you say?

Driving around many parts of the States vs driving around in most of Namibia looks a bit different as well...

But there's one thing that doesn't change too much from place to place... great friends!! And I don't say that to be sappy. It's really true! God blessed me by the love and support of my friends and family back home, and He blesses me here through amazing people as well.

I had these yummy granola bars waiting for me when I got home. My new roomies Candace and Heather had made them especially for me. How sweet! (No pun intended.)

I've received a warm welcome and plenty of hugs by all my dear friends at FHS. And it's been great catching up with my dear friend Nova and her family. Matthew is getting so big! He looks like a little man!

So despite the differences (no Starbucks, no Olive Garden, no peaceful trips down a river not infested with crocodiles and hippos...), I'm happy to be back and get settled back into the routine here. I went to FHS for a couple hours yesterday and had a wonderful reunion with staff and kids alike. I'm looking forward to getting back into the full swing of things next week!

I finally made it back "home" to Windhoek. From the time I left Mom's house on Monday to the time I arrived in Windhoek was about 42 hours. Missing my flight in Johannesburg (though I was at the gate 20 minutes prior to its scheduled take-off) certainly didn't help shorten that time.

I had a great trip home, as I summed up a bit in my last blog entry. I gained 5 pounds eating from the list of meals I had been craving for 15 months... but it was all worth it! :) I had such a precious time with my granddaddy. I wish our time together could have been spent with things he enjoyed like eating breakfast at McDonald's, going to his favorite catfish restaurant near Reelfoot lake, or just passing the time swapping stories. Instead, he was mostly confined to his bed at the nursing home, trying to communicate as best as he could, while I freshened his mouth, fed him strawberry apple sauce, changed the TV channel for him, and tried to keep him company and comfortable. He tells us he wants to get better. I'm not sure how much he knows of his current state, but he does realize that he is in that place because he is not well and needs to get better in order to get out of there. He seems determined, even in his tired state. He probably will not regain use of his right side, but the therapist seems hopeful that he can make great strides towards a decent recovery. His roommate Michael seemed genuinely sad when I left. I know I was. I had enjoyed my talks with Michael, and I could tell that he enjoyed them too. Nursing homes aren't known for their existence of real companionship. And for some patients, there's little to none at all. I hope that I brought a ray of light to that room and that place, even for the short while I was there.

As for the rest of my family, we enjoyed sharing meals together, sharing stories of what's been going on in everyone's life these past several months, and just enjoyed spending time together doing anything and everything. I attended two birthday parties, caught the end of my church's fundraising rummage sale, canoed down the river with Mom and Melinda, went on a couple walks with Mom, Frank, and Hitch, and caught up with my brother's progress as he is trying to finish work on his house.

Time flies when you're having fun, and those 2+ weeks sure flew by. I brought 3 filled-to-the-brim suitcases back to Namibia with me. A handful of things were mine and the rest were goodies I brought back for all my friends here. I feel like Santa Claus! :) My trip home really refueled me for the remaining time I have here in Namibia. I was so refreshed by the sweet time back in Tennessee and I've got a renewed motivation to continue my mission and ministry here. I'm looking forward to getting plugged back in and sharing stories with you in the near future as God leads me to some new places on this journey.

While I was still home, a co-worker of my mom's asked her how long I would be in Tennessee. My mom responded, "She is going back home next Monday." The co-worker gave Mom a puzzled look. Mom tried to correct her confusing statement. I was home, but I was going back to my "other" home. And for now, Namibia is my home. These people are my family. Not that Namibia will ever replace my original home and not that these people will ever replace my original family, but it feels like home here too in a way. I don't think "home" can be strictly defined. I suppose home is the warm feeling you get when you realize that a place and a group of people have climbed up inside your heart and are there to stay, wherever the rest of your journey may take you.

Some photos from my trip...

Riker is getting so big! He's my little cousin and I've watched him grow up since he was a baby. He had said to Kelly that I might not recognize him, "Because I'm big and I'm 7!" :) He told me more than once while I was home, "I love you. I've missed you." Melted my heart!

We went to the Dyer County Fair during my first trip with the fam to see Granddaddy. We needed some comic relief and most of us hadn't ever been to a real fair before. I've been to parking lot carnivals but nothing like this! Bek and I called this an anthropological experiment... for various reasons. Matt was completely sensory-overloaded, but it was pretty fun[ny] and a night we won't soon forget!

Not many things are more relaxing and refreshing to me than a trip down the Little River on our canoe. I was so glad I had time to fit this in!

Kelly, her mom, my Aunt Debbie and I took Marian out for a birthday lunch at Olive Garden. Marian was married to my Papaw. Shortly after he died in 2006, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It is difficult watching her mind deteriorate, but she is still as joyful as ever and we are so blessed for that!

There's no place like home.

(Disclaimer: This blog entry is obviously different than most. The focus: Me... a reflection of my visit home after having been gone for nearly 15 months.)

I have always loved East Tennessee, and my affections for this part of the world have grown stronger with each passing year. It's a beautiful place. A colorful place. And of course, my family is here--well, most of them.

After traveling 36 hours, I looked out the window as we descended toward the Knoxville airport and was blown away by God's artistry. I've flown many times, but never has East Tennessee appeared more spectacular from a plane than at that moment. I whispered to the man next to me, "I think God prepared this view just for me." And I truly believe He did. It had been raining that day and there was a mist over the vibrant green hills with the sun peeking through the clouds and showering down a dozen rays of light. Absolutely stunning. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and thanked God because indeed, there is no place like home.

So far I've been able to pack a lot in... not sure if that is best defined by the activities or the food I've "packed in"! Dad, Kelly, and Bekah picked me up at the airport and we headed for Chick-Fil-A. :) The chicken nuggets were a special treat on top of the blessing of getting to see my sister. Bek lives in Los Angeles and even when I'm living in Maryville, I don't get to see her much.

Some of the other culinary treats I've enjoyed:

Krystals (twice)

Starbucks (3 or 4 times, I lost count!)

BBQ plate at the Dyer County Fair

Courtyard Restaurant (I got so full from bread and dinner I didn't order one of my favorite desserts in the whole world! What was I thinking?!)

I also requested two meals from Kelly: Country-style steak and crappie (both were deliciously enjoyed)

On my remaining list of to-dos (probably better called to-eats):

Eat at a sushi restaurant*
Eat at a Mexican restaurant*
Eat some ice cream at Marble Slab
Eat some American pizza!*

And I requested sausage balls from Mom

And if time--and room in my stomach--allows, I wouldn't mind another plate of bbq, a piece of cookie cake from Great American Cookies, an ice cream potato from Courtyard Grille, and Aubrey's strawberry salad.

It's been interesting being home. And at times, I could even say it's been a bit weird. Honestly, it's kind of like I have entered a time warp. As I am driving around these familiar streets and seeing so many familiar faces, it almost feels like I never left. And yet... I have been gone for quite some time. I'm reminded of that when I walk down the cereal aisle in Walmart and I'm blown away by how many different kinds of cereal there are! I mean, it's astounding! Cereal on both sides of the gigantic aisle from one end to the other... aside from a few things of poptarts and oatmeal--also in abundance. The only yummy "kid" cereal I can get in Namibia is Frosted Flakes, and those are ordinary compared to Walmart's selection! Hello, Cap'n Crunch!

Really, it has been interesting. And perhaps what has been most interesting is how I view this life after having lived in Namibia since last summer. Of course I've had thoughts during these last several days that are pretty common for many missionaries when they return to the Western world after having lived in anything but. Homes here are huge. (Too huge in my opinion.) Air conditioning is cold. Choices are overwhelming-- where to eat, what to buy, what to wear... TV is still showing the same junk as when I left. And, "I haven't heard of any of these movies!"

But that's not what I'm talking about. Those thoughts I expected. What I didn't expect was how observant I am to all the little peculiarities of my daily experiences and encounters. Or maybe not just the peculiarities, I think in my observations of everything in general. I don't know if it is because I have been documenting so much of my journey in Africa through writing on my blog, but I am observing life in Tennessee in much the same way as I observe it in Africa. I am paying more attention to people. What they are saying. Little things they do or say that make me smile or laugh that I don't even think other people notice. I see the beauty of the South in a way I don't think I ever have before. The landscape. The people. The smells. The tastes.

At the nursing home, a nurse was wheeling a lady back to her room. "What room are you in?" "310" the woman replied. Another nurse said, "I think she's in 302." The first nurse asked the woman in the wheelchair. "310 or 302?" "302," the elderly woman replied--as if that's what she had said all along. It made me smile.

Gordon Howe, a neighbor of my granddaddy's for 50 years is now living across the hall from him in the nursing home. He wheeled himself into Granddaddy's room today. Granddaddy wouldn't wake up enough, but Gordon just stared at him. I wish I could climb into his head to know all the thoughts that were flooding his mind at that moment. Concern for his friend. Respect for another life lived valiantly. Sweet moments from the past. "You two have shared a lot of great memories, haven't you?" I said. "We sure have," was his soft reply. (Later I witnessed Gordon taking of

f outside, down the ramp, and into the parking lot. "Are you trying to escape?" I asked breathlessly after running out to catch him. "Yeah," he nodded simply.)

My heightened observations and attention to what's happening around me--and the significance of those events--is not just inside the nursing home. It's everywhere. It's in the joy I feel seeing changes in my Granddaddy's wife as she is doing better accepting and adapting to this new reality. Knowing my companionship this week is an encouragement to her reminds me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at this moment. It's the reminder once again that just being there is important. Just sitting by my granddaddy's bed, reading a book while he sleeps, but being there for him the second he awakes, makes a difference. It's buying a pizza for his so-content-it's-irritating roommate who says he never needs a thing. He finally told me that he likes personal pan pizzas from PizzaHut and it blessed me to bring him one for dinner. Ok, those last two were back in the nursing home... :) But hopefully you get the point. And if you don't, that's okay too. I know that God is taking me on a journey and He is letting me know that to really experience life and make a difference, you need to observe the world around you--especially people--outside yourself, your own needs, your own desires, and your own timetable.

I'm thankful that God is not done teaching me. And the day He stops using me to bring hope and love to others is the day I pray He takes me out of this world. It's been encouraging to see how He is speaking to me here at home--just as he does when I'm serving elsewhere--and showing me this part of the world with new eyes.

Bekah commented that when she comes home, she gets the giggles more than any other time. She says we make her laugh in a way no one else can. It's true. She, my brother, and I can hardly take a picture together without giggling our way through it. Her comment was a great reminder of how special my family is and how wonderful it feels to laugh until your face hurts. There's no place like home.

It's too bad some ruby slippers can't swiftly bring me back to this sweet place more often.

*Those three "to-eats" have been done since my second trip to Dyersburg. Well, the sushi was eaten at a Chinese buffet, but it was good enough!

From conference, a few of us ladies drove a couple hundred kilometers to a campground called Treesleeper. They have built platforms so you can sleep in your tent up near the trees. We had a nice, peaceful time together. Treesleeper is located near the town of Tsintsabis. Treesleeper “is a community based and sustainable tourism project with a strong focus on the culture of the Bushmen (San) people, the first inhabitants of Southern Africa.” Around Tsintsabis are individual villages scattered all around. Treesleeper organizes different activities such as a village tour, bush walk, and tribal dance. Our first night we all signed up to go watch the tribal dance. It was neat to experience, though I was expecting a bit more dancing and involvement from the women. The “dancing” was just three men slowly circling the fire. The women were behind, singing and clapping together what looked and sounded like simple wooden blocks. Our guide explained the meaning of each of the three songs. The first was a song for happy times. The second was about a girl coming of age. And the third was a song about healing. During the third song, the traditional healer of the village came to each of us with cow or donkey hair he carries around and rubbed it on our faces.

The next day, four of us went on the village tour. I always love any opportunity to visit a village in Namibia. I enjoy interacting with the families and especially the children. The first village we went to had several families and lots of children of all ages running around. Digital cameras are so perfect for times like these because the children--and even adults--love to see the pictures of themselves after they’ve been taken. They will point at the image and smile and laugh. It seems to put everyone in a great mood, thus continually making it a photographer’s dream. I could spend hours playing with the kids and snapping photos. We went to a second village. There weren’t as many people, but we still enjoyed meeting the families and taking a few pictures. Both villages had some crafts on display so we made a few purchases to help them out. Treesleeper seems to be a great economic boost for the community. The village tour, for example, benefits most villages as they rotate villages on the tour every 6 months. As part of the tour, campers are asked to provide a small bag of food for the two families you will visit. Each bag costs about $13USD and includes things like sugar, cooking oil, bread, fruit, etc.

It was a neat experience and nice to spend time with the other ladies. We roasted marshmallows, told funny and embarrassing stories, and encouraged each other as serving as a single woman on the mission field is always filled with its challenges.

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