"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps." Proverbs 16:9

During my visit to Otjiwarongo I was able to spend the morning with Courtney and Hannah at the dump just outside of town. They call the ministry Kehi Omuti which in Otjihererro means "under the tree". I previously had plans in Windhoek that Wednesday morning but was able to rearrange them. I'm so glad that I did. I was really excited for the opportunity to see a new ministry in Namibia. Most of my week was focused on visiting friends and places I already knew, so I was looking forward to visiting the Kehi Omuti ministry and seeing what Courtney and Hannah have been up to with the children there.

The gals told me they never know how many children will come each day. Sometimes there are only a handful, sometimes around a dozen, other times over 20 or 30. There were a few kids there when we arrived. Hannah and I went for a walk to see a bit more of the area and by the time we got back, there were nearly a dozen kids. Courtney got them started with a dodge ball game they love. I had the excuse of taking photos, so I observed from the sidelines. :) It was beautiful to see the relationships that have formed between Courtney and Hannah and the kids. The kids were similar to any others I've gotten to know in Namibia or Haiti or anywhere else really. Fun-loving, smiling, open kids. But I know that some days are more difficult than others. Just like any similar ministry, you don't fully know the stories of what these children are facing at home, if they even have a home. Geoff is one of the AIM missionaries in Otjiwarongo and he recently wrote a blog entry about this very issue... the joy and the sadness that is involved with serving in a ministry like this. You can read his post by clicking here.

I was only there for a relatively short amount of time, but my heart quickly opened with a deep love for these kids. I can't even imagine what life is like for them, the constant scavenging and all of the unknowns that surround their life. I met one whole family who apparently frequents the dump regularly looking for sticks and whatever other materials they can salvage. And something I will never forget the sight of... When trucks come to empty their load, the children race after them to jump on the back and be the first to rifle through the pile. The trucks never slow down and you just have to hold your breath watching even the small boys jump on and off. Once I saw the driver stop and get angry with them, insisting they get down.

Courtney shared that many of the children are interested in going to school but do not have the resources to make that happen. That's one area that Courtney and Hannah are looking into to see how to make those dreams a reality. We faced the same issue at FHS, trying to enroll children into school who haven't attended for years or perhaps at all. It's not an easy process and there's no guarantee the kids will even stick with it if they do get enrolled. Hannah will be finishing up her time in October, Courtney next Spring. I know it will be difficult for them to leave this ministry behind. I have seen how much love and joy they have brought to these kids lives. They've even hosted sleepovers for some of the girls. So wonderful! I'm grateful for the ministry of Kehi Omuti and I will pray for lasting fruit from those who have poured their lives into these precious children. I hope you will pray with me for these children and families and those who are faithfully ministering to them. 

 

 

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to make a quick trip up to Otjiwarongo. Otjiwarongo is about a 2 hour drive from Windhoek. I've driven through there many times throughout my various journeys in Namibia. In 2010, the Grahams moved from Arandis to Otjiwarongo, and that gave us all one more reason to stop through. The Grahams and Heidi (who's on Home Assignment) are the only ones still serving in Namibia with AIM that were here during my 18 months there. Everyone else has moved on. So I was really hoping I would get the chance to visit them in Otjiwarongo even for just a quick hello. It's definitely strange coming back to Namibia when so many of my AIM friends are gone. When I arrived in Namibia in July 2009, there were 23 adults serving with AIM throughout the country... not counting short-termers who left soon after I arrived and I didn't really have a chance to get to know them. Now the Grahams and Heidi are the only ones of that group still here. Currently there's another family and two single gals also in Otjiwarongo, three nurses serving in Rundu, and Heidi who was in Rehoboth will return and serve in Otjiwarongo. In terms of the AIM family, my time in Namibia was very different than when I lived here. But it was still filled with many blessings, spending time with my Namibian friends, and several others who serve in Namibia through various organizations.

It was great to see the Grahams. Steve and I were at no loss for conversation during the drive while two of his girls snoozed in the back. I'd interrupt the conversation from time to time, pointing out the wildlife... "My first baboon!" "My first warthog!" "My first ostrich!" It was like it was my first time in Namibia. During my 18 months here, it wasn't that I got tired of seeing the animals, I just took it for granted. So seeing them along the side of the road was a treat because it brought back many memories and sealed my Namibia experience. I didn't have time for a game drive this trip, so these animals and the two giraffes I spotted on the ride back to Windhoek were extra special! 

And speaking of animals, the highlight of my trip to Otjiwarongo was seeing two special canine friends of mine! Frodo and Sam!! They were my pups for over a year when I lived at the AIM house in Windhoek. They were my security guards and my best buds. I let them sneak in the house quite regularly and gave them goodnight kisses. Yep... sure did! After trying hopelessly to find a good home for them when I left, the opportunity opened up for the Grahams to take them. So now they are faithfully protecting that family, and even helping Steve out with his ministry from time to time. They recently assisted him at a local high school when he spoke about self-control and spiritual self-discipline. Apparently many hotdog bribes were involved. :)

I stayed the night with Courtney and Hannah, two ladies serving in Otjiwarongo with AIM. I think Courtney is long-term and Hannah is considered short-term. Regardless, they have poured their hearts into loving the kids in Otjiwarongo and it was a pleasure getting to know them. We hooked up in Windhoek during my first weekend there, sharing a dinner with dear friends Zeka and Anita. Sunday we grabbed lunch at Sardina's and then went to a movie, always one of my favorite things to do in Windhoek! The popcorn is delicious! :) Staying the night with them on Tuesday was an added blessing to the week. They made spaghetti, we played Bananagrams and watched a movie. I rearranged some plans on Wednesday so I could go with them to the dump where they do most of their ministry. More on that in the next blog entry.

Here are a few photos from my visit to Otjiwarongo...