Where He leads...: Visit to Otjiwarongo

Visit to Otjiwarongo

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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...

I was glad to get outside of Windhoek a bit. If nothing else, I've missed the open road. It truly is an experience just driving around the country. The road seems to be never-ending. I can't tell you how many thousands of miles I racked up when I lived in Namibia. I remember one 17 day period alone I drove over 2,000 miles. So many memories!