Arandis, Namibia: Returning again

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Returning again

July 22 through Aug 13

Yes, I'm heading back. This time I will be accompanied by my niece Katherine (Kat).

She has been wanting to go for the last two years and now, at the age of 15, things have worked out so that she will be going. I'm anxious to see things through her eyes. I know that after my two daughters returned in 2005, their experiences were often times used as material for projects/discussions or topics for papers in school. It's definately something that stays with you. I'm really anxious to see the excitement in the eyes of some of the other teens there who will likely be standing in line to braid her long blond hair! She actually shares the same birthdate as Elaine and, as we realized tonight, her half-birthday falls on Pearl's birthday. Over these last few weeks I've been trying to think about what it is I will be doing this time, how will I be helping out. It's Africa, so one cannot plan that much.

I expect things will be different.

I've had the benefit, since I returned last March, of being able keep up with things in Namibia via two blogs. Mike Knight's African Travel Blog has provided more insight than I could ever thank him for. Having been to Namibia to help out before, but still not being totally familiar with what 'a day in the life' is really like, I have throughly enjoyed Mike speaking from his heart as a 'longer-term' missionary. Mike has spent most of his time in Okahandja and has experienced life in Namibia. And it is literally through his lens and candid posts, about his feelings and observations, that he has provided a source of inspiration for me. I encourage all of you, if you have not yet visited his site, go and be prepared to laugh, smile, get angry and maybe even cry a little. You will be amazed at the photography as well.

The other blog, Reach Namibia, belongs to Steve and Karrie Graham and their family. As we were leaving Arandis last March, they were just getting in. They are long term missionaries who are residing in Arandis and are helping out with not just Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries but they are fast becoming a great help to others in town as well. Steve and Karrie have four children. Their site has offered many familiar pictures of people and places, stories and updates.

So we leave here on the 22nd and arrive in Namibia on the 24th. I think we'll be heading to Rehoboth first were I will likely take some time to finally update the HPOM website with new photographs, stories and information. Kat will likely be helping out with Bead's of Promise, and creating beaded jewelry that will be sold from the storefront they have there. I am hoping to catch up with Maderyna and her baby, Memory, who is a little over a year old now. I never did see her last Feb/Mar when I was there. Most of our time will likely be spent in Arandis and our trip will likely end with a few days in Okahandja.

We'll see what happens.

posted by Don @ 9:30 PM

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