Coming Down the Mountain

The return trip home was like coming down from a mountain top experience with God. The way seemed more familiar, so not quite so long. Still, we wrote in each other's journals our last thoughts, words of appreciation and encouragement, and watched our Team dwindle in numbers as we sent off a few at a time. By the time we reached Dulles airport and had to say goodbye to the New England portion of the Team, tears were flowing freely as we felt the pull of our American lives getting stronger. No one was ready to let go of all that was Namibia to us.

Now we face, once again, those thoughts, feelings and experiences that we have only talked about thus far. How can we communicate effectively what God has done in our lives? How can we hold on to the lessons He has taught us? There will certainly be those indescribable moments for each of us where God showed up. We hold them close to our hearts. We will be praying for that child that found a special place next to our heart, then remember that all of them need prayer and pray for them as well. We will miss one another and ask God to hold them close and help us to keep in touch and faithful to our newest close friends.

I ask you to join us in prayer that we will be faithful to hold on to the lessons God has taught us through our journey; that we will be faithful to watch for God sightings each day, and take time to appreciate God for what He is doing. Above all, that each of the Nam2010 Go Team will keep looking to Jesus to light the next step of the path that He has for us, and to have the courage and faith to take the next step with Him.

Thank you for being a part of our adventure with God in Namibia!

Meegan's Sick Rap

Several months ago, we journeyed down this way
Following His voice, obeying what He would say
All of entering to a world, truly unseen
With God taking our hands, and learning to lean

So here comes a team, to the land that God forgot
We didn't look back, for those tickets had been bought
We are a team of 13 traveling afar
Never once all meeting, or riding in a car

First there is Fred, and Linda his charming wife
Mike is their son and has been his whole life
The youngest is Brook who hails from NC
While Katie flew the farthest, from Milwaukee

Three hail from NH, Kayleen Anna and Bobbi
Three call Maine home, Josh, Meegan and Lindsay
We have 2 more who flew ahead to meet us
And when we land they will be there to greet us

The New England group flew down from Portland
With the other group flying up from NC
We met up in DC - then to JFK
Then over the shining sea

Before we got aboard
A crisis did abound
Panic hit in the lobby
Anna's passport lost then found

Man, what a big plane
So excited to leave
All in our orange shirts
Flipping out for our own TVs

We landed in Windhoek, all of us safe and sound
But the microchip in Bobbi's passport could not be found
Even though we had been flying for quite a while
We were excited to complete the team here come Jenn & Kyle

We loaded up kombies with everyone's stuff
And we started our 5 hour drive, man would that be tough
Seeing so many new things, with new sights to explore
We had no idea with us, what had God in store

Arandis was just a small light in a wide open space
And instantly returned joy to our face
A good nights sleep is what we all did need
We were ready to start in planting some seeds

Meegan and Anna headed to the preschool
Guys went to throw sand
Jenn was led to Revival
Others made things by hand

For those of you who don't know much
Or some who might know your stuff
Never be around a person
When he says he has to puff

Each bag of sand would help with bricks
And each necklace they would sell
The sewing of each scarf and bag
Each in the story to tell

Some people taught music in the school
Bringing smiles to each kid
Jazz, Classical, Country, Rock,
Hip Hop words like 'thrid'

Each of our days spending afternoon with the kids
And taking walks all around Arandis land
The kids making ways to our hearts
Forever together in the palm of God's hand

Linda and Meegan organized books
While others got lost in the town
Everyone of the kids offering a smile
Truly a joy to be around

We had our fun on the dunes of sand
Clocking speeds of 45 miles per hour
Enjoy Swakop and the ocean too
We'll forever have sand in the shower

We jumped off of the dam
Swimming with fishes like cod
Smacking our faces, feet and backs
Stop groaning and worship God!

Another wood market, another great deal
Off to the safari and great views we would steal
The oryx, giraffes, and a warthog or two
Even had rhinos trying to mate with you

Some saw the lions
While others sat to chill
Watching the final sunset
Fading behind a hill

We drove down to Windhoek
To eat some game before you go
Kudu, Zebra and Ostrich
Bellies full, we left Joe's

What a wonderful blessing this trip has been
We have been so encouraged beyond words
Fifteen days seeking God's plan
Walking closer to our great Lord

We will go our separate ways
Back to the places where we did begin
Thirteen stangers now equal a family
For we are Namibia 2010

Final Days

Tuesday was our day of goodbyes. We spent some time in the morning with Tresford at the plot where the new church building with be built. He shared with us some of the history of their ministry in Arandis and their visions for the future. We capped our time by praying for God's blessing on the plot, the building, and the vision. The afternoon was spent visiting the various families we've come to love over the past week. There were many last photos together, many hugs, and even some tears. This began the point of transition in our trip, from outward ministry focus to inward reflection. The next few days we would spend considering all the things we had learned and how to communicate those things to our friends and family back home.

Wednesday morning came early as we packed the kombies and waved goodbye to the town that had been our home. We drove 3 hours back to Okahandja where we stayed with Dieter and Joan Morsbach, some full-time Namibian missionaries to Namibia. While we would spend these days in reflection and talking about returning home, we also had the opportunity to do some touristy, once-in-a-lifetime activities. We got to go swimming at a nearby dam, catch the sunset at Monkey Mountain, shop at the woodcarvers markets, and go on a little safari. Our game drive lasted about 2 hours and we saw springbok, giraffe, kudu, oryx, blesbok, rhinos, crocodiles and so much more. After the game drive we wanted to go see the lion feeding, but were told that it was fully booked. We were praying that some spots would open up or some people wouldn't show and sure enough, God proved faithful again. Eight spots opened up for this unique experience to observe some of the most powerful, majestic creatures on the planet.

That evening we dined at one of my favorite restaunts in the entire world, Joe's Beerhouse. We got to eat some of the animals that we had just seen in the afternoon. The Bushman's Sosatie was a popular choice which included ostrich, zebra, kudu, crocodile and chicken. Others tried Zebra steaks, Kudu steaks, or Springbok fillets, all excellent choices. Our final packing began that night as half the team needed to be out to take Kyle and Jenn to the airport at 5:15am. The rest of the team left from Windhoek at 11:30. Now we find ourselves rejoined with Kyle and Jenn for some last precious team time before we board our separate planes for the long flight home. We covet your prayers for safety in travel and these next few weeks of re-entry as many experience reverse culture shock for the first time. Thanks so much for all your encouragement in the comments and continually bringing us before the throne in prayer. We appreciate you more than you know. See you soon!

Two Days Down

Sunday morning was our second time worshipping with the Arandis Christian Center. Unlike the previous Sunday, we were able to join in with the worship and drama team. Mike and Anna helped Pastor Tresford, Yvonne, Kay Kay, and Julianna lead worship, while several of the remaining member of the team along with Namibian teens presented a drama. It was such a blessing to be able to serve alongside the church family. In order for the Sunday School children to see the drama, they joined us for the morning service. It was so amazing to see all 100 or more of the children file into the morning worship. After church, many of the team stayed behind to hang out and enjoy some fellowship with the youth group. Boniface and Penina were a blessing to see where God is bringing the youth of Arandis. Sunday afternoon, half of the team joined some of the children of Arandis and went for a walk, a three hour hike. The other half of the team went on a much smaller hike finding musical rocks- rocks that when you strike them make bell tones, all the while enjoying another beautiful Nambian sunset.

Monday was our first day of spending time touring the town of Swakopmund. The group joined the Far Out Boarding company and headed to the sand dunes for some sandboarding. The hike up the dune was grueling, but the view from the top was epic. Seeing the dunes and ocean was just a great reminder of how amazing our God is and continues to be. Sandboarding is riding down the dune on a smooth piece of masonite board. You lay flat, elbows out, and you have your feet just above the sand, and then you fly. For us Northerners, it was like sledding in dirt, but way better. Bobbi, with the speed record for the day was clocked at 43 mph- down “Big Mama”. For many hours, we were emptying the sand from our pockets. After the dunes, we went swimming in the Atlantic. It was freezing and took your breath away, but it was a moment we would never forget. The water temperature was very similar to the coastal waters of Maine – still cold. We did some shopping in Swakop, enjoying the wood cravers markets for the first time. We were able to climb yet another dune, and enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic. We had a great time at dinner, and came home for good nights rest – and prepping for our final day in Arandis.

We will be heading out Wednesday to Okahandja to debrief from our ministry here, and we ask for you prayers during this time of fellowship and bonding.

We have plenty of new pictures – make sure you look at them and enjoy Namibia with us.

PS. Happy 11th Birthday Abbott! – Mimi loves you!

(written by Meegan)

Meegan's Journal

You cannot even imagine the ultimate peace a place can bring you. Traveling to another country – waiting for the confusion and emotional chaos. I mean really. You don’t just arrive and in the very next day feel at peace with your surroundings. I feel like I am waiting for the uncomfortable to settle in, but it is not. From the moment I stepped on Namibian soil – my heart was as rest. Keeping the feelings to myself, because I knew this would probably not last. I am expecting things to come and for the honeymoon to fade. But it is not. I walk around Arandis, not getting lost or misplaced – feeling like I belong. I am in awe of how God is working on the different areas of my life, and seeing where the next step will be. I know I am not standing alone, with any of my thoughts or feelings. Peace. It is here and taking residence in who I am.

Team Video

TBIF - Too bad it's Friday

Friday - it is offically one week since we have set the journey of our lives into motion. The days are flying by and we are wishing and hoping they will slow down. The women of the team had the blessed oppurtunity to celebrate woman's day with some of the His Promise mommies. We celebrated being women and how we are such a blessing to God and how He has a specific plan for each one of us. The mommies earlier in the week had made hats to celebrate their creative side. Along with the homemade hats, several of our team brought hats that represented who we were. Some featured sports teams while other woman created hats while here in Namibia. Jenn and Linda both offered words of encouragment to the women and young adults who were there. Prizes were awarded for the most creative hats. After the snacks, we were able to share with the mommies about how blessed each one of the team members had been during the past week in working with each of their families. We spent time in prayer, some in Damara, Afrikaans and English - all just praising and thanking God for the blessing of being women.

While the women were enjoying tea, the men were doing their grunt work - making bricks. After a few epic fails they were able to complete 24 bricks in 2 hours, a start in making the church for the Arandis Christian Center. They estimate that they'll need 10,000 bricks in total. The hard work was very much appreciated by the church and Tresford and his family.

Meegan decided to plan a tastey treat for supper. While making her favorite, Shepherd's PIe, she decided replace the beef with Oryx, an anteloupe relative native to Namibia. After all the dinner was eaten, Meegan and Fred shared the surpirse with the rest of the team. There were no immediate trips to the restroom, so cooking Namibian style: a huge success.

Saturday, we had planned a braai with all of the His Promise kids and families. A Braai is a cookout, BBQ, or other event where the main meal is grilled outside. While the dinner was cooking, the team played soccer, jumprope, and board games with all of the children there. It was a great chance to re-connect with some of the kids, and fellowship with the moms and dads. To commemorate the evening, a group picture with everybody was taken - which was a first of its kind in several years.

Our day ended with a campfire and worshiping the Creator under the vast expanse of the stars. We were encouraged and prompted to make the most of every moment with these families, and to continue these bonds even once we return home.

(written by Meegan)

Anna's Journal

A day in the life of Preschool at Talikumi Christian School in Arandis: We arrive about 8 and join the few five and six year olds who have arrived first to school and are very eager about the day. Hear the loud chattering of some English, but mostly Afrikaans or Damara. “Henry, stop beating David. Julia get off of little Sammy.” Try to keep the kids off each other and in good health before we start the day. Bend down low to hear the little one whisper in your ear his pleas to escape the small classroom and run to the bathroom. Everyone is here; all fifty children greet teacher Amanda and the others in unison. What time is it? It’s hug time! We hug our friends and our teachers :) my favorite part of the day! Oh, the music is starting, “Get away from the Table and Worship God!” Shouts from the teachers, WORSHIP GOD!

Leave the others and take 10 preschoolers to their classroom. “What day is today?” Friday! Monday! Tuesday! “If today is Tuesday, what day was yesterday?” Saturday! We go over the days of the week, months of the year, the date and struggle through counting all the way to 100. Ok now count by tens: 3, 4, 5… “Teacher, Henry Puffed! I have to open the door!” Try to get them to speak in English because we don’t understand Africans. “He said a bad word!” It’s break time! They run outside to eat and play. So many runny noses, so many passionate laughs, screams of excitement and sometimes horror. The day is half over.

“Be here now,” seems to be a good phrase that describes our week of ministry. It is easy to wish to be somewhere else or doing something more important but it’s most effective when you can be flexible and fill in the gaps of need instead of trying to do what you have planned. His Promise Ministries finds local families to foster children whom they rescue. This week the mommies’ had a “foster training” so we watched the children after school till about 4. I thought it would be nice to stay with one family each day and really build relationships with their children; however they needed me to fill in places for an hour or two hours in one home and move to others. It was easy to complain one afternoon because I thought I would not have the same opportunity as others to build close relationships with one family, but God really brought sensitivity in me for each child that I had the opportunity to stay with. My perspective changed, something that I thought was negative turned into a unique opportunity to get to know each and every child in the ministry.


Many people think that we came here to help and make an impact on these children and although we may very well have, they have influenced us in many ways. They are very independent and they care for each other while their mother is away. We were supposed to walk them home after school although I had to follow their lead because I was constantly getting lost. They didn’t really need us but I was excited to be able to observe and experience the ways that they do things, to be able to talk with them about how extremely valuable they are to God. It’s special that they have been chosen to live in these particular families, and it’s a privilege to be one that has been chosen to come and share life with them. We are here now, I am content and there is really no place else that I would rather be.

Anna