Namibia Missions Trip

Hello from Namibia!!! We arrived safely last night (Tuesday). We had great flights. They were long, but we're happy to be here now. :) There is a saying; if you ask God for patience, then He will give you situations in which you can be patient. This was true for us on our flights. We were both anxious to arrive in Namibia, but God gave us peace even when we had to spend an entire day in an airport.

We have enjoyed our first day in Okahandja with Joan and Dieter [pictured below]. It is such a blessing to reconnect with old friends!! They have welcomed us, taken care of us, fed us, and it feels great to finally sleep horizontal. We helped Joan prepare for her upcoming outreach trip to the Northern part of Namibia. We made color activities for the preschoolers where Joan will be working. After lunch, one of Jenn's close friends, Isabella, invited us to join her for a kids program in 5-Rand [a squatter's camp near Okahandja, pictured above]. This being Kyle's first time in an extreme poverty area, he though it was surreal to witness. Surreal meaning, extremely thankful for what we have in America. The shelters are literally made of metal sheets, sticks, and plastic. Garbage was everywhere, goats roam free, and tons of children in ripped up clothes without shoes. Surreal.  To actually see it was heartbreaking! He jumped into the program as if the surroundings were normal. The kids were such a joy to his heart.  God has been changing his heart about a lot of things such as: patience, this mission ministry, not being concerned with what time it is, and just enjoying every situation. He can't wait for what God has in store for him during the rest of this trip. He already loves it so much.

Jenn is so happy just to be back in Namibia.  She did not realize how much time had lapsed since she was last here. She was thrilled about today, because she saw so many friends!! We got to see Bella and Nghidipo today! We met Nghidipo's wife and child, Henri!!!! He is soooooooo freaking CUTE!!!!!!!!!  It just warms Jenn's heart to be here. It's also a joy for her to see how Kyle is reacting to Namibia.  He is loving the outdoors here!!! He also saw 5-Rand for the first time today! He was shocked.  He really loved the kids well while we were with them. We played duck duck goose and he said the words in Oshivombu even when all the kids were laughing at his accent!!! (they laughed at mine right after!!) ;) We sang "There's no other way, there's no other way... only Jesus!!" It was so great to hear the kids sing! She feels so blessed to be staying with Dieter and Joan! They are amazing people and they are just encouraging!

We are super excited to have the rest of our team come over and join us! It's only been one day, but the trip feels too short and we want to stay for longer!!

Much Love,
Kyle and Jenn

We are both amazed by the stars... They are just so beautiful.  They take your breath away.  We are reminded of the verse: Psalm 19:1, 2, 14 "The heavens declare the GLORY of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. ... May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Oh Lord my rock and my redeemer."