Monday, May 16, 2016

Zion Mission School Tour 2016

We had a great adventure going on school tour this May with a bus full of about 60 children and about 10 adults.  We took the ones that were permitted by their parents to go from grade 1-7.  Then we added some of the Zion children that are in grade 8 and 9.  The ones in grade 10 and 12 had to go back for extra classes over this month long holiday. 

God also blessed us with a few extra seats, so we invited a few from the school who could not afford to go, our children that were placed back with family and attending a different school and one girl from the village close to us.  It was certainly a wonderful experience and maybe one of a lifetime so we give God the glory for providing for those children!!!

We started off with a full day of travel on the bus.  We liked that the bus had a scripture Isaiah 54:17 “no weapon forged against you will prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you…”

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We had breakfast on the way that we prepared the day before. 2 hard boiled eggs, a brochen, juice. The first stop was Okatjikona.  We arrived late and still had to cook so we quickly put together spaghetti with viennas.   We ate and found our way to our cabin or tent where we spent 2 nights.  Early the next morning we were up cooking breakfast for the 70 people that were there and hungry.  Soon after the clean up the hikes up the big rocky mountain began.  The smaller ones went first while the bigger ones watched the movies about the animals and the place they were staying.  We went up so far we could see a lot of Namibia and it was spectacular!!!!  God’s creation. 

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After a big and hard climb up and down, we cooked lunch and took the children to the pool.  Well, the pool was very nice but the water was VERY COLD!!! The children did not really care.  They still had a great time!!

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The next day we proceeded to Swakapmound.  Every day starts with Travis delivering a devotion.  We thank God for His provision for these children to take this journey.  We visited many places here including the ocean.  The ocean was also VERY cold but children and adults cannot resist putting their feet in the salty waves.  Also, right next to the ocean was a lovely playground to enjoy.

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The snake park was a big hit (for most).  Don’t worry, all the snakes were behind glass except for the one big, but friendly python. 

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The museum was also very nice!

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The statues, light house….

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Aquarium…

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Hike up sand dune 7!!!!!  And SLIDE (or roll) DOWN!!!!!!

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Sometimes the road was very dusty because, after all, we are driving across the desert.  So, the dust was coming in.  We were all trying to protect ourselves from breathing so much dust!!

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The cheetah foundation…

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And the meteorite….

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God allowed us to have a wonderful trip full of His beauty and creation. We are so thankful for an opportunity such as this for children and adults!!!  Best friends were made and a joyful time was had by ALL!!!

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Psalm 121 “I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber: indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep.  The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”