Monday, November 1, 2010

Challenges and Blessings!

The week was busy and challenging but blessings abound.

Paul wrote, "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14

We had a lot of visitors this week. Ray came to help with our transition. Darrell Whiteman and Richard Coleman came from The Mission Society to get a feel for the ministry here in Namibia. Then they all left. Today we started “on our own.”

 
We had several challenges with vehicles this week. All 3 of them have been in the shop at least once and I think 2 out of 3 have been there twice.

While we were at the grocery store, the lock on one car was tampered with so we had to walk a distance to get help.

Two people from the Sukuta Village passed away this week and we were ask to help with transportation. We went with the pick up to pick up people from the village. They piled in (I mean there were about 20 people packed in the back of a small pick up). They sing from the time we leave the village all the way to the hospital where the body is picked up in another truck. Then all of the cars and trucks drive way back into the bush with the choir in the back of our truck singing the entire way. They have songs at the burial site, a sermon and everyone has the opportunity to throw some dirt into the grave once the box with the body is placed there. They also spray air freshener all around the top edge. I do not know what they do to prepare the body but they do not preserve it the way that we are used to in the states. The celebration is a blessing and the singing is beautiful.

We went back to the Royal Establishment to be “officially” introduced to the court. We went through the respect of clapping and kneeling. Then Travis was called to “the mat.” There is a mat on the floor that he had to sit on with his legs straight out in front. He also had an interpreter with him. They went around the court and all ask different kinds of questions about the Children of Zion and why we were here and what our intent/goals were. He did really well at answering. We had to bring a gift as well so we brought sodas and cash (this is what was recommended to us).
 



We had the wonderful opportunity to visit the chief in the local nearby Sukuta Village. We were able to see his workshop and the beautiful tables and chairs that he makes.
We shared that we would like to bring some of the older children over to assist with some of the daily tasks as well as learn more about their culture. He was open to this. Also, they will be starting a traditional mud hut soon so some of the girls and me (only women can help make the mud bricks) will be learning this skill. (Can’t wait to show you those pictures).

The children have been busy with school work. Ten are graduating from Vocational School Level 1 so that is quite exciting. We are going clothes shopping tomorrow for the 4 girls that will be part of this ceremony.



 They have also been creative in the sand by “planting a garden” and serving a meal from the garden.
Some have been playing basketball but there has not been much soccer since it has been so hot.

Today a few of the older girls came to our house and I showed them how to make paper beads. It was enjoyable and they now have a start to a necklace or bracelet.

We had a wonderful service here with the children today and a message on love.

Today was another birthday – Davis turned 15 and we shared in eating some of his chocolate cake!! YUMMY

Things to remember:

Drive on the left side of the road. Sit on the right side of the car when driving. Shift with your left hand.

Put boiled water in the frig. Transfer it to a water bottle for teeth brushing at night.

Go out (across the road) and turn the pump off last thing at night and about 5:00am turn it on.

Tap your shoes and shake your clothes before putting them on.

Put Clorox in the water that you wash and rinse the dishes in.

Smile!!!!!

Pray!!!!!!! 24/7

No comments:

Post a Comment