Go up the hill, down the hill & drive through the river

(I was unable to access blogger last night, so this is about Friday)

The title is part of the directions Mike gave me so that the teachers and I could find the Shalom Centre School. This is the school that my 2002 Namibian team member, Castrow, is working. The plan was for the teachers to go in and observe the class rooms in the morning and then do a workshop in the afternoon on identifying and teaching special needs kids. Mike asked me to go because I know Castrow and also know how to drive Namibian style. We had a 6am wake up call from Jesse & John standing in the common room playig & singing "The Star Spangled Banner". Since it was 6am & I was a bit tired, I was a little apprehensive as I read the directions (which of course were drawn ever so neatly with a nice map and landmarks). When I ever read the part about driving through the river I recalled Mike's Blog about his experience with visiting Castrow. I looked at him and said "I have to drive across a river in the jetta???". He assured me that we would be fine, but if I get stuck... back up, park & walk up the hill. Mike is always so, so very encouraging...

We drove through Katutura (on the first Friday of the month, which can be pretty scarey because people are roaming the steets and most are probably drunk). We stared down at that river pretty nervous to even think about crossing, but Dorothy scoped out the scene & said she thought we could make it... so we tried & plowed through with out a problem... cheering all the way. When we arrived Castrow was so excited to see me and had no idea that I was coming. In the morning we split up and each went into one of the four classrooms. I went into Castrow's room while Dorothy, Dennise & Janet went into the other three. It was amazing watching Castrow teach his class. He has really been gifted to teach and interact with these children. We swapped classrooms through the experience, and of course Castrow wanted me to play photographer so that he could document the visit in the school history.

In the afternoon we had been invited to lunch we were served antelope, noodles & tea. It was quite yummy and a great expeience for the first day on the field. After lunch the teachers had their work shop. In a lot of ways it was a brainstorming session talking about the observations learned in the classroom, teachers sharing experiences & discovering ways to work with the children that all learn so differently. The meeting had nothing to do with the Americans coming in and telling these teachers what to do or what they are doing is wrong. It was a meeting that informed us about culture, helped to grasp new ideas for teaching and motivating students and really encouraged the teachers that they are doing the right thing and kids will be kids. Each one is different, each one has their own learning style.

We left the meeting almost an hour later than we expected, but we were just so pumped about the day that we didn't think about much else. As we left the school yard we peered down at the river and it appeared less deep so we just plowed through as we had before. Half way up the big hill we stalled... and the car did not want to start again. So we prayed, the teachers came along, people tried to help out... still wouldn't start. Then by God's grace the car decided to start again & we headed out of Katutura before dark and as the streets were more and more filled with drunk people.

A couple things that struck me... I have been so cold this time around. Namibia is experiencing record cold temperatures. We woke up friday morning to 28F, that's -4C. That morning I went up and introduced myself to a little girl. When I shook her hand all I could think about was how much of an ice cube her hand was and I am sure still is at this very moment... I move forward thinking about Celia and the zinc shack that she lives in, the holes that must be all through the sides and the dirt floor she is probably sleeping on and realize that I need to just suck it up.

We were also told that in Namibian culture just knowing how to write your name is considered being well educated. Parents sometimes take their kids out of school as soon as they learn how to write their name. These teachers need to overcome some culture and tradition and discover how to teach these children without the cultural influence of their parents.

See What It's Like

Editing: Katie Shaw
Song Choice: Stephanie Livsey
Camera"men": Patrice Stay, Katie Shaw

Hey everyone, I hope you enjoy this video Katie put together last night. She tried her best to get footage of everyone, but if you see your loved one missing, don't worry... everyone got here safely! Near the end of the week, we are going to work on a second video starring Team Leifde so keep your eyes out for that!

Hope everyone in the States had a great 4th of July!
-Steph L

Darin's Diary pt. 2

Those of you who had been praying fervently for our travel to Namibia, thank you! Our journey over here was truly the easiest we've experienced over the years. You want a good chuckle? Those of you who have been before, and those of you who covenanted to pray specifically for our travels will remember that the most stressful point (and the most likely to cause us problems) is clearing customs in Namibia with the extra suitcases of donated items and sound equipment and so on. You've even heard me refer to the 'beefy chicks' that stand between us and our entry into the country of Namibia. Well, we were delayed briefly gathering our bags in the baggage claim area. By the time we began to roll our carts of luggage through the customs area - there were no officers in sight. Not one human being lined the customs gauntlet. We rolled through without a moment's delay! That, my friends, is an answer to prayer!

So, now I ask you to shift your attention to the health of our team. I'm hesitant to mention this because imaginations can run wild across the oceans. Do know that no one is sick in a dangerous way, but many on this team are dealing with upset tummies and sleep deprivation. Team members (and past team veterans) know that this is planned for and expected. This happens every year and is mostly attributed to the changes our body clocks go through and new climate, foods and water. We expect everyone will be back to normal in a day or so. Please don't worry - just pray. We gathered last night around the fire and shared all the blog comments you've been leaving. Thank you! It really encourages one and all. And, to know that the Red Sox blanked the Yankees 7-0 got a rousing cheer! The team decided to adopt Grammy Duncan as our official team grandmother... and her references to the Psalms have been a source of encouragement.

Yesterday (July 4th) saw the team in motion in the pre-dawn hours. That was a challenge enough due to how tired everyone is, but it was made all the more exciting by the fact that our first morning in Namibia we were greeted with 28 degree Fahrenheit cold!

The whole team accompanied the dancers who performed briefly for two secondary schools. Jesse and John shared a couple of songs, and Jan was able to share her testimony with one of the crowds. In the afternoon, my half of the team (Team Leifde) got to spend a couple of hours at the Ark children's home, visiting with Janus and Stephanus and the other children there. Patrice was chosen to be this year's queen... an honor that comes with a Stephanus hair-do.

We enjoyed our Independence Day celebration Namibian style, with traditional Namibian sausage, lamb and even a plate of grubs that Mike provided. Many of the girls took a turn with the grubs. Me? I'm smarter than all of that!

I know this has run long. I'll try to wrap it up. Today is difficult day for us. My half of the team is scheduled to pull out to Arandis later this morning. The remaining team members are preparing to welcome some 40 or so Boy Scouts who will be calling this their home for the next week or so. Ch ch ch changes! They are never welcome junctures in these journeys. So, you guessed it. I ask you to pray. And I thank you in advance. Lastly, Katie finished our first video last night. (Have I told you how proud I am of her on this trip? Wow!) We will try to get it posted here in the next few minutes. Blogger issues (and those who know me know how I love blogger, right?). Love to you all. More soon.

Go Sexy, Go Sexy, Go!!!

We usually break the team in easy after arrival, it's been sort of a tradition that started a couple years ago out of necessity. We stop in Windhoek (the capital) and stop for lunch... pizza that is, at the local mall. It gives the team a bit of a shock to see that there are many of the same amenities on the dark continent as in the States. Again this year we had a birthday to celebrate, so we made sure to get them to sing for the birthday boy. I know the pic quality is not that great but I am too short and was unable to get the right angle & had to pass the camera off. And by the way the title of the post is part of the "birthday song" they sing.

After lunch we trekked up to Okahandja, set up in the dorms and then went out to look at the stars. The milky way is amazing as always, the southern cross is magnificent and scorpio is beautiful and ginormous. I love that you can look up into the heavens and within moments spot shooting stars and even see the satellites. I could lay down and look up there for hours. After that we enjoyed some birthday cake that Joan made for Jesse... mmm... carrot cake. The rest of the team is sleeping now, some out by the fire & others inside the dorms. I suppose I should get to bed since I have to be up and out by 6:30am.

Tomorrow the teachers and I will be traveling to Katutura (the black area of the capital city) to teach teachers how to evaluate special needs children. I am so excited to see Castrow again (our Namibian team member from the 2002 trip) he is working at the school there. The dance team has assemblies at two schools one at 7:00am and again at 1:00pm. The rest of the team will be following along to the assemblies. In the evening we will have a braai for an Independence Day celebration. I haven't celebrated in the states for so long, that I forget how it's done. Doesn't everyone celebrate with Oryx steak & Kudu stew???

One more leg to go...

Not too much more to update so I'll just be a bit random. We have landed in Johannesburg and all are running on adrenaline. Some have slept, some haven't at all... but spirits are high. As I look around a few are sleeping on benches and floors while others are checking out the shops. Things have changed a bit here at JNB, Darin's favorite food court is gone. Things have continued to move quite smoothly and we are praying that all of our baggage makes it through. We will be boarding in about 45 minutes, only 3 more hours and we'll be getting some Dieter hugs. :)

Johannesburg here we come...

We are getting ready to head off to the gate for our next 8 hour flight. I posted some pics on the photo site. So check them out!

Darin's Diary

We're off. And this is the first of what I hope will be many journal entries from me.

I always tell members of our team to make the most of every moment, or in other words, "Sleep when you get home." I'm always excited to see team members take that advice to heart. Jackie didn't waste a moment, as you can see in this photo taken in the JFK terminal.

Seriously, the trip has gone very smoothly thus far. Our bus ride to New York was fun. It was filled with much conversation and a couple hours of singing together. Jesse and John played almost every song that was requested, and did so very capably. We had quite a choir. Our check in at JFK was the smoothest we've ever had on one of these trips. The first flight to Dubai was marvelous and most of the team managed to get some quality rest. So, those of you who are praying for us... thanks! And keep it up.

My time was spent as usual for me - marveling at the amazing collection of folks that make up this team. I watched everybody. I listened in on their interactions with each other. I'm amazed that this team, which came together late in the planning stages, is really functioning as a team from the get-go.

I am typing this sitting in the Marhaba Lounge in the Dubai Airport, provided for us by Emirates Airlines free of charge. So, know that your loved ones are all here, and look to all be enjoying themselves. They all look pretty good, and rested, and are eagerly awaiting our 4AM Dubai time departure for Johannesburg.