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.