February, 2002

I returned to Namibia in February. I have included a few journal entries here that demonstrate my growing love for Namibia and my calling to minister there.

2 - The setting sun tonight was spectacular. We crawled up on a rock overhang to watch its growing splendor. It soon became a silent worship service. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky turned a yellow gold. The colors deepened slowly into an incredibly beautiful red sunset. God painted upward on this evening until the color reached high in the heavens. At some point, I remember wishing Isabel would sing. I asked God to make her sing and He did. Isabel's sweet voice sang song after song that poetically spoke all of our praises to God. Usually sunsets come and go in a few minutes. This one stretched on timelessly. Only when Jojo became chilled did we reluctantly leave the altar.

4 - So ends the first day of curriculum and STMT leadership development. As with the last trip, the parts of my day that stand out are the personal conversations I had with Ilona, Sandra, Dieter and Jojo. I can honestly say that I made a difference in all of their lives today by listening to them, encouraging them and giving them counsel on issues and concerns they are currently facing. My counseling office remains busy.

11 - It is time to go home but I do not want to leave Namibia. This land, these people, this ministry ... I am so in love with it all. The American Lon is happy to be going home but the Namibian Lon is very sad.

13 - Last trip, Val kept asking me if I was going to wake up some morning and announce that we were moving to Namibia. It disturbed her that I was so captivated by the place and the people. I told her no I would not. After this trip, I just might do it, if the right opportunity presents itself.

20 - The contrast between ministry at Northland and ministry in Namibia is striking. And more and more I am drawn to ministry as it is done in Namibia. Everything is so fast-paced here that it is difficult to slow down and minister to and encourage people. I long for the slower pace of Namibian minstry and the emphasis on the importance of people.