October, 2001

Our incredible journey towards Namibia began here when Richard Hanna and I traveled to Okahandja, Namibia to conduct leadership training for the Youth for Christ Namibia national staff.

19 - I am expecting so much to happen in the next 18 days. I am so ready for God to reveal something more to me about me during this time away from my normal routine. I have been feeling for months that I am on the verge of a big change in my life and ministry. Will God reveal it to me in Namibia? I certainly hope so.

We are descending into Johannesburg now. The name reminds me of my great, great, great, great grandfather Johannes H. Garber. He too had a grand trans-atlantic adventure. At the age of 33, he emigrated to America on the ship "Phoenix," arriving in the port of Philadelphia on August 28, 1750. Escaping Lutheran persecution in Germany, his journey was part of a spiritual quest that changed the lives of his ancestors. How will my trip change the lives of my ancestors?

21 - I have a growing excitement about the next two weeks. I have been looking forward to this for so long. It's all coming together nicely. I am at complete peace in my spirit. We have listened closely to God and He is indeed Emmanuel (here with us).

23 - As I reflect at the end of this second day of training, I have a growing sense that something wonderful is happening here between the students and us. We have made a special connection with them that goes way beyond just our teaching. We seem to have touched them very personally and they seem to be having the same affect on us.

31 - After lunch, I checked email. Peggy sent me the entire curriculum to review for Exploring My Faith. When will I have time to do that? Before arriving, it seemed like we would have much free time. We have had none. I was so naive to think I'd have the time or inclination to work on such mundane Northland activities. I wouldn't even want my mind to go there if I did have the time.