3 – This is our last day as American residents. We leave for Namibia just after midnight. Our day was filled with last-minute bill paying, countless calls and goodbyes, errands and such. Filled with activity, the day flew by. Jamie drove us to the airport after a tearful goodbye to Jenny and Ken. Jamie’s goodbye was very difficult. We hugged for the longest time, neither wanting to let go. But after a final kiss and wave, I had to turn and face the future, and begin looking forward to May of next year when we return for Jamie’s graduation.
4 – Carol Hafer met us at the airport in Atlanta. We spent a delightful two hours together. In a card, she wrote, “I believe you were made for this. You have been a friend, a mentor, an example, a person I love to create with, an inspiration and family to me. You are living out your purpose to perhaps a greater extent than you ever imagined, as you become more and more the person God created you to be. Thank you for all the ways you make a difference in my life.” Later, on the plane I wrote, “I feel like my training is completed and in many ways my real ministry is just beginning. God is affirming that we are in the center of His will and His plan. I have a growing sense that He is going to do amazing things through us and in us in Africa. I eagerly anticipate how He will unfold His plan.
5 – During our lay-over in Johannesburg, I talked with David Wilkinson on the phone. We tried to meet, but with heightened security, a in-transit passenger cannot get to someone on the ground. We discussed the possibilities of doing ministry together. I can’t wait to see what God does with this relationship. George was waiting for us at Hosea Kutako airport when we arrived in Windhoek. We were very tired and he drove us to our borrowed flat for some long-overdue rest.
8 – Today we received the storage bins we sent over this past summer. We worked for many hours opening and re-packing things not needed now, finding places for useful things, using every possible cranny in our 1-bedroom flat, and then re-storing 10 bins until we have our own place. We also had a braai (BBQ) at the Porter’s house. Stephan and Beverly Nell were also there.
11 – We spend much of every day visiting shops. Shopping over here is very different than American shopping. It is like being on safari, looking for items that are hiding in the bush. Eventually you find what you need, but you have to shop in 4 groceries to find them all. Yesterday I traveled to Hodygos to witness Summer Camp in action for the first time. It was a great day renewing friendships with many people.
18 – We have been in Namibia for 2 weeks and the unusual is now becoming normal. The left-side driving is now comfortable. We know where to shop. We have been to the movies. There are only 2 theaters in the whole country and we are staying within a kilometer of one of them. We know the best Internet cafes. We know where to find elusive items. Namibia is now becoming our home. When we finally locate decent tasting ice cream, Val says she will commit to staying (smile). On Sunday, we found the house we want to rent and on Monday we signed a lease. Our landlords are the Erasmus’. He is retiring as Deputy Minister of Education and she is a salesperson at a jewelry store. They are moving to Capetown. They are very nice and accommodating. The house is in Hochlandpark, high on a hill overlooking Windhoek City Centre, Windhoek North and Katatura. A wonderful breeze blows in the afternoon and evening. It will be our A/C. It fits our needs the best and was the cheapest of all the homes we considered.
23 – Today we discovered another delightful outdoor café – Café Zoo in Zoo Park. The park is a beautiful little section of downtown Windhoek. It has everything – café, shade, green grass, lily pond, pretty trees, playground – everything that is except a zoo. Nobody knows how it got its name.
25 – Today was the loneliest Christmas I can ever imagine. Christmas without kids and other family just doesn’t feel like Christmas at all.
