The Journey Lens - take five

My greetings to you from the warm Namibian sun!

So here it is everyone. Thank you for being patient with me. I have finally posted some pictures of the trip to the village of Epukiro (Omauewozonjanda) that I took quite a few weeks back. My roommate Candace and I joined with a few other missionaries and the Campus Crusade for Christ team for Namibia to accompany a local Pastor and his family back to his home village. He and his wife are feeling led to go back and minister there full-time and will be leaving to do so in December.

Throughout the weekend a prayer walk was held in the village, we visited and chatted with people, the Jesus Film was shown in the Herero language with about 200 in attendace, and a church service was held on the Sunday morning. Our time there was simply wonderful. I was privileged to meet many great people, see a little bit of life in the village, and witness a few people decide to leave their past lives and follow the one true God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you all so very much for your prayers. Please continue to pray for this village and for the work the Lord has started there. 

 

I hope you enjoy the pictures! 

~Heather

The road to Omauewozonjanda. We happened to have taken a wrong road, and so increased the length of the journey,  but despite this fact, it is during long drives such as this one that I realize just how BIG Namibia really is.

I may have missed seeing a family of giraffes on the side of the road, but I did get to see my very first donkey cart.

We had the privilege of meeting and spending time with Pastor Spencer's family.

I loved watching this lady cook. I so wish I had her skills!

Pastor took us to see his father's cattle. This was the gate for the sheep and goats I believe.

Dad, this picture is for you and Frankie. No fencing needed, they bush enclosures with branches. I wonder how this would go over in Skinner's Pond.

Candace with the cattle inside the bushed enclosure.

A baby we met in the village. She seemed to be kind of afraid of us. She may not have seen white people before.

After giving her a sucker she seemed to think that we might not be quite so bad.

A group shot with Pastor's family.

Setting up the screen to project the Jesus Film on.

The projector man Ivan and a crew of curious boys from the village.

Some of the San (Bushmen) children that came to watch.

Though communication was not easy in this community, the little boy in the front and I played catch with the ball in his hand. We had a lovely time. Words were not needed.

At the church service the next morning, these are two of the boys who came and committed their lives to following the Lord Jesus. I had the great privilege of praying with them. As you can see, clothing was also brought for the people of the village. Everyone found some much-needed new pieces of clothing.

“There is a road from the eye to the heart that does not go through the intellect.”

~G. K. Chesterton

Fridays at FHS are always lots of fun. We have a morning assembly of praise, worship, and prayer, a time of Bible teaching, a recap of the week's lessons, and then an activity time with games of all kinds. Following the morning assembly this past Friday, my class grabbed their chairs and we headed outside for a time of Bible teaching. I had been fighting a cold for a few days (catching a bug is to be expected being surrounded by all those coughing and sneezing kiddos), but Friday my voice was nowhere to be found. The kids got a great kick out of it. "Teacher," one of them said, "you have a cat inside your throat." A little while later he was asking if he could have a drink of my water because he also wanted to get sick, "That is a cool voice teacher, it is nice". The things they say!

Later in the morning the kids became busy with all sorts of activities, soccer games, jumping ropes, playing cards, and a favorite for my students- building with Lego. I made my rounds, chatting with different students, breaking up fights, getting out balls for other students, and eventually made my way up to the area where some students from all the different classes were playing with Lego. As I stood and watched, I was greeted by Samuel's* beautiful smile. Samuel is a young boy in the enrichment program. He is brilliant, always smiling, always shining. But the smile he offered me Friday was short lived. I was taken back as I watched his face quickly fade into a worried and saddened expression. "Teacher, you are sick," he said, the concerned look still present on his face. I had not spoken to Samuel yet that day so I was surprised he knew I was not feeling 100%. "I can see it in your eyes Teacher, you are not feeling good".

This was another one of those moments where my heart did not know what to do. I was touched by the care, concern, and love shown by this student. But much more than this, I was struck by the irony of the moment. You see, Samuel is HIV +. He is infected with a sickness which will never go away. There is no cure. But as I looked into that precious boy's eyes, what emanated was not self-pity, hopelessness, or despair. Despite his condition, his eyes radiated joy.

Samuel knows the Lord Jesus. He knows the Bible inside out. He knows and experiences the joy that only Jesus Christ can bring. As it is written in Nehemiah 8:10 -  "The joy of the Lord is your strength." The Lord used this young boy to teach me a lesson in joy, in love, and in compassion.  A French philosopher, Henri Bergson once said "The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend." Little by little the Lord has been opening my eyes, my thoughts, my heart, to the realities around me. I pray that He may do the same for you no matter what country you may find yourself.

With many thanks for reading,
~Heather 

*Name changed to protect the privacy of the student

Cultural Tidbits:
-Giraffes have blood pressure problems due to their tall necks. Their heart weight on average is 12 kilos! A big heart is needed to pump the blood that long distance.
-Springbok can "spring" 3 metres high and 6 metres long.
-Shurumbu = white person / keeper of time
-Madisa = how are you? (in Damara)
-Crocodile tastes kinda fishy.
-Crocodiles have no tongue and therefore no sense of taste. Hence why they eat anyone and anything.

The Journey Lens - take four

Hello to all once again!

As promised long ago, here are some pictures of Katutura. This is the area where I spend most of my time as it's where FHS is located, and where all of my students live. Litterally translated, "Katutura" means - "We don't live here". It is a community formed as a result of the apartheid. Despite its not-so-appealing conditions, this is a place I have grown to love as its people are truly wonderful. 

Again, I hope you enjoy a peek at this Namibian journey. Thank you for being a part of God's work here in Namibia through your prayers and encouragement. 

As a part of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, Katutura is constantly growing. Many people from rural parts of Namibia are moving here in an attempt to find work. With little education and a high unemployment rate, most do not succeed in finding employment.

Make-shift homes such as these are built throughout the hills and mountains.

There was a water pump just behind this house on the right. Getting water is a common task for most our students

Some of our students.

We celebrated  this little guy's 5th birthday at his home. This is Kaita.

We had a splendid afternoon celebrating with his family and friends.

Candace and her little friend.

Some of the homes around Kaita's place.

A kindergarten.

A Baptist church.

A soccer field.

There are many vendors on the streets.

This photo is taken right behind the school.

More shacks. They are literally everywhere.

The shacks seem to extend endlessly.

The Journey Lens - take three

Greetings to you from Namibia!

I cannot say it enough, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your prayers and words of encouragement. It means so very much.
The past month at FHS has been busy with activity, and as from your requests, here is another issue of The Journey Lens. It has been such a privilege to be a part of this community, and I look very much forward to what is to come in the months ahead. Here are a few snapshots of September happenings. Enjoy! 

Some of the students waving outside the school.

This is our classroom! - teaching the grade 4 and 5s.

Culture Day! A celebration of the Herero and Oshiwambo cultures.

We danced outside and inside all morning. The students learned about traditional clothing, dances, music, and even got to try different traditional foods.

Watching the show.

Foibe is always all smiles.

I don't think I can explain how much they LOVE playing UNO.

Resting during the break.

Having fun outside the Bike Shop.

At school with Rauna and Hannah

Washing-up before lunch.

Break-time snack - yum yum!

Lunch!

 Cute... and full of mischief

Finding some shade from the hot afternoon sun.

Here to Listen

It is hard to believe, but I have been in Namibia just over one month now. Time is really passing quickly. At FHS I have been working with the grades 4-7 remedial program (the students who are not in school). It has been a great privilege getting to know these students. Despite their trying pasts and current difficult conditions, some exhibit strong resilience, joy, and hope for the future. Others sadly, seem to have given up. Regardless, they are all in need of the love that Jesus offers. They are in need of encouragement. They are in need of words which will build them up, rather than tell them they are nothing which many are so used to hearing. 

The Lord is daily opening my eyes to the realities of the children around me. Trust is not something that comes easily to most of the older students. Many have been lied to, abused, and abandoned by those who should be their biggest sources of love and encouragement. The Lord has done an amazing work; He has opened many doors. I feel truly honored to have earned the trust of many of my students, and blessed for gift to be a listening ear for them to share their struggles. These past couple weeks I have been so thankful for and reliant on, the Lord's strength. My heart breaks daily as I get to know my students more and learn about their lives. Out of this state of brokenness, the Lord has grown my heart, and I have come to love these students more than I thought was even possible. 

I would like to share with you a bit of one of the wonderful conversations I have had with my grade six student, Sienna*. I have worked with Sienna since my very first day at FHS. She is a quiet-spirited girl who loves school. Though she is in need of extra help and attention, she works very hard and does very well. One morning many students were gone to get vaccines, so Sienna and I had the opportunity to spend an hour just the two of us. My initial thought was "Great! We can cover so much material since we are behind the other schools." The Lord however had a different plan. A much better plan. 

That morning I could tell Sienna was very distracted. Not wanting to pressure her to share anything, I began teaching  as usual. Out of the blue she asked with the most sad expression, "Teacher, when you go back to Canada, you will never come come back?"  Instantly my heart was heavy. I was touched by the fact that she cared about me and would miss me, but more than that, I was saddened, because though I have no idea what the Lord has in store next, she could very well be right. She continued talking, saying that one day, she will come to America and Canada. I pray that she might one day realize that dream. 

I reminded Sienna about how much God loves her, and that she is so very precious to Him. She began asking me many questions about what happens when we die. She was very curious. I took out my Bible and together we read some different verses. We talked about Romans 3:23 which says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and talked about how we are all in need of God's love and forgiveness for the many things we do wrong. We talked about Jesus' death on the cross, asking for forgiveness and how His death has paid for all our wrongs. We talked about believing and trusting in Him, and following Him with our lives. 

Sienna continued talking and sharing with me about her family. She was most excited that her parents have finally decided to get married in October. This will be her first time attending a wedding. Her parents have called the wedding on and off many times, but now her father has stopped drinking, and both he and her mother have gotten jobs working at fixing and cleaning things at the church she attends. I asked her if she liked going to church. "Very much Teacher," she said, "I go every Sunday. It is very nice". I asked if she was glad her father stopped drinking. She nodded and replied with a most sincere "yes". ( Like in many areas of poverty worldwide, drinking is a huge issue here in Katutura). 

Speaking more about her home life, I learned about Sienna's older brother, sister, and younger brother. She explained how happy she was that her parents are now working days so she does not have to be home at night with only her sister and younger brother. She said she hates hearing the gunshots when her parents are not home. I do wonder what expression came to my face as I heard her say those words. I cannot explain the feeling in my heart as this beautiful, kind, and gentle girl opened my eyes to a whole new world. I have always known this to be a reality for many, I have not lived inside a box, but when this precious 14 year old girl who I have grown to love so much, gazed at me with watery eyes, this reality moved from my head to my heart. 

"The gunshots Sienna, do you hear them a lot?" I asked the question while dreading the answer. "Yes," she answered, "every night". I asked her if she was afraid. The young girl paused, she was not sure how to answer the question. I could tell that part of her was afraid, but to my surprise I heard her reply "No". She said, "God decides when we will die. It could be today, I do not know. God knows, and when He says I will die, I will die." Though this girl would be seen very lowly in the eyes of the world, she inspires me as her wisdom far exceeds that of many. 

Sienna surprised me again saying, "Teacher, you must get me a Bible so I can read it and know what it says and what is right". What a privilege! With some funds given to me to use for the needs of the children here, I purchased Sienna a Bible and brought it to her the following week. She is so very thankful and is reading it everyday. She talked about really wanting to know the truth and to know God because not everyone does. She shared more about the shootings she hears at night. "They just go and shoot people. I don't think they know God, because they just shoot and shoot. They shoot my neighbor here (she put her fingers on her temple) and he dies. They shoot him. They always shoot". 

I was at a loss for words. Sienna was quiet for a few moments until she said "Teacher, I can't keep talking or I'll cry". Despite this statement she continued, tears now streaming down her face. I could tell she was desperate for someone to talk to, for someone to just listen to her and to what she was going through. She started telling me about a cousin who was killed on the 6th of May of this year. He was also shot, murdered. The tears really started flowing down her face. He was in the 9th grade and the family all had great hopes for his life, and had gathered around him to support him through school. He told Sienna that she too could make it like he was. He had told her that if she passed all her courses this year, he would give her a prize. We talked about how it is ok to be sad; that it is ok to cry. We talked about how even Jesus cried when His friend Lazarus died.       

Time had passed quickly and I had to go and teach the grade 4-7 class on Agriculture. Before going, I had the opportunity to pray with Sienna. It is such a privilege to be able to share so much more than simply academics with these students - I know that that is truly why the Lord has brought me here.     

 I pray that you may be inspired, encouraged, and challenged by Sienna as I know that I have learned a great deal from her. On Monday she prayed to give her life to love and follow Jesus. Despite the violence and hatred around her, she understands the love of God as her source of strength, hope and truth. As is promised for her, and for all of us who trust in the Lord Jesus as our Savior:

        "The LORD will guide you always; 
       he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 
       and will strengthen your frame. 
       You will be like a well-watered garden, 
       like a spring whose waters never fail."
       -Isaiah 58:11  

* Name changed for privacy reasons

Drops of Canada in the Desert

I have always loved the rain. It is so peaceful falling asleep to the sound of gentle showers, it is so fun twirling an umbrella and dancing around in a downpour. I enjoy running in the rain and mud-puddle jumping, walks during downpours (sounding familiar Charity?), and even the fun of listening to thunder storms. There is something renewing about rain, something refreshing, something powerful, something freeing.

I have been here in Namibia one month now and have not seen a drop of rain; actually, the country has not seen rain in a number of months... that is until Wednesday evening. Rain fell heavy that night, thunder rolled, and flashes of lightening lit up the sky. The real surprise however, came early Thursday evening. The clouds, wind, and rain returned, only this time they brought with them huge pieces of hail. Though it was not snow, and there was not enough to put together to make a snowman, seeing the cold, white pieces fall from the sky was a great reminder of home. A little taste of Canada... in Africa. It was wonderful! As I stood outside and reflected on God's awesome power, I was reminded of the truth written in Matthew 19:26 “...with God all things are possible”.

When I think about the students at FHS, my heart both melts and aches. I have truly fallen in love with these kids, they have amazing spirits; they are precious. Seeing how they are faced with so many challenges and obstacles, I have had moments of great discouragement. Can anything I do really have an impact? I have had moments of being overwhelmed. Can my three months here have an impact for God's Kingdom in this seemingly endless battle? I am thankful for God's reminder through the hail, that 'all things are possible'. His deep well of love overflows, even in the driest of deserts. His light has power to shine, even in the darkest of places. He works in the most surprising and unexpected ways, leaving us in awe of His incomparable power, creativity and goodness. Whether sun, rain, hail, or storm, He is with us through every step of every journey. He has power over the heavens, He has power over the skies, and He has power over these children's lives.

In my moments of weakness I am grateful for His promise in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 which says “ 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” God is glorified in our weaknesses when we surrender everything into His hands and trust Him for provision. For this, I am truly thankful.

Thanks for reading,

~Heather

Cultural Tidbits:

- Kabob (meat on a stick) = Sosatie

- Barbeque = Braai

- Recipes for high-altitude turn out better here in Windhoek

- Namibia has three ecosystems: The Coast and Sea, The Desert, The Savannah ( This cultural fact is brought to you by the Grade 7 Natural Science Namibian syllabus).