Calling all Memories
So, I've been thinking about a way to get some of the Namibia '05 crew to let us know how they're doing. I've got to believe that many of you check out the blogs every so often, just to see if anyone else has posted.
What I came up with was that I would post a random picture and try to invoke some memories or stories about the picture itself.
I'm hoping you'll post a comment or two that might be related to the picture, or perhaps something totally unrelated that comes to mind about the trip.
I know for myself, the trip seems so long ago. Yet, it was only a few short months. What are your thoughts? Has anyone had any "out of africa" thoughts or experiences?
Have you heard something - a song perhaps, maybe a conversation, something on television or the radio that brought back a memory from the trip you would like to share?
How was the music what you heard that day different from anything you had ever heard before? Maybe it wasn't so different...
Why is it something as universal as music can bridge many cultures, that despite not being a part of that culture, you can still relate with? Is it a beat, the rhythm, a cadence?
Without the music, could you or would you have had the same connection with this group of boys... on their side of the world?
News From Namibia
Greetings Team & Extended Team! Don's suggestion to post news from Namibia is a great one. Here's the latest that has made its way to me.
Brenda Johnston from Hope's Promise will be here in the U.S. during the month of October. She will be spending a few days with us here in NH, likely later in the month (she's still working her itinerary). When she's here we will have her speaking on a Sunday morning at CCA and also set up a couple of social get-togethers with her. Hope's Promise International has cut funding to the projects in Namibia as they are discouraged by the country's stance against international adoption. A large part of Brenda's time here in the U.S. will be spent trying to secure funding for the projects in Namibia to continue.
Fred & Linda Knight and their family returned safely from Namibia after spending all summer living in Arandis. I read the follow-up report that HPOM filed, and the basic summary is that the benefit of having a Christian family live in that community had a huge impact. I've asked for a copy of the report so that it can be posted. It was really amazing to read. The Knights are all considering a return trip in the future.
Dieter, Joan and Richard Morsbach are in touch via email pretty regularly. Things are going well for them and they are looking forward to our next team's arrival. I am not sure if the Morsbach's will join us on the blog site - internet access is costly in Namibia. However, I will be sure they have all the proper website addresses, and who knows, they may just surprise us with a greeting!
On the CCA front, two things to mention.
First off, our 2005 trip still owes Mr. Wucher (car rental) $2900 due to our trip going over budget. An email was sent out, and a few of our team members have responded (THANK YOU!). Many more have not responded. Mike and I continue putting our heads together to see if we can figure out a way to pay this bill, because each day that goes by Dieter's reputation is taking a beating with Mr. Wucher. Again, anything anyone can do to help will be greatly appreciated.
Secondly, believe it or not, the G.O. Team: Namibia 2006 is already being planned. Two of our veteran leaders from 2002 and 2004 have begun the initial planning steps to set a multi-goaled team on the ground in Namibia next summer. If you're interested, give us a call.
More news as we hear it.
Is there any news from Nambia?
Darin,
Do you hear from Dieter at all? I'm sure some of the girls may be wondering what's been happening in Namibia since they were there. Does he ever call with updates? Is this blog something that he, Richard, or any of the people you worked with in Namibia, would be interested in participating in?
Time for another entry
Thanks, Amanda, for your insight and thoughts on post Namibia life. I noticed you didn't have "posting" rights yet. If you
send me your email, I can set that up for you.
And Mitch, how come you haven't responded to your invitiation yet?????
Amanda, I couldn't agree more with part of your post.... "we ourselves are like a letter, that will be written in the hearts of others." It reminded me of something I read...
"For we are, each of us, a collection of memories.
Our personalities are the collective result ofeverything that has happened to us.Yeah, it is at the end of the daywe look back upon the days and yearsthrough the looking glass of memory.And when we are gone,we become a part of the memoriesAnd personalities of others."- Sons of SomerledIt makes me stop and wonder what lasting impressions and memories
the namibia05 group left with those whose lives they touched and how their own lives have been touched as well. It leaves me awestruck knowing the power that each of us possess whenever we interact with others and the lasting impression, good or bad, that we make.
Just think about it, having spent only a half-hour with someone and having them remember that half-hour (and you) for years and years to come....
Thanks Mitch for sharing your thoughts and memories :-)
Like Amanda said, through your experiences in Africa, you found out that YOU can make a difference in this world and you can make this difference anywhere and anytime you choose.
Amanda, I hope all continues to go well with college and I'm hoping that some of the "other college students" can stop by sometime and let everyone know how they're doing.
- peace
