Namibia is a sun scorched land with scarce amounts of water, exotic animals, wondrous sunrises and sunsets, temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, stars that seem so close you can almost touch them, people that live in the “bush” and are far away from technology and luxuries we know in the US. Amongst the thirsty and hungry people there is a deep pride and joy of their culture: the things that they have grown up to know and accept. What is amazing about my time in this country is that I not only enjoyed my time with the people but also through experiencing God’s creation. We traveled a lot in our time in Namibia. From Pretoria, S. Africa to Okahana, Namibia it took about 28 hours, split between two days, on our OM bus. Not only did we travel a lot to get into the country but also throughout the country. We traveled from the south of Namibia to the very north and were even a few minutes away from Angola. Although we spent a lot of the time in the road we did get to stop at some beautiful places and stayed in Okangwati, a small town in the “bush” of Africa for nearly a week doing ministry. I left Namibia with a renewed mindset of myself, of God’s creation and His plans for me: all of which I would love to share with you.
Thankfully we had time to relax and truly experience God’s craftsmanship in making this country. We stayed a few days at Epupa Falls. The water falls were captivating and really reflected God’s creativity. One morning a group of us woke up around 4:30 am and hiked up some mountains to see the sunrise. I believe it was the best sunrise I have ever seen. It was really like God shining in all His glory and gave me a beautiful picture of the light that will be in heaven. We also went to Etosha Game Park. This is the 2nd largest game park in the world and very famous because of their water hole. A few years ago they set up video cameras to capture the animals that came here to drink and set up connecting screens in countries in Europe so that people could watch the animals come to drink. It may sound boring: watching animals come to drink but a lot of action takes place at the water hole. It is not uncommon to hear lions roaring in the distance or to see a pack of lions attack their prey right at the hole.
Our time at the water hole was just as exciting. I saw a few elephants, large groups of zebras, giraffes, springbok, oryxs, rhinos and even saw a lion come to drink. We went in the early morning, in the afternoon and late at night to see the animals come to drink water. I think for the first time I got to see these animals in such a natural setting, it was a neat experience. I also had my first authentic safari ride. We traveled in a large jeep with no windows through a man’s farm where the animals run wild. They were not a part of a park, hindered by fences but were free and roaming. We also stopped at a crocodile farm where I saw many huge crocodiles. I even had one snap at me- which made my heart beat very fast! I must share with you that I have a “South African Dream List.” It is a piece of paper that hangs near my bed of things that I wish to see or accomplish here in South Africa. I can say with joy that one of those dreams happened! I really wanted to try crocodile meat and so where else should I do that but at a crocodile farm! So I ordered a salad with many strips of crocodile on it. I have to say it was quite delicious!
Namibia is rich in creation and animals but the people are also very fascinating. There are many different people groups in Namibia. We had the privilege of staying with two of them. One of people groups have a distinct look and culture all their own: they are the Himba people. They are very proud of their culture and distinction. A Himba is easily noticeable by their outer appearance alone. The woman and men were no tops and have a skirt, sort of like a sack cloth around their lower halves. The woman use “oker” which is a red rock to help keep their skin looking young. They mix the rock with water and then like lotion, rub it all over their body so the people have skin that is stained red. If you touch them it is immediately evident because you too will be stained. They live in circular villages with little huts. They have a “holy fire” in the middle of their village that can never be put out. If you accidentally put it out you could be excommunicated. Men are also highly respected amongst these people and therefore always eat first and sit in chairs whereas the women normally sit on the floor.
Another cultural asset which we got to enjoy was that for bathing they sit in a hot spring. A hot spring is a pool of water that comes naturally from the Earth’s center. It is extremely warm and very relaxing to sit in. So when it was dark the girls would go to bathe under the stars- a truly once in a life time opportunity. As you can see they live very basically, especially when compared to the wonders of America and Western Europe. But these people also have a different view of life than we has Americans do. They take pride in their culture and their lifestyle and from that we were able to learn a lot. A small group of local believers, half of whom were Himbas, stayed in tents in our campsite so we were able to interact with them often. Although it was rough to try and connect with these people because of the language and culture barrier we did get a chance to hear their testimonies which were really moving. God really works in miraculous ways to prove Himself to these people. At the end of the week we, along with the native believers, had a church service for the whole community. With the songs and music much of the community was pulled in and after a few minutes we had quite a crowd. The local believers shared the gospel with their community which was really awesome to see. We really planted the seeds for people in the village to know who to go to if they have questions or are wondering about Jesus. One young girl asked one of my team members if she could pray for her because she really wants to become a believer. It is really exciting to think about how God can work in this community.
There was really one moment that was extremely impactful and touching to me during our ministry in this community, Okangwati. I worked in a small group in the local school. We went on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning doing programs for the school. I guess in this town Maria is a very popular name and so after I told one person my name it seemed as if all knew my name. We would walk into the school yard and kids I had never seen before would run up to me and say, “Maria! How are you?” Even when I walked on the streets kids would pop out of their homes calling my name and said hi! It was so touching to me and made me feel as if I was making an impact on these kids. On the last day at the school I was walking towards the bus with a group of about twenty girls following me. One girl that I had talked with during the time at the school just came over to me and gave me a huge hug. It was the best hug I have ever gotten. She clung on to me with so much love. I felt as if she had never felt a true hug before or met someone that really cared about her. As we embraced about thirty other kids came and latched themselves on to me. We really had to leave and I couldn’t even move. I wanted to cry with tears of joy because of the love that was being poured out. I wanted to just stay with them forever. And this small event really made me realize what makes my heart beat.
It revealed to me the passions I have for myself and the goals I have for my daily life, even when I am back in the US. Here is an excerpt from my journal entry from the end of this monumental day: “Today being with kids here in Namibia brought me so much joy. One girl just clung to me like she had never experienced a hug before. I want to share my love and joy with everyone. I never want someone to feel inadequate, that no one loves them, that are hungry and thirsty for answers in life, lost amongst civilization, not sure of what lies ahead or not heard the beautiful sound of Jesus… I feel like when I return home I want to be at school where I can build relationships with people who feel inadequate in a world that demands an impossible standard, that search for love in all the wrong places, that hunger and thirst for truth amongst earthly lies, lost amongst the best of the best and of course I want their lives to be complete thorough Jesus Christ… I fully trust in God’s plan for my life because no matter where I am- in the desert or in the comfort of a home-I know I will praise Jesus. To God be the glory!”
On Tuesday the 11th our team will continue to share Christ’s love to the people of South Africa in the big city, Durban. We will be there for two weeks doing various kinds of ministry. Please pray that our team can continue to have good health: physically and spiritually. Also that God may continue to reveal to me the plans He has for my future. Thanks for reading my blog and for your prayers. I really hope that you can also be blessed by what God is teaching and showing me! (And enjoy the pictures!)
a friend beside my bed
me and my elephant skull
an exotic plant
the beautiful sky and thorns of namibia
a view from our campsite: a once flowing river that is now dried up
one of our campsites
some friends that would join us by our tents
a beautiful sunset
at the school
at the hot spring
a gorgeous sunrise
