Namibia Day 2

Thursday 1st of September

Today was the first day of training in Namibia! I accidentally woke up from sleep reluctantly at 7:30 knowing that orientation started at 8. I woke up Sarah and we both were wondering why Hannah our other roommate was not awake yet? We had assumed since she had been staying two days prior to us getting here she would have set an alarm, but we did not want to leave her here without making sure she was up. I went into her room and tried to whisper her awake, “pisssh…Hannah…pisssh…. HANNAH! She heard me after a minute or so, took her ear plugs out and then said its not time yet its only 6:50! Since Hannah is from England and didn’t have a time change I had to assume she was only correct and that I had kept my watch set in Johannesburg time from where we last caught a flight. After apologizing profusely to Sarah, her and I both had a little laugh and then slept another hour until we had to get up at the “real 7:55”.
Upon arrival into Rob and Alisa’s they greeted us with hot coffee brewing, which I could not seem to say no to this morning! After a quick catch up on our sleep we opened up the discussion of the morning with our personal stories. We each explained how we got to where we are now and what the Lord did to make sure it happened this way. It is always so encouraging to hear one another’s stories and how the Lord led them to the place where they are today. After introductions we dug into some scripture, Philippians 2:1-7. Taking from this piece we were reminded of several things my favorites were “Being one in purpose and in spirit” “Becoming obedient to death, even in the harshest of circumstances” and “make yourself nothing. Take nature to that of a servant.” I think all of these points of view will be vital during my time in Namibia to really grasp the idea that I am here to serve him and him alone. I am not doing this for my own merit, but for him who sent me. Galatians 6:14 “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent in relaxing and learning about some of the cultural differences and safety precautions while staying in Namibia. The session was really informative and made me excited about starting “work” in this new place. Later this evening we had the opportunity to go into Minnie’s home where I may be staying with her and Jennifer and her daughter Tahava. We had so much fun enjoying time with them and laughing with Tahava I really enjoyed their company.
Prayer requests for me would entail giving God an open hand, not comfortable and half closed. I feel like I often look back at conversations with friends where I decided to stay quiet and not vocal about Christ and I want to make sure I am seeking his Kingdom and fully giving him his glory in every opportunity possible.