My Trip to Namibia: Namibia Day 3

Friday 2nd of September

Today I woke up at the correct time, which I was excited about and went into Mentoring training. Through this very informative time I felt extremely grateful for the relationship I had with Leah and Campus Outreach during my time in college. I knew about mentoring and discipleship before, but it really convicted me on how I always want to mentoring/discipling and being discipled myself. After that talk we had the privilege of hearing Pelgrina’s (a friend of the Greidanus’) story. It is extremely encouraging how much she continues loves the Lord through the hardships of losing two children, a husband and being diagnosed with HIV. We then learned a lot of information about HIV and the horror on how prevalent it is here in Namibia.
This afternoon we had the opportunity to go around town with Zeka and Anita (a couple who Rob and Alisa have been mentoring). They showed us the university where they attend (NETS Namibian Evangelistic Theological Seminary). We also stopped by the clinic where people go if they want to be tested for HIV. Sadly, many people do not choose to go to this clinic even though it is free because of the stigma that accompanies the procedure.
After seeing the clinic we were taken to the part of town where Robert, David and I will be working in Katatura. It was an incredible experience. I was shocked at how little people had to get by with. We had the opportunity to walk into one of Zeka’s cousin’s house. It was made of tin or what they call zinc houses. Zeka told us that 15 people lived in this house that was probably 15’ x 30’ in size. Coming to this part of town made you really feel the ways of life that Africa is known to hold. This really made you realize how much we really have to be grateful for and what our purpose really was to be in Africa, sharing the gospel through both love and compassion.
After our tour around some of some of town we met Rob at Joe’s beerhouse in downtown Windhoek. What a contrast coming from one of the poorest sections of the city to the most tourist friendly attraction I had seen yet. Being in this beerhouse was very similar to setting foot in any rainforest café or any other Disney themed restaurant. It had a river through the outdoor stoned pathways. Half of the restaurant was outside and only holding small areas with a covering overhead. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures, but can’t wait to go back and get some.
After meeting up we went to Steve and Pam Brown’s house (other medical missionaries through AIM). The Browns were so hospitable and a great taste of home being Pam had an adorable southern accent being from Texas and they lived about 8 years in Millville, PA, which was another great taste of home. After chatting with them for little while and enjoying some amazing meatloaf and scalloped potatoes recipe we left to head back for the Greidanus’ house for a great night of sleep.