Tsumeb

In February A went for 2 weeks to Africa.  Namibia is the country he went to which is the country he always goes to and where the church has been planted.  However, that is in Outapi, Namibia.  This trip was to Tsumeb, Namibia.  Last February when he went to Outapi he visited Tsumeb and the missionaries there with By Provision.  They are originally from AL (we did not know them) and now live most of the year in Tsumeb drilling water wells and they house young girls who come in from the Bush to go to school in the city.  He knew he wanted to go back this year and work with them.  His brother, Adam went also which made it even more special.  Melbie also went and is still there!  She is spending a total of 6 weeks there, so 2 more weeks to go! 

His trip started off VERY rocky and we weren’t even sure there was going to be a trip.  On Saturday evening before he was to leave on Monday morning he realized his passport was missing.  We searched everywhere all night Sat nt and Sun when we were not at church.  It was no where to be found and we were both sick!  He knew there was a possibility of getting it same day in Dallas on Monday.  However, Monday was a federal holiday so that was out.  We decided there was no way he could go.  It was very disheartening.  On Monday morning with about 30 min to spare at most before leaving his wonderful travel agent called and said she had gotten Delta to waive the fees to change his flights to the next day.  He would have to fly to ATL and stay overnight and take a chance of getting a new passport the next day in time to fly out.  There were many different issues that day including computers going down at the passport agency.  It looked as if he would not be getting his passport in time.  He got it with a little over an hour to get back to airport, turn in rental car, get boarded etc.  He made it on the last call for his flight!  God showed Himself to us over and over and over and reminded us as He has to so many times that HE IS IN CONTROL!  He ended up 2 days behind Melbie and Adam but he finally made it!  VERY THANKFUL! 

Melbie is there to work with the teenage girls.  Aaron and Adam dug 2 water wells while there, repaired 3 water wells, and did some construction on a house.  Adam also was able to go hunting which thrilled him I am sure!  A was able to preach which I know thrilled him!  Looks like they even got to play a little!

LOTS of pics!  We always have so many from mission trips and it is hard to choose.

I wanted to end with this picture.  As I was looking through the pics I asked A what this was and he said the dump.  I replied, “and people live there?”  His answer, “yep…”  From things like the thrilled faces of kids who now have access to safe running water to pics like this one my heart breaks.  We as Americans are ridiculous!  I think we have foolishly made ourselves believe we DESERVE all we have.  We deserve no more than anyone else anywhere in the world.  What do we do with the fact that we have such an abundance and are beyond spoiled and selfish people when others are living like this all over the world.  Worst of all we know the only hope any of us have and we often don’t even share that…