Out of Africa

Well, after a mad dash to the Livingstone "International" airport, the majority of our team is now on their way out of Africa. What an experience it has been. Once again, we have been reminded that "once Africa gets into you, it is hard to get it out." I think that most of us have been profoundly moved and transformed by our experiences in Africa over the past 10 days.

Last night, (Sunday) as we enjoyed one last meal together, I asked folks whether they would ever be interested in coming back to Africa again and almost everyone answered with an unequivocal yes. But we had a few more hours to savor before leaving. Many enjoyed seeing the sun rise over the east cataract of Victoria Falls. For those daring enough, the walk along the falls provided a spectacular display - if not drenching - of the power and majesty of these majestic falls. Truly an awe inspiring sight.

The rest of Monday morning people did a variety of different things from walking, resting, sitting on a veranda watching zebras and velvet monkeys wandering by our hotel. Other, more daring types actually bungee jumped from the reported highest bungee jump in the world - the bridge from Zambia to Zimbabwe some 400 feet above the churning waters of the Zambezi River below.

5 of us decided on the somewhat less daring experience of a 30 minute helicopter ride over the falls, the river gorge, the nearby game park and a number of traditional African villages. This too was awe-inspiring. Judy and I were two of the five who did this.

After our short flight to Johannesburg, we exchanged hugs, memories, well wishes and then went in several different directions. Ken and Suzanne headed off to their flight back to Botswana to meet a Habitat for Humanity team that will be building a house over the next two weeks. Ane Sorensen went to find her British Air connection to London and on home. The core of the group headed to the South Africa gate where their plane was waiting to whisk them back over the Atlantic to New York, Washington DC and finally home to Washington state. Loaded with memories, souvenirs, new friends and bag fulls of dirty clothes, there were mixed feelings about leaving mother Africa.

I think most were eager to get home - but reluctant to leave behind the places and people that have so transformed our lives.

There was Chimwewe (Joy) Village Steps'local employee who truly became one of our team. There was Chakingwe our driver who patiently endured our crazy schedules, daily trips to the store for water and our field trips to the zoo with the kids. Then of course there was Rachel the headmistress of the school, teachers Kristin, Paul, Valentine, and Capier. Last but not least are the precious children whose joyous songs, warm hugs, curious exploration of our blond, fine hair and blue eyes, and infectious love will stay with us forever.

Ken and Suzanne Popp, our expert Africa Mission Team people commented that they couldn't believe how smoothly this trip went and how closely unified and loving this team was. In spite of age differences, unique personalities and differing work habits, this team was truly blessed. The Spirit of God was truly upon this trip from start to finish and we have you who prayed, supported and cared to thank in part. Of course all thanks goes to God who we knew called each of us to make this trip.

Now Judy and I are in the Randberg neighborhood of Johannesburg with our new friend John, Heather, Micah, Jake and Caleb Witherow. Heather is the neice of Dick and Joan Johnson from Calvary and they work as team mates of Karl and Jenny Teichert.

We will spend a few more days with Karl, Jenny, Anne, Scott, Stephen and John Teichert in South Africa touring some of the sites where OC INternational is doing church planting, leadership training and pastoral support. We might even get in a drive through Kruger Game Park, a visit to the Apartheid Museum in Jo'burg and some catching up with both these families that Calvary supports as part of its mission program.

Attached are just a few of hundreds of pictures that were taken in Victoria Falls and in Chobe Game Park (Botswana). This is a vibrant continent with incredible natural beauty, rich history dating back to human origins, and a splendorous variety of wild life. The people are loving, warm, caring and hungry for expressions of Jesus' love. It has been such a privilege to work among and for them in a partnership that we pray will continue for years to come to the Glory of God.

A closing thought for this day is that God never leads one of his children to a place where his Spirit and Grace has not already arrived. Long before we even conceived of this trip, God had a plan for each of us just as he does for you. I have been reminded that we need not fear or shrink back from any task or place that God calls us to because he will provide with strength for the journey and grace for each day.

7/7/2008 : view on map : permalink : add a comment