Wildlife Thursday

Since I can't get up and take photos I'll post some more from the Wildlife
Sanctuary in Namibia. After all I did promise more. Enjoy!

Church in Africa

We went to tent services at night as well as Sunday morning service at the church where we stayed. During the worship hour(s) The young people would get into groups and take turns up front in a sort of African line dancing.

It was beyond cool.







On Sunday service every nearby village had a choir and we were treated to a performance by each. Wow. Of course I expected the music to be awesome but I was literally brought to tears by the sound of their voices. There is a quality to the voice of Africa that is wise, haunting, beautiful, and not like anything else I've ever heard. Unfortunately I never did figure out how to get my camera into video mode which I'm still kicking myself for because I never want to forget that sound. God may have created a dry and harsh land in Africa but He gave the people the gift of music and when you're standing in the middle of a hot and dusty tent listening to that sound I'm pretty sure it's a sample of what heaven will be like.

Watching a Himba Haircut

Armed with a sharp rock and a little water we watched (and photographed) as the Himba ladies gave one another a trim. I wonder if they would be half as fascinated watching me flat iron my hair? Probably not.













Happy weekend friends!

Walking in Okorosave

We woke up to the most amazing sky the last work day in Okorosave. I could tell this day would be a special one from the start. Knowing this would be the last full day spent in the village saddened my heart but I was also excited to share with the children the story and activities I'd prepared.

Doesn't this sky just look like God is shinning His glory down on the town?
Nothing short of stunning.








The "girl work" on the structure (which didn't include welding and climbing up on shaky scaffolding) was already done so the ladies decided to take a walk through the village to see some of these homes up close. The kids came out of their huts to walk with us, and of course pose for a shot or two.





























Check out this termite mound! These things were everywhere and sometimes up to 10 feet tall! Don't mind my less than fashion-ista attire. Comfort and dress code were the priority. The best surprise was it's too dry to sweat!





While we were strolling through the village this little QT was sent out by his mama wrapped in hand made goods for sale. Now that's good marketing!








Not only did I fall in love with these kids but I also gained a bond with every member of our team that went. Sharing something like this is beyond words. These ladies all became my friends, my 2nd and 3rd moms, and my nurse (when I twisted my ankle and got sick.) Not to discount the men, the kind of giving and selfless men that could handle a group of 9 women for 2 weeks! : )

I will cherish each of them and this experience we shared for the rest of my life.







Are you bored with my Africa pics yet? I hope not because I'm only about 1/2 way through the trip. And I love sharing them. Every time I look through the pics for another post I'm taken back and it does my heart good.

Day 2 at the village

Our second day at the village was pure joy. The ice had been broken and we now had a better idea of what we were doing which helped. We had the creation story told by a 72 year old clown, we did a fun craft, more hopscotch, and by the end of the day the village girls started braiding some of our ladies hair. They were fascinated to touch the different textures of hair and were surprised that one of our team mates (who's parents come from Fiji) was American, her darker skin and hair was not what they expected. We all marveled in the beauty of our differences. Please marvel along with me at the beauty in these faces. My heart swells with every one.