Darin's Journal (8/July/2006)
Saturday... It's been a few days since I've been able to post. It's not been for lack of desire, but rather a lack of time. Shari and I have enjoyed a couple of days of small group time with the HPOM mommies the last couple of days. We've been thrilled to share with them from our experiences, and learn from them of their experiences, and then to see where God is using our time together to encourage all of us - Americans and Namibians alike. It is so good to see how He ministers to the body, thru the body!We've also visited the Kolin Foundation Secondary School two days in a row. Those visits have been especially meaningful to me as the students and staff there ALL remember our dance team's visit last year. The visits were filled with memories for me. If any of the 2005 team or their families read this, know that we (Don B., Jackie L, Shari and I) as dance parents, are all just now seeing some of the tremendous results of your visit last year. This whole community of Arandis has been impacted! The really funny moment in our visit to the school was when I introduced my wife Shari to the Principal, Erna Both. The team will remember her for her closing comments last year: "the team's message is 'boys put away your toys and girls guard your virgins'". Anyhow, the team will also recall that I made some 'personal' comments about my relationship with my wife that day. Erna greeted Shari and said with an ear to ear grin, "Yes, I remember very well how your husband spoke of you last year."
We've also been assisting the band while they are here in Arandis. Their ministry is going very well. They are preparing to play in a couple hours again at a community concert here in Arandis. Then tomorrow we will lead the church service at Arandis Christian Center. By Faith will bring music and I will bring a message from the word. I am honored to share tomorrow for the congregation here - they are amazing folks with a growing ministry. Pastor Tresford Banda is the real deal - a great man of God whom I hope to cultivate a long-term friendship with. Shari has really enjoyed time with his wife Fabiola as well. Have I said it already? Great folks in Arandis.
Don, Jackie and I have been having some great conversations about what it means to be a Jesus Freak. I think that they both have concluded (as all of you who really know me have known for so long) that I am completely out of my mind. However, there was a picture taken last night that just might surface soon... very interesting who the 'JFreaks' are in the photo - so look for it.
Amanda, Katie, Becky and Emily, I miss you so much. I'm proud of you. Keep up the good work of caring for one another just one more week now, and we'll be home! I can't wait for us to have our time in NC in a few weeks, penny candy and Cokes on me~
Katie, I'm praying for you. I know you'll be feeling better soon~
Steph, thanks for the comments you posted. Yep, we are retracing many steps from last summer's trip - and you know me, I'm reliving each moment, and seeing God everywhere, thru tears in my eyes. All this to say... AND, just today your mom wore a Coke in my Combee. Just like old times~
posted by Darin @ 8:38 AM
