Off to Ethiopia and Debrief

The team should be on their way to Addis Ababa right now. That is in Ethiopia, where they will spend a week in debrief. This is a time spent in reflection and is an adjustment period, preparing the team for inculcation back into normal living. They have spent seven weeks totally immersed in third world living conditions, and will now be expected to return to normal living. It will be culture shock for many. They have worked as team, and one week from today will have to say farewell to new friends and relationships that they may never forget. Also, realizing that they may never see each other again this side of heaven.

It is a hard adjustment for some. Pray for them this week. Here is the latest post. Seems they got to enjoy a little recreation and sightseeing. Read on!

Zambia goes on a Safari

Location: 2008-8-07

We traveled to Livingstone and had a great time. We went on a safari and got to see many African animals in their natural environments including giraffes, zebras, antelope, elephants, water buffalo and rhinos. It was amazing. We went on a short cruise on the Zambezi River, ate lunch and relaxed. After the cruise we went and saw Victoria Falls. I now know why they call it one of the 7 wonders of the world. We did a lot of souvenir shopping and bartering and we are now leaving Livingstone for Lusaka where we will spend the night and leave for Ethiopia tomorrow.

Letter from Jaron

Here is a letter from Jaron, dated several days before Missy's. I posted it pretty much the way he wrote it. He is a man of few words.

12:13PM 7/11/08

Home. We finally arrived at the TMI base in Ndola yesterday. After 3 days, 11 hours, and 54 minutes of traveling, it was a welcome moment. We stayed in a hotel in Addis Abab, and there were guards outside holding AK-47's. We got pictures of them holding the AK’s. The next night we stayed in a church in Lusaka and left for Ndola early the next morning. It was a 6 hour ride. Today orphans are coming to get shoes. Last night was pretty cold, but I survived. I’m doing fine other than being thirsty. We have to filter our water. So it takes a while. Well time for lunch.

Jaron

Letter from Missy

Howdy Yall, 7/16/08

In exactly one month we’ll be home. I’m gonna miss these kids. Most of them anyway:) I’ve been teaching the girls the Grubby to Grace (GG) devotionals and it’s really been awesome. I’m so glad the Lord has given me this opportunity to minister to these girls. It’s been so encouraging to me, too. Today’s was the best so far. Instead of following the written out lesson in the book, I decided to use the time to let them encourage each other by sharing stuff they’ve been learning.

Satan’s been really trying to divide the team and everybody was pretty frustrated. Especially about evening devotions. Two nights ago David basically brought up the issue of whether or not one can lose one’s salvation and it really upset the team. I told him afterwards that he shouldn’t have done it, but he didn’t seem to care. Then last night he basically brought up the issue of whether babies go to hell or not, and again upset the team. Instead of having an encouraging devotion to sleep on, everyone went to bed frustrated and confused. I was very upset and expressed it to Mandy - leader (22) - of other team here. She had been there too, and was upset as well. I didn’t really know what to do. Mandy later suggested we have a “slumber party”, and she slept in my tent with me. That was awesome, cause we were able to chat.

This morning I went to David again and asked him to PLEASE not bring up any controversial issues in tonight’s devotions. It really made me mad cause he was like “Why?” and it seemed like he was smirking the entire time I explained myself. It was all I could do to not to cry or get Jaron to beat him up. The entire team was upset and he acted like he could care less.

In today’s GG the Holy Spirit gave me Col 3:12 to share with the girls. I needed it just as much as they did. We were all pretty encourage after GG’s. It’s awesome how the Lord knows just what we need.

Mom, I’m finally grateful for all those hours in the kitchen.:) I feel very at home( or maybe comfortable is a better word. I miss the equipment of HOME) making the food here. I made the most amazingly wonderful cake the other day. Everybody loved it. I made some pretty good biscuits too. :) Sorry if I’m bragging slightly but... :) well no excuse. I guess I’m just in a good mood :)

The team’s gone foot washing and I’m here at the base with no responsibility and I just washed my hair! :) Needless to say, I’m feeling wonderful! :) I’m glad Jaron is here. The other day I was feeling really frustrated about stuff and I hadn’t had a break all day(it was 4 pm) so I grabbed him and we took a nice long walk around the compound while I vented and we chatted. It was great. Every now and then I get a small inkling of a sign that he’s glad I’m here. Considering its Jaron I’m talking about, that’s cool. :)

Well, tomorrow we head out into the bush. Should be an adventure. Nancy and I need to make sure we have enough food for the whole time we’re gone(I think it is 4 or 5 days). Speaking of food, feeding this team of 31 people is a GINORMOUS task. These kids (and the guy leaders) eat SO much! Its crazy! I use 20 cups of flour when I make biscuits and we eat like 4 loaves of bread for one meal. Craziness! But I love it! Oh man I’m going to miss these kids. :( We’ve already planned 3 reunions. One- a kayaking trip on the San Marcus. Two- work/missions trip to the Philippines (NOT with TMI) and Three- Kara’s wedding in a year and a half. Yea, she’s 16 and engaged already. :) But I really like her. She is one of my favorites. Everybody has face book too so we’ll keep up on there too.

Man, there is so much to say! Jaron is so weird. He sits down to write a letter(because we told everybody to) and he’s like “ I don’t know what to write. What do I say?” :) Cracks me up. I wish yall could hear these people sing! Its pretty much amazing! I took some videos so maybe yall can get an idea of what they sound like from there. I doubt the sound on the camera will do them justice. I got to wash feet yesterday. We drove about 20-30 minutes to a rescue unit outside Ndola. I washed feet for awhile - man their feet are so leathery! - and then I was a shoe “runner” for Kara. It was kinda cool. Anyway, the rest I’ll tell yall when we get home and I have pictures to help me. I’m really looking forward to Victoria Falls! Love yall!

Happily rejoicing in the Lord,

Missy:)

It is just a little under 3 weeks before Jaron and Missy will be home. They have been sorely missed around here at home. From the latest post below it sounds like they are having quite an experience. I cannot imagine what it would be like to work with all of those children. It certainly must tear at your heart. Well enough of my ramblings from a Dad who misses his kids.

JW

ZAMBIA FOOT WASHING Zambia in Mibende ( 2008-07-28)

It has been a while. The internet was down in town last week when we had our only chance to email, so the last short one was by phone. The team is doing well. Kansoka was a great experience. We had some problems with children who didn't belong to the rescue unit trying to steal shoes and angry mothers, but nothing too bad. We washed feet two days there, as well as attended church. I don't have my record in front of me now, but I know over 120 children accepted Christ while we were there and hundreds more heard the gospel. Tuesday we left and travelled to Mibende where there is a stream (frigildy cold) to bathe in. It was well appreciated though. We washed feet 3 days straight and gave out out over 220 pairs of shoes. Over 100 children accepted Christ and once again hundreds more heard the gospel. We led the Sunday school services and the regular service yesterday at the local church. We must have sung about 15 songs and did about 3 dramas. Today we arrived at Ngosa and have 4 full days here before heading back to Ndola.