Mission In Namibia

Most Recent Updates

taylotjl1952 — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:11:16 +0000

All email posts from teams 1 and 2 are now up (see Mission Posts Page).

Pictures added to day 1 post.

New page added about the COZV girls 2007 USA visit.

New page for contact info: Africa and US

Check out all 5 of the COZV Blog pages below.

The Members of Team 1

taylotjl1952 — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:57:32 +0000

Steven

Michelle

Amanda

Joe

Jeffrey

Clydia & Ed

Rev. Dennis

Debra

Becca

Team 1 Members

Day 30 - Tuesday July 17, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:49:12 +0000

Today has been an emotionally full day. This morning Jamie, Rebecca and Sarah went to Mufata to distribute blankets. Rebecca had been praying for the funds to purchase over 100 blankets and we are thankful for her answered prayers. After feeding the children, they wrapped everyone in a blanket and told that that Jesus wanted them to be warm tonight. At our evening devotional at the Home our prayers were with those children and it was comforting to know that they were warm.

Today Kevin taught his first art lesson with the assistance of his faithful model, Melissa! He reported that some of the children display some natural talent. They made a booklet in which to keep some of their work. Kevin is also helping the students prepare for a African student competition. They have a choice to display several skills such as performing arts, athletics and academics. We ask for your prayers that they will be able to raise the necessary funds for those participating.

Courtney organized a scavenger hunt for the 5 year olds - not an easy feat! She also taught her final tap lesson after we had said good-bye. She reported that is was an emotional lesson.

Frank spent more of today working on the water pump which is still not operating at full capacity. Our showers are more of a drizzle - we expect to take at least 15 minute showers when we get home! During your prayer time please pray that Gary will be able to solve this problem. Water is critical at the Home and they need to fix this problem in a timely manner. He also worked on computers for a bit.

After Jamie went to Mafuta she worked helped organize the clothing closet to accommodate the items we are leaving for the children.

Linnet and Melissa enjoyed a final outride with the children after helping with school. Melissa has been quite the baker, creating many delicious desserts.

Jackie worked in the classrooms and helped Carol prepare dinner. Carol wove her magic in the kitchen once again!

After dinner we walked into the great room and said our good-byes to the children. It was hard for us to say good-bye and we treasured each hug we received.

We are psyched for our 18 hour plane ride west and we can not wait to see our families and friends. It has been a wonderful experience working with the children. We have great admiration and respect for the Minks and the long-term volunteers to have created this home. The next time we communicate we will be face to face!

Blessings of love,

Jackie, Jamie and the Namibian Team!

Day 29 — Monday July 16, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:46:14 +0000

Today was our first day back in school after the weekend and everyone was pretty exhausted after yesterdays chobe expedition, but we still woke up with sunshine and smiles in order to go out and be with the kids. This morning Kevin and Katie (one of the long term volunteers) got the chance to go to Mafuta where they taught kids songs and stories. Kevin did an excellent cow imitation during his own rendition of Old McDonald, and learned quite a lot of other songs at the same time. Be sure to have him perform for you at home.While they were gone Courtney got the opportunity to teach the kindergarten class by herself, and Jackie taught the elementary students. The rest of us either monitors, babysat, or did manual labor. Throughout the day Frank was put to task on various jobs, including computers, fences, and lightbulbs. Later in the day he got to swim with the crocs in the Zambezi, when the water pump broke down and they had to wade in in an attempt to fix it. During craft-time, Jamie, Jackie, and Courtney got to go on an outride which has now inspired both Jackie and Courtney to attempt riding lessons at home in the free time that they don’t have. They all had a great time though and didn’t fall off when Jana had everyone trot. Towards the end of craft time some of the boys were getting haircuts so Melissa got the opportunity to shave Mateo’s head. For chores Courtney had her debut as a farm girl where she learned how to milk a goat and held a goats butt still. Kevin once again ran out to help fetch goats and everyone else did what they could to help. Carol helped to prepare wonderful chicken potpies for all of the kids dinner. After dinner Sarah went to complete her Bible study with the older children, and Rebecca took Jackie and Carol with her to Hippo Lodge where she had a Bible study with some of the women in the town. Everyone is happy and healthy although we are dreading tomorrow when we have to say goodbye to all of the kids whom we have grown to live. It’s so hard to become a part of their lives and then turn around and leave the minute you truly begin to know them, love them, and see the people they really are. Keep us in your prayers, a long flight is looming over the horizon.

Blessings, Melissa

Day 27 - Saturday July 14, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:18:33 +0000

Sorry you all. Tried to send this days ago, but I lost the internet here. First, Congratulations Kiddo, I knew you would do well. I miss you too. If you need a computer, try the one in the office. If that is the one that is down, a-a-u-u-g-h! Life in Namibia is interesting. Looking at the kids and some of the horrible diseases they have recovered from, if you are neglected in Africa, the bush claims you with all its insects and sicknesses. Linnet and Courtney have just recovered from the 24 hr bug and Sarah is now sick. Hopefully she will be better tommorrow. The coffee is good here (we brought it) and so is the tea (they have it). The meat can be Kudu or beef or chicken. We even have some giraffe now that was raised on a farm. Carol, Jamie and I went to Mafuta where we saw how the children there are cared for. Some of the locals are trying, but they do things the African way, which means they let things go until nothing works, then they try to do something about it. Most of my work has been computer so far, but I am getting it finished now.

Love you all,

Dad or Frank

Day 26 - Friday July 13, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:08:15 +0000

Greetings Peoples-

We have finished our first and only full week here in the glorious Ibia of Nam along the hippo trodden banks of the Zambezi; land of the Lozi and territory of the termite. (I actually have about 8 weeks left but for this dispatch I will speak for the Calvary team.) Spirits are high even as eyelids droop low and our bellies are full from the Pizza a la Samuel. (The Mink’s son.) As I compose this letter many of our courageous team members are on their way to retire for the night. It’s understandable that they would crave the comfort of their beds and security of their "holy" mosquito nets after today’s adventures…

Sarah continued to press ahead with her Bible study of Mark. She also spent sometime in the classroom today grading and assisting the middle level kids.

Jackie floated from classroom to classroom teaching and met with some students that she has been tutoring quite diligently. She also spent some time misinforming Kevin on the farm resulting in Kevin chasing a baby goat all the way to the Botswana border and possibly psychologically scaring it for life.

Speaking of animals, Frank spent most of the day wrestling with the Mink’s computers. Apparently, they have so many viruses they could be equated to a digital Petri dish. Frank did take some time away from computer to assist in some animal husbandry. The Mink’s are trying to breed their dogs (I’m not sure what the breed is but its supposed to kill leopards) and Kujo (really Carvelo but I think Kujo serves as a better illustration for any horror movie buffs) despite his manly physique is somewhat ignorant of the arts of love. To say the least. Frank was in charge of "hip guidance" but in the end Kujo just tried to eat the flashlight. Perhaps candle light would work better in the future.

Carol went to town and did some shopping. She helped purchase blankets for the kids here. The money was raised from donors in the States. They are much needed here because the night are very cold. If one actually braves the frigid nights they may even catch the elephants creating a luge course.

Kevin (I), spent the morning teaching and had an overall successful day with the students. He then shamelessly neglected his craft duty to participate in a soccer game with Courtney, Melissa, and several of the kids. Kevin had a scissor kick that would have gone down in COZV sports history had he actually made contact with the ball and not pulled his hip flexor in the process. He then limped over to the farm with children in tow. He first went out to bring the goats in but got lost and ended up meeting a local who wanted to sell him contraband diamonds. He suspected they would probably be fake. However, the local (Prada, yea Prada) did have the words "Thugged Out" painted onto his termite mud house so Kevin believes Prada’s bling may have been legit. (I’m actually serious about that part.) Upon returning he tackled the aforementioned adventure with the baby goat. In the end baby goat was reunited with Mama goat.

Jamie, was a lean mean reading machine with a group of three-year olds.

Courney, Melissa, and Linnet went to Mafuta together and made it back safely despite Courntey’s leadership. Courtney lead the pre-schoolers in songs and games. She apparently sang a song in Lozi as well. All three found it a deeply moving experience and Linnet hoped she could figure out a way she could do more for the children there. When they returned to COZV they were enlisted to unpack the groceries. The girls claim to have moved 50 pound boxes of various food items with military precision but I have yet to hear Gary attest to that.

… At this point in the evening the sky sparkles with a host of beautiful constellations completely unrecognizable to us northerners. Nevertheless, they are another blessing among many on this day at the Children of Zion Village, Namibia.

God Bless-

Kevin

P.S. Love you Mom!

P.S.S. Jackie loves you, Bob.

Day 25 - Thursday July 12, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:10:00 +0000

Greetings from another busy day in Namibia! Today was pretty much a normal day with all of our activities. Sarah continued the brick laying on the new bungalow. It is progressing well and I think I heard that tomorrow is the last day for the brick layers. I joined her for the evening Bible study and it was a lively conversation with kids who displayed a keen interest in the Bible. Frank worked on the computers - again. It seems like it is frustrating at times, but he had made some progress. Linnet, Courtney and Jamie continue their magic with the little ones. It takes a lot of energy to keep up with 3-5 year olds but they are adorable and very loving. Kevin seems to be settling in the classroom. Today he was conducting a science experiment with one of the boys regarding the solar system and he has quite a way with the kids. Carol continued her work in the kitchen of the Home teaching the cook to make delicious meals for the children. Tonight they had pancakes! Frank is such a pro with pancakes he helped her cook them. Melissa and I worked in the middle classroom and have begun to understand the system being used. After rest time in the afternoon the children who did not meet their goals during the morning have to return to class to finish their work before they can play. I spent almost 2 1/2 hours working with one of them, trying every trick I could think of. Finally we did celebrate his completion of the work!

The days are very full here, and we are always surprised when we find that 2 hours have passed. Most of us have learned a lot about the personalities of the children and we can laugh along with them. They think I am funny because I am having a terrible time pronouncing their names correctly! Maybe I’ll get them straight before we leave.

Today I officially became homesick even though there’s not a lot of time to dwell on private thoughts. It seems like we’ve been here a long time and I miss my hubby and family. We feel like we have really connected with the children and we share stories in the evenings about our day. Gary and Rebecca have definitely made this their home and those children are their children. It is wonderful to see the love that they share with them. I’m sure we will remember our time here for a long time.

Well, take care of yourselves. Save newspapers for us because we are totally out of touch with anything beyond this Home. We continue to feel your prayers surrounding us and that support helps us along the way.

Take care and good night.

Love,

Jackie

Day 24 - Wednesday July 11, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:58:50 +0000

Friends:

We thank you for your continued prayers, and ask that you continue to lift up the children, the Minks, and the children at Mafuta village. Today two of us, Jackie and Sarah went to Mafuta where we saw children who are more needy than most. These children are orphans, but have no "home" to which they can go. Some are cared for marginally by friends or extended family, but most people are not able to take care of the ones they have, let alone any stray children. We took them the items which our VBS kids brought in for their mission moment. Last night after dinner we spent the time making "care" packages of the soap, toothpaste, washclothes, toothbrushes and bandaids which you all sent in. Each package had those items; we made 116 of them, and still had items to spare. The 116 were for the kids themselves who are fed there daily. The remainder of the soap and other items we gave to the volunteer workers there to use for themselves, and to continue to distribute to the kids. They are very needy.

This morning they were not able to start the fire on time, as the men who begin the fire were not there. Therefore, when 10 am came about, the time they usually get a hot breakfast, they only recieved a half an apple to carry them until the next meal, which is sometime in the afternoon.

Jackie and Sarah did a lesson with them on how to use the toiletry itmes, as well as teach them some songs and had them practice spelling their alphabet.

The others of our team were busy at the children’s home doing other things:

This is Kevin. I am taking over the 1st and 2nd Grade classes for the summer. I am trying to remember all the things I learned in my reading integration class from college. I have seven kids which is nice. I am still kept very busy because the curriculum is very individualized. Everyone is working at different paces so I do a lot of running between desks helping the kids. I also have a local monitor. I almost have all the procedures learned. Other than that there are a couple of pre-schoolers who have either taken a liking to me or think that I am a tree to climb upon. They call me by my name though so I suppose that they realize that I am not a tree and do enjoy my company.

This is Jackie. Going to Mufuta was very sobering because it was such an example of how much help the people here need. I thanked the pre-school teacher and praised her for the work she was doing. Giving me a hug she thanked me for what we were doing, and I couldn’t help but think how insignificant my help seemed. When I returned to the Home I shared some letters written to the COZV children by 4th graders at my school. The Winfield kids had also made friendship bracelets. The children wrote letters back to my students and were very diligent about it. Their writing skills are very good and I was impressed! Even though Kevin and I find the curriculum very different and oppositional to what we are used to, it has obviously worked for most of the children. In the afternoon I helped with crafts again. It is very common to see any of us sitting at a table with 4-5 kids hanging onto us! As a teacher I’m loving being able to hug, cuddle and hold kids. I can even tell them that God loves them and they love to hear it. They also love to hear about our families and also about our trip to Namibia. We have also ALL fallen in love with the other kids (goats!) Many times we find excuses to "help" the children with their chores so that we can hold one of these adorable animals. Hello to all my family, I love you.

And finally, this is Carol. I have been able to see the Children’s home from a different side, as I spend my days hobbling around the kitchen and teaching the very new cooks some new recipes. It has been a challenge for me to learn how to cook for 70 at each meal, and to communicate with the African cooks here so that they understand the new recipes that we are cooking. The children make the hard work in the kitchen quite worth it though, as they love to eat and are so appreciative of everything that we make for them. The smiles and hugs are abundant and, during morning devotions, when a small one crawls into your lap for a hug, you thank God for the opportunity to give, if only for a short time, the love that these children so desperately need.

Jamie, Melissa, Courtney and Linnet all helped out in the classrooms again today and entertaining the kids during craft time. Chore time is always all hands on deck, so everyone helps out. Jamie is busy making us all dinner right now, for which we are all grateful. Thanks to you all for your support of this trip and this ministry.

With love,

Your Namibia Team #2

Day 23 - Tuesday July 10, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:55:14 +0000

Greetings from Africa!

Today was another busy, but fun filled day at the Children of Zion Village.Last night the staff members met at the Minks house for devotion with amazing praise music, don’t you worry we will be bringing some new songs home with us for sundays! After music Frank led a powerful devotion on Miracles. In the morning at 7:30 Carol lead a devotion for the entire group of 55 children and all the staff members. Carol, Frank, Jamie and Becca headed to Mafuta this morning, Jamie came back feeling very overwhelmed after being placed in a classroom of 20 preschoolers who spoke very little English. Becca and the others helped hand out hats to all the children. Back at the village Courtney and Sarah helped with the kindergardners and preschoolers, while Kevin, Melissa and Jackie helped in the older classrooms. Frank stayed busy all day on the work site and the building is really starting to come along! In the afternoon Kevin, Courtney, Mellisa and Jamie worked on Prayer Journals with the children. Jackie worked in the school helping children with their homework and school work that they were struggling with. During chores Melissa was a huge help with the goats and is slowly learning how to milk, Courtney and Jamie did a good job at supervising since there farming skills are at a minimum. Kevin struggled during chores to get Kugo just to walk next to him, really he just tried to knock him over and slimed him to death, it was quite amusing to watch.

Sarah asked us to tell you a little about our living conditions. Well we sleep under nets, but really they are slashed and holey so we don’t really know why we even depend on them to keep the bugs out. We were also told to tell you about the ground, it’s basically like one big beach that never ends. Sand’s everywhere and on everyone.

Blessings from Namibia!

Courtney and Linnet

Day 22 - Monday July 9, 2007

taylotjl1952 — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:53:29 +0000

hello to all our friends and family:

everyone here in namibia is doing fine and we are happy to be here. every day we feel more and more like this is home. i just realized that i havent written anything longer than three sentences since before graduation so this letter might be interesting. today melissa and linnet and i all helped out in school. linnet helped the preschool teacher, missa was in the middle school, and i was helping in the high school. courtney finger painted with the kindergarten class, which was a big hit. jackie went to town with gary mink to see what it looked like. she said it was "very weird but really interesting". she also tutored some of the kids in the afternoon, which she said was a rewarding experience. frank spent the morning working on the minks’ computers and sarah helped lay brick for the new bungalow that is being built for voulenteers, and also led bible study and guitar lessons along with carol. carol as usual was in the kitchen helping the newly hired cook to learn recepies. the kids all love her cooking. kevin wants his mother to know that he has not dropped off the face of the earth and he loves her. he says that he spent today helping in the elementary aged class, which he will teach by himself once we all leave him here (he will be staying until september). all of the older girls are excited for him to give art lessons. rebecca mink returned from a trip late last night after some car trouble with two new helpers, one of whom will help the older kids learn how to ride horses for long distances. she also brought home a bulldog that is ‘the size of a small lion’ to help gaurd the home and keep their other dogs company. she also brought home giraffe meat, which the braver members of the team will have for dinner on sunday. linnet and i took video of some of the kindergarteners singing the bumblebee song, which was the cutest thing i have ever seen. i also had fun singing opera style french and italian songs for some of the kids, who laughed a lot but kept making me sing more. melissa made bananna bread for dessert and we finally closed up the day with staff devotions and singing, which were peaceful and beautiful.

Many blessings to all of you and thank you for all of your prayers and support. home seems so far away but we are thinking of you.

love, jamie, jackie, kevin, and the rest of the namibia team.