Darin's Journal
Darin's Journal 7/10/05 - 7amThank you Lord for the blessings of our time in Rehoboth! The team got some needed downtime, for that I am very glad. The girls have not complained, but aches and pains are pretty consistent across the team. We also sense a general fatigue across the team.
The time in Block E was enjoyed by a smaller group, we left a handful of girls napping in the bungalo. The children were so happy to see us, and as usual, the games, songs and dances pleased them all. At one point we had a brief encounter with a drunk man who arrived asking to join in the games, saying that he had fathered almost all of these children. Mike was able to talk to the man away from the children and he eventually left, and Dave did not need to 'break him'.
The evening performance was amazing. The girls were awesome and the crowd was very happy to see the girls perform. Jaclyn had been comlaining of an upset stomach before the show and opted out of the second half. Amanda and Michelle took their trio to a duet - and amazed me. I decided to take Jaclyn back to the Spa so I missed the end of the show, but know that HPOM was thrilled! The event made a lot of money, assisting the orphan children and their foster families with many needs. Thank you Lord that by bedtime, Jaclyn was feeling fine again - another example of these kinds of tummy problems so common on these trips - gone in a matter of hours.
No conversations last night... people (read ME) really just wanted to go to sleep. As I did go to sleep I wrestled with my own sadness that this trip is going fast, and I hate to see this season of our involvement with the kids end. Oh well, such is life - and God has many rich plans for these girls in the future. I cannot wait to see.
posted by Darin @ 2:59 PM
24 Comments:
Hi kara & michelle, I would have liked to have seen your trio turned duo that must have been a challenge...Jaclyn I'm so glad your feeling better! I bet it just wasn't the same without you!! How was the SPA? Did you catch up on your ZZZZ's Kara were you able to celebrate at all? Are you going to need a vacation after this ... or at least a long rest? At least you get your 5 hours back when you get home that should help a little bit! Six days and counting. It's been along ten days. I thought the time would fly by but it hasn't! I think you guys being half way round the world doing what your doing (a very adult thing) and my not being there for you is very difficult for me! I'm so thankful you are strong and that you also have a great support system there with you!!!! Well enough of my babbling, miss you ( 6 days right) Love, Mom P.S The DOG is driving me crazy!!!!!
Samantha,try to get as much rest as possible, that will keep you healthy. Doc is looking forward to seeing you - he said HI and he'll see you on Monday!!!!!! Yeah for your back.
Hazy, Hot, and Humid that is the weather this week so your not missing a thing. LA is still looking great mid 70's to 80 with sunny days, no rain no clouds. Maybe I'll move with you!!!!!
Hope the dancing at Block E was a positive experience and the kids enjoyed the performance.
Keep up supporting one another, I'm guessing this last week will fly. Hope you enjoy the Safari and take lots of pictures.
LOVE
ME AGAIN
Hey Katie,
How about some more videos? Loved the 1st ones.
Mrs. Havens
Darin,
Everyone asking about the details of the trip on Sunday. Lots of prayers from the home group. Most people took the list of everyone's names to pray. See you all in a week!
Germaine,
How about some more photos?
Love,
Sharon
Hi Carli, Nothing is new here, I had coffee w/some of the Moms and Dads yesterday, we enjoyed talking about all you guys are doing. Darins letters again this morning brought tears to my eyes, they were beautiful. I try to imagine what you all are experiencing but it's really hard to imagine. We are all so proud of all of you. When you get home it will probably take a week or so to feel back to normal. Only 6 more days until I see you, I can't wait. It's way too quite around here w/o you. Enjoy your last few days, I know this trip probably went by quickly for you, but it seems likes a very long time to me. I hope you get to send another video before you have to leave. Miss you and Love you, MOM XOXOXO P.S. Dad is actually sitting at the computer at night and reading w/o me. Of course I have to get the site up and still show him where to put the arrow and how to scroll down, but after that he is on his own. Love ya, MOM
Hey Ton, how are you feeling?? just think...6 more days till you get to sleep at the beach!!!Jaime started her job today...talk about her whining!!LOL!! she made it though!!!we're starting to get things together for the beach..going to buy you a bike so you and Jaime can ride along the ocean and reflect on your trip to Africa..i'm sure it will be a weird feeling trying to get back to "normal"...I miss you so much...can't wait for that hug at the airport...you guys better stop and buy some raingear because you know the river will be flowing!!!uncle Kenny called and said he knows exactly why they call me Hurricane Denise....he said he was having a hurricane over at his house too after he read the postings and especially after your dance video!!!
oh...guess what?? I caught Bissa trying to sneek out of the house at midnight last night...seems like she was going to try and visit Frankie!!! there might be a wedding here at home by the time you and Adria get back...oh no!!!she really loves chatting with him about you two!!! what do you think their talking about??? Now I think she's getting Sandi's birds involved...every nite at 12:30 I hear them chirpping away and she's in the room with them!!!they're planning something big I think!!! oh well...gotta go do some more things for Saturday!! Remember your quote on the refridgerator: "Learn something new from each person you meet"....and remember that you are making a difference in someones life..dance like nobody is watching!! Hello to everyone on the teams...Darin..Sandi...thanks again for such a wonderful opportunity!!! Love you all!!! Hi Mitch and Kara!!! mom B
Hi! Steph,
Souvenirs, postcards....WHAT?? I am not the only one requesting that you bring a lot of Africa back home with you!! We all want some authentic handmade stuff from the Natives (pottery, wood carvings, bongos), not to mention some of the other stuff like postcards, stamps, newspapers, keychains, magnets, t-shirts?? HaHa! Load up those suitcases---leave all your stuff there---we don't care! The rest of your enjoyable summer hinges upon what you bring home!! JK....but not really! I might have to share with my family---so please overdo it!!Love you so much and can't wait till you get home! I will make you a Grilled Cheese even if it's 3:00 in the morning!! Hugs and Kisses, Mom
Hey guys!
Ok, I was in the middle of writing a REEEEEEEEEEALLY LOOOOOOOOONG comment, and I just randomly decided to look at what I had said for one of the past jounal entries, and it completely deleted the comment i was typing, which I was almost done with! Since I love you guys, I'm going to attempt to type it again, but it may not be as long as it was before.
Sorry I haven't been writing in a while, I've been VERY busy with some things lately.... which you will know about soon enough....
So I was reading the past journal entries, starting with Sandi's letter.... which made me cry, by the way. Then again, not too many of these messages and videos haven't made me cry. Not too much going on over there, I'm reading, besides busy dance schedules and lots of tired people. Same goes over here. I also hear that the water in Swakopmund is as cold as Hampton beach, which I'm not quite believing yet.... however the weather has been very hot here and I expect the ocean may be warmer then I was thinking. If you haven't been reading about news over here, you probably wouldn't know that two men DROWNED at Hampton the day after I went! Turns out the undertow was really strong that day. Sooooooo scary! You probably didn't really need to hear that, but it was so scary and I thought it would be a good opportunity to pray for how thankful we should all be for being here, which also reminded me of all the children in Africa, and also the conditions you were under. That also brings me to how much I miss you guys! Anyways, I was also reading that Jaclyn had a little stomach ache, and I am glad she's feeling better. I'm telling you Jaclyn, it's those Luna bars you've been eating! I'm surprised you're not sick of those things by now. I'd really love to see more video footage of you guys, so Katie, keep that camera rolling! I pray all the time for you guys. Okay, I'm probably running out of space to write, so I'm going to wrap it up. Can't wait to hear from you all! I love you and miss you TONS! Stay safe, and keep eating and sleeping well. Talk to you soon!
Love you lots,
Lauren
What a wedding?? Is this an arranged marriage. Frankie hasn't even met the girl. Guess it's like looking at the pictures of you guys with the kids, you fall in love with them from a distance.
Sam - can you come do a special talk to Frankie and Bissa. With your recent experience, you are well prepared.
Diandre,Adria and Steph...you must hurry home so the kids will have someone to play with and not focus on each other. I think this all stems from them missing you. Two weeks is a long time in a dog's life.
Darin - sleep when you get home...thought that was your mantra. Guess worrying about so many "daughters" is wearing on you.
Jac - glad to hear your over your recent stomach ailment. If all we hear is true, you were the most unlikely one to get this as you'd be one of the least likely to be adventurous with food. Don't let this sway you from trying something different. Just make sure everyone else is eating the same stuff so you have company. Misery loves company!
Diandre...once again my curiosity is piqued about your conversations with Darin. He's an insightful man so you probably ponder all kinds of topics. Guess it's like your late night conversations online. Just working on figuring things out….
Back to work…just needed to take a few moments to think of you.
Looking forward to the hug and kiss seen at the airport….
Love the other Mom B
Hi Rebecca--we have enjoyed following your trip via this website. Sounds like you're having lots of experiences, dancing lots. We think we can pick you out in some of the pictures. Enjoy the rest of the trip and try to sleep all the way home! (And if you're up for another trip, I could use a camp counselor first week in August!) Love, West Coast Waitts
Jaclyn
So I hear you had a tummy ache??? Germs!!! LOL!!! Had to say it cause I miss saying it!!!
DEana
Hi Rebecca and all,
The pictures and video's are remarkable. I pray for all of you everyday and hope all is well.
Janet
Hey Dinadre and Adria and the rest of the team!
Seems like you guys danced again! You guys rock! I wish I was there with you guys to see your dances! Wow, this trip is going by fast, but you can't stay there forever! You guys gotta come back!
Frank is such a crack up! I saw the picture of him typing at the key board! Franks the man!
Just to remind you Adria and Dinadre, Grandpa Berthiaume's Birthday was the other day. We told him that you guys wished him a happy birthday which I'm sure you do!
Anyways, hope the rest of the trip is safe and awsome!
Prayers are with you always!
Love,
Eric =)
Well Steph, if I'm reading the schedule correctly it looks like tomorrow will be the last day to spend with the orphans...it's going to be a sad and emotional day but remember that you've made a difference!! keep that smile on for them and take lots of pictures!! I will be praying for all of you to help get through probably one of the most heart wrenching days...saying goodbye is never easy!! remember to let it out..don't keep things bottled inside...it will only be worse!! It's ok to hug each other and cry on each others shoulders...that's what your all there for..each other...it's a day you'll never forget for the rest of your life....Enjoy your trip to Etosha!! don't forget to take pictures of the giraffes!! Darin said he would get up close and personal with them with you!! be careful though!! just thought I'd write before you leave for your next adventure!! stay safe and remember to look up at the stars like dad said...!!! thinking of all of you...praying for all of you....with lots of hugs!!! Denise
Rebecca,
ok, so I read that some of the girls were able to take a nap on a particular day. i know you HAD to be among that group!!! i was concerned that you were not getting all of your required beauty rest.
what an awesome experience for you and the dance group!! enjoy each and every day and be sure to give those kids a hug for me. :)
Mrs. Doucet
Hi Rebecca,
Can't wait to hear your personal account of your travels... and the countless photos I'm sure you're taking...it's gotta be very emotional for all of you as it is of us, following your daily activities and performances. Looking forward to Sunday nite... it's been too quiet around here!
Someone had mentioned how bright the stars are there... have you seen the Southern Cross?
My love to you!
Dad
O.K. enough is enough!! It's bad enough there is a breed of dogs called Labradoodle...but I draw the line at Chiwadoodle!!!! Yours truly, Maxi G.(Lab/Rotie) P.S. Girls please come home soon, the parents are going soft on us!!!!!!!
Finally got a chance to check out this site after hearing so much about this trip from Rebecca's mom. Deb gave me the address the other day so today I finally got the chance to see it all myself. What a wonderful experience this must be - one that I know you guys will remember forever. And having worked with most of you on the two Disney trips, I know what talent and commitment you all bring to your dancing. It must be unbelievable to be there and use dance to connect with the people of Africa. I am sure Animal Kingdom just doesn't compare to this! Anyway, congratulations on a job well done! Have a safe trip home. P.S. Sandi, loved your letter :)
for all you 10 day malaria pill takers...start Tuesday
Just wanted to say I've enjoyed the readings and pictures of the trip's activities. The video presentation was excellent.
Nate, I got your email via several loops..It was great hearing from you. Keep up the great teamwork~!
Imagine your journal is packed with notes~!pictures?
Just wondering how the memory stick is holding up for you?
Casey sends...his purrrrfect regards to you~!!
lov ya~
Dad
The
Alicia,
I hope you are able to receive this. I have tried several times to post, but so far, no success.
I have been enjoying reading about the team's journeys. It sounds wonderful. May the rest of the trip continue to be so.
Still, I can't wait for you to be back and to come see us. As with Tony, I am hoping the two of you will be able to spend some private time up here with Cindy and I.
In the mean time...Take care and may the Lord be with you.
Love
Sam
Hi guys,
Sharon's posting for me again (this is Shari)! I love the breakfast club picture! I wish I could have been there. I'll be home on Tuesday, so let me know if you guys plan anything else.
Can't wait to get home so I can cry! This isn't my computer, so I would feel bad crying on it! Soon as I get home tomorrow, I'm going to be making a flood right up there with Denise!
Amanda and Katie - Keep taking your pills!George is watching out the window for you all the time, waiting for you to come home! And Shaggy doesn't know where he is, but I'm sure he misses you!
Darin, thanks for the call.....I REALLY needed that. Please stay safe. I love you most! Oh yeah, how many people should I expect to be staying at our house Sunday night?
Sam - YOU GO GIRL!!! I am wicked impressed!!!
Germaine - I'm still not seeing any pics of my family. Could you please post some? Pretty please?
Hope all of you had a great time at the beach, and I hope your down time was refreshing. Take care of yourselves.
Darin, Amanda, and Katie, I love and miss you guys more than words can express. Six more days! That seems like forever!
Love you all lots,
Shari
Hi Everyone, I'm sure as your trip is coming to an end there are alot of different emotions! Just hang in there, be there for each other as you have been all along and know that we are all here for you when you get back! We can't wait to here all the details and here all the different perpectives from your journal entries! Oh and the pictures! Enjoy the rest of your trip...Jeanne Hi Kara & Michelle, time for some serious traveling Ugh? enjoy the animals in Etosha but please don't bring any pets home(KARA). I hope all is well and you're having fun see you in a couple of days! Love, Mom P.S Kara, I like my new computer!!!!
Hi Jaimie,
Did you enjoy your time at the spa? I hope you got some rest there. Charlie sent you a message Sat night but I think he was on one of the old posts so you might not have received it. We went out to dinner and shopping and when we came home I showed him everything on the blog. I talked to your mom yesterday while she was in Vegas. It was 112 degrees there and she had 7 hours to kill until your dad got there. Well I guess you'll be saying your goodbye's to all the children today before you go off to safari. I'm sure that it won't be easy to leave all those wonderful children. I hope you have a wonderful time on the safari. Take lots of pictures for us. I'm sure I will never go there to see what you are experiencing and I will have to live this through you. I can't wait to see you and talk to you about all your experiences. Love and miss you lots.
Love, Aunt Pam
Hi Steffy....just wondering if you were able to do any shopping? you know Jaime...she will be waiting for something!!LOL!! if you can, don't forget Emily Bennett, just a little something..she misses you as much as Jaime....everytime we go shopping, she'll see something "African" and say...Denise..Steph would like this!! Haha!!hope you're having a good day...I'm thinking about you every minute of the day...wondering what's happening and hope you're feeling ok...don't forget your malaria pill on friday!! have an awesome time in Etosha...till Sunday night at midnight!!! love ya lots!!! mom
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