Darin's Journal
Darin's Journal 7-12-05 - 4:30pmThank you Lord for the last 24 hours, chock full of experiences - some real highlights, others I'd just as soon forget. First the good stuff: Samantha! We began the day at the Kolin Secondary School in Arandis doing a full school program. We were greeted by more than 500 students and a staff that was very much in agreement with the message of sexual purity being presented to their students. This would be the first (and may well be the only) school program where we were on our own to do all the speaking as well as dance. I agreed to be the sex talk guy much to Mike's approval. I asked the dancers if anyone would be willing to step up and speak of their commitment to sexual purity as a testimony, thinking it would mean so much more to students coming from a peer. Sam Kacos agreed to speak. The dancers finished their initial numbers and I stepped out into the crowd with the microphone to talk about why we have come to Namibia. Aside from totally grossing out my daughters talking about my sexual faithfulness to my wife and hers to me, I think the talk went alright. When I finished I introduced Sam, and you could have heard a pin drop as every student fixed upon her every word. She spoke for several minutes about the importance of using your body in a God honoring and healthy way, like dancing and studying, and she spoke of her decision to wait sexually. She spoke of dreams being relaized like graduating and going to college. She spoke of the power of just one person making a decision for purity, and how that decision can be multiplied to save an entire generation.
Being a preacher I've heard many powerful talks/messages/sermons... Sam blessed me with her words like nothing I can remember. I had trouble seeing her thru my tears as she spoke. And, the final kicker was the principal of the school following up with her own admonition: "The message of this day for boys is - boys, put your toys away! And for girls - guard your virginity, you are worth waiting for."
We visited the beach and sand dunes, but honestly I could not get Sam's willingness to talk out of my mind all day. Even as I type tears fill my eyes thinking about it. I recognize family and friends back home can say this was simply Sam at her best. I know it was more - the Lord ministered powerfully thru her because she was willing and available to Him.
The day at the beach was a nice respite until we realized that Jaclyn had lost her passport. Our leaders sprung into action to cover all the necessary steps. Our drive home, for me, was filled with thoughts of what to do next? Could I spend the day in Windhoek at the Embassy working this out? Dispatch Germaine to do it? Have it worked on stateside? With the Etosha trip coming in 24 hours, would we have enough time, or would I need to send the team to Etosha without me.
My van on the way home was inspiring. My crew is Steph L. (shotgun), Sam, Becca, Kara, Sandy, Germaine and me. Our conversations over the three plus hour ride were awesome. We shared. We read a number of Psalms to each other. It was a blessing to me. When we returned to Dieter's however, the bottom seemed to drop out for me and some of my leaders.
Mike hasn't told me what it was yet, but something about his last 24 hours and ride home had troubled him. It was evident around the fire. I think the fireside time was discouraging to me. I won't get into my theories here and now, but suffice to say this has been my challenging time thus far. I'll hope we can rebound a bit. Lord, help???
Today dawned with a pick-us-up. Dieter had scheduled the girls to dance one number with YFC at a local school at 8am. Realizing how tired my team was, and how spiritually and emotionally drained my leaders are, I asked him to cancel. At 7am while I was sitting by the fire reading Psalms (trying to recapture some of yesterday's glory) Dieter approached and said he had considered cancelling but would rather go and dance himself than let the students down. At that point he asked if he could challenge Sandi. Sandi responded... she slid into one of the girls' leotards and went to the school to dance. She danced to Jaclyn's solo song "Nowhere to lay my Head" - a song about Jesus... and the few of us who saw it will never forget it, once again thru tears! Video was taken, we'll see if it is usable later.
Afterwards Dieter and I prayed this morning for nothing short of a miracle to work this passport issue out. We began making calls to the Embassy and to the appropriate offices when we decided to call the Swakupmond police and inquire one more time of them. The watch commander called us back in a hallf hour... holding Jaclyn's passport in his hand. Praise God! The bad news is that we would need to go back to Swakup to get it. Enter Nate's team... they hadn't had a chance to go to the coast, so... as I type this they are already on their way back, passport in hand.
And, just to round out the 24 hours, I took seven of the girls with me on an errand to Windhoek today and greatly enjoyed their company. I am really growing to love these kids.
Maybe that is part of my blue mood today... the realization that I am really loving these kids and we are just a few days away from parting ways, back into the world that awaits us. So again, I pray - Lord help me. So folks at home reading this: pray for me. I need to finish this trip strong for your kids. "Whine when I get home", needs to be my motto now. For some reason this one is harder on me than I expected or that I've experienced before. And pray also for my leaders. I see it in them too. We will all need a fresh wind. And the good news is, we all know the Source of that fresh wind, and He will not disappoint.
From Darin to Shari... good to talk to you last night and this afternoon. As you discerned, I needed it. So, a few more hours and I point 'Roadkill' north to go and stalk the animal kingdom. I'll be thinking of you watching that Etosha sunset. Love you more.
From Daddy to Becky and Emily... thanks for caring for Mom. I love you both and will see you very soon, gifts in hand. And don't get too comfortable in my bed!
To Melissa... thanks for your word of thanks re: Jaclyn. You know I think the world of your daughter, but these couple of little trials that have befallen her have given me the opportunity to see her in a whole new way... and love her even more. I wish you'd have seen how funny she looked in my sweatshirt! We'll get her home... passport and all!
Lastly to Mike... who will see this at some point... WHAT A HOOT! Thanks for sharing the ups and downs of this thing with me.
posted by Darin @ 4:25 PM
18 Comments:
Samantha for the first time I cried reading Darin's journal. I cannot even express how proud I am of you. I am happy you are able to share the person you are with others and they get to see what I see everyday.
Darin thank you for the trust in Samantha to deliver such an important message. I am proud of the choices she has made in her life. I am certainly a proud mom and would have loved to see and hear that message. Thank you and bless you.
Sandi, what can I say you are a truly compassionate person, I'm sure the children loved the dance. I am also pleased that Samantha got to spend time with you before her departure for LA doing this great deed.
Samantha, again WOW!!! I am just typing this with a heart full of love. You continue to do good things. Hope you are still enjoying your time. Miss you tons!!! American Idol awaits you on the 31st!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE MOM
Ok so I could't help it, I cried the whole time while reading Darin's letter. Sam you're an amazing women, and I wish I was there to hear your speech. Sandi, I can't wait to see that video of you dancing. I'm sure I'll start crying then too. I can't wait to see everyone when they get home. Enjoy these last few days. God Bless!
Love always,
Erin B.
Sam...what an amazing young woman you are..I pray my girls follow in your footsteps..to be able to stand in front of a group of kids like that takes a lot of guts...something I don't think I could do!! I'm proud of you and know you will continue to follow the amazing life that you lead with more accomplishments to come in the future!!
Darin...I am praying for you and your leaders!! I know it must be challenging living with all the girls for so long...you can do it, you're an amazing man!! everyone has gone through so much that I'm sure emotions are running HIGH!! they're running high here and I'm not even experiencing half of what you all are!! enjoy Etosha and each other...it will all be over before you know it!!!
Sandi...I wish I could have been there to see you dance but you definitely would have drowned!! I'm sure when we see the video it will bring tears to my eyes..I'm so proud of you and I'm sure the girls were just as proud of you as you were for them when you watched them dance!! Remember to hold on to your "strength"...only 5 more days to enjoy each other...make it the best...you can do it!!! I love you !!!
And finally to Steph and all your team, these are probably the most trying days of the trip...remember your sense of humor and the purpose of this trip...it will be in your memory forever...go out with a bang...have fun and enjoy your time together!!! see you soon!! love you! mom B.
I LOVE reading Darin's journal postings. Darin - you just have such a way to tell a story. I knew the outcome of the passport but got nervous as I was reading because you waited a couple paragraphs before you said it was found! Poor Melissa reading that…and waiting for the right paragraph.
Sam – again..sounds like you did a fantastic job. Glad both parents got to read and post first on this entry.
Sandi…Darin said he wanted to get you dancing. You thought doing the tap number satisfied him. ‘Jokes on you”…however, now you get to feel the reward the girls had after each performance. I’m sure that was gratifying for you. Thanks for stepping in for the tired bodies. We always say our kids are so full of energy but this schedule with emotional and physical challenges seems to have depleted them a bit.
Mike – talk to Darin or whoever else. A burden is better handled by two. We are telling the kids not to keep things bottled up but same for all you adults. I’m sure you will find the right person to share with.
Lastly – Diandre and Adria…..Dad and I miss you lots, think of you often. Because we sent two away, we feel double all the emotions. Shari has us beat sending three loved ones but being in Ohio on limited computer access, she’s not been able to post all her thoughts. After today, it’s almost like a new adventure – your safari. The mood and daily routine will change, Hopefully this switching gears will give you both and the group the burst of energy that Darin says is needed.
Few more days..cherish them, lots of pictures of the wild…save a few for the trip home.
Love and prayers Mom
Hi guys,
You are all doing a great job. You are very missed but these entries have been a great way to share in what you are doing. How amazing - how small the world is. Savor the last few days...rest will come later! Praying for you all!
Hey guys, I'm home! Thank God! Believe it or not, my computer is having problems, but I was able to sign on with Amanda's account. When it rains, it pours.....and that's what I'm doing, "pouring" right now!
Sam and Sandi - Wow, you guys are amazing. Thank you so much for being willing to share your hearts with others.
Darin - I love and miss you bunches. Hang in there - you're sounding really tired. Only 5 more days. I'm praying for you and thinking about you constantly. Beck and Em say you'll have to wrestle them for a spot on the bed!
Amanda and Katie - I love and miss you guys too! Are you going to get your hair braided?
Hang in there, all of you. It's almost over, so keep cherishing every moment.
Lots of love,
Shari
Sam: I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Darin's journal today. I have not had the opportunity to read any of the journal entries. I am so proud of you. It is hard to hold the tears back while reading about your belief. I give you a lot of credit for speaking your belief about sex and I agree with you. Ralph and I use to do marriage ministry and this all starts back to where you are. God Bless you Sam and everyone you are with. Keep your faith strong!! Love Aunt Donna and Uncle Ralph
Hey there gang,
Just reading through some older posts and wanted to make sure this one got through to Amanda L. It was posted to the "Where Are Dee-Dee And Manda Panda...????? "... thread
***************
your lilte sister molly said...
Dear Amanda i miss you to much come home soon. why do you have to go to collage i'm going to missyou way to much i love you lots. thankfully i will get to see you soon. i'm praying for you every day.i miss you more than anything right now.come home soon. i love you
God blessyou and everyone else there.
your sister who missesyou more than any thing right now molly
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Hi everyone! It's so exciting to read Darin's journal everyday! I have been keeping up with it as best I can! I'm so glad to hear that you're all having such great experiences in Africa. I can't wait till you all get home so you can tell me all about them and show me your pictures and movies. A slumber party is definitely in order. I love you all so much! Sam - it doesn't suprise me that you delivered such moving words, I wouldn't expect anything less from you! Diandre - rest that neck! Steph - When will your knee stop hurting? My thoughts are with you all, but especially my lovely dancers: Adria(Age), Diandre, Carlsbad, Mitch-moo-magoo, Case of Base, Bonnie, Steph B, Steppy Livsey, Sammy, Jaimo, Beccawaitt, Jaclyn and of course Amanda (I miss driving you to dance!)and my fantastic teacher Sandi! You're all so great! And Karen Brown - Hey! I miss math class! I can't wait to see your beautiful faces once again.
I am so happy I have been able to follow your journey through this site! I love it! haha..You are all doing SUCH amazing things right now and words can't begin to express how proud I am to say that I have had the privilege of being part of such a truly amazing group of people. There was not an opportunity missed while I was in Nashville that I didn't talk about all the crazy/insane/unbelievable things you are doing right now in Africa..I even seemed to manage to wedge it into my DMA interview lol--how it applied to whatever they were asking me? Im not completely sure of..but i think its safe to say that I have not stopped thinking about you all since you left.My prayers have been constantly with you during your trip and will continue until you arrive safely back in the great state of New Hampshire haha:) I love you all so much and can't wait till you get back to hear about all of the wonderful and life changing experiences you have all had. Enjoy every minute thats left of your trip and know that you have my support through my love and prayer!
I love you all-Krista
Hey everybody!
Seems like everbody is doing good! :) Keep up the dancing!
I wanna thank Darin so much for putting up these journal entries so we can stay in touch with our dancers! Hey Adria and Diandre, Aunt Doreens birthday was this week! She is very sure you guys wished her a good one!
Keep dancing your hearts out girls! You guys are the best!
Prayers are with you always!
Eric =)
Hey Adria! Me Alex and Coots are at her house right now and we were thinking about you! I hope you are having an awesome time in Africa! I can't wait to see you and hear about everything! See you when you get home!
Maggie
why hello there miss adria.
well i must say everyone here misses you a real lot and i think im gonna bring the MAACs down to east hampton the second weekend in august cause thats the only weekend im free for the rest of the summer so i wanted to make it count you know?
well i've been doing the usual you knoww... chillen with cotter a lot, her and dustin are bffls now, but we are kinda good i guess... what else? oh yeah maggie got back from the carolinas or whatever, 4th of july sucked for me, emily miller left for a whole month to the carolinas and penn. i have been hanging out a lot with her and cmul as well. i have been having alotta big get togethers at my house. like i will invite cotter and the whole class of sophmore boys will show up and im like "heyyy... okay then". OH YEAH emily broke the clock right next to the stereo set, and i made like 20 people leave immediatly. LUCKILY my dad didnt find out and i cleaned up the glass and put it back up. GOOD AS NEW.hahahaha. ALSO i went to toronto the weekend of july first for my aunts wedding party, IT WAS THE MOST FUN I HAVE HAD SINCE 1999!!! it was the best i will tell you more when you get home... then this past weekend i went to the hamptons and long island for a family reunion... WAY TOO MANY ITALIANS IN ONE PLACE let me tell you... but how much do i love my family? a lot. so it was so much fun. and the hamptons was awesome too. i have a lacrosse tournament this weekend that should be exciting. today i had a swim meet, we won and i won the 200 free which a big surprise cause i hate that event with a passion. so i have pretty much told you every detail about my summer so far, except a few things that i musttt save for when you get back!!!
love you a lot a lot a lot
tell tendai(s) i say hello
look out for ticks. i dont know if they have them there but be careful just in case.
Allie Vitale, Al Vital runnin for mayor
Hi Diandre and Adria,
Just wondering how you're doing. I hope you were able to get a little rest before you started on your last leg of your awesome journey.
By the time you get this you will probably be at the Etosha National Park. Hope you are having lots of fun looking for all those wild animals you have read about in books or have seen at the zoo and Disney. Take lots of pictures!! (I hope you have not run out of batteries or memory!)
Enjoy your final days in Africa, and also those evening campfire chats. No real campfires here in Nashua!
We wish you and your teammates safe travelling this weekend. See you soon.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love from Grandma and Grandpa Blicker
Hey Adria
its almost morning for you right now and know this because of this cool website you dad gave me about timezones. Its a good thing i have your parents to keep me up to date. I ate lunch with them a few days ago and your mom gave me the low-down on everything thats happening there. Your dad gave me that video of your last rehersal and even tho your dads camera was messed up it was still amazing to see the dances up close because ive only seen recitals. Ohh yes and i visited Frankie for you he actually watched the video of the rehersal with me. Everyone in Africa must love you guys and i wish i was there to see what they are seeing.I can't wait to see you and talk to you!! Keep on saving the world:) Love Cootsie
Darin -
Throughout the months of preparation, you kept telling of the challenges that were waiting for our daughters as they experienced what may be to some of them - the trip of a lifetime, and yet to others - one or two - perhaps only the beginning.
Despite having been to Namibia yourself numerous times and experiencing the joy and the pain that comes with each visit, being responsible for such a large group of so many "daughters" has no doubt been one of the challenges that perhaps you may not have fully anticipated. And now, in retrospect, perhaps that is what made this trip all the harder for you. This wasn't just a group of dancers. Each and every one became a daughter to you. And, despite the change in surroundings once you're back home, I believe they may forever be your daughters in your heart. You've had the privilege of watching them grow these past two weeks in ways we will never have the chance to experience. That is your reward for the selfless time and effort that you have given to make these last two weeks possible.
You said you weren't sure what to expect, or how things would go once you got to Namibia. But all of us here knew you had a vision and a direction. More importantly you had that inner Source that never fails. You had Hope and Hope never disappoints.
To Mike and the other team leaders (...and on all teams - Fontein 1 / Fontein 2 & Mpampo), who I would list by name but fear leaving someone out - thank you! Your efforts though perhaps shadowed or in the background, have not gone unappreciated. If it weren’t for each and every one of you offering to be there, perhaps this trip would not have been possible. Each of you has played an important part. Many of you took the time beforehand to come to know each of our daughters as well as you could. No doubt you too, like Darin, have come to know them in ways we will only hear about.
From Darin's last post, I suspect there were challenges. And maybe not many, but enough to notice and at a time when all were physically and spiritually weary. All I can say is, "What family doesn't have challenges?"
To each of you, as you venture north to Etosha, or perhaps now that you have returned, know that you've accomplished what you set out to do - you did make a difference in the lives of many. Rest assured there are many children who will forever remember your presence in their lives these past two weeks.
- Your willingness to hold them, touch them, play with them, teach them the chicken dance or twirl them around, make them laugh, give meaning to their lives, if only for a short period of time
- Your willingness to perform for them even when your body was saying, "I'm tired"
- Your willingness to speak at less than a moments notice
- Your willingness to share your belief and values, openly and with pride
- Your willingness to jump into someone else's leotard and dance someone else's solo - just because you believe in what you were sent there to do
- Your willingness to risk limb and life to remove a tree, to build a walkway, to install a light fixture
- Your willingness to be there
- Your willingness
There will be many stories, some that will be shared with family and friends, some that will remain between the 29 members of the Namibia G.O. Team 2005 family, and some that may never be shared - but held preciously inside and known to only One other. We anxiously await your return home, to listen to what you're willing to share about your life these past two weeks.
Last, but by no means least, to Dieter and Joan. Though we have never formally met, you now know us through our daughters and likewise, we will get to know you through them as well. It is my hope that we will have the opportunity to meet in person someday. Thank you for your hospitality, accepting our daughters into your lives, providing for them and watching over them while in Namibia. Our thoughts and prayers will continue long after the girls have come home, that your vision becomes reality.
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On a much lighter but more serious note...it seems that Bissa went out for a little joy ride the other night. Evidently she found her way to Nashua and stopped by to pick up Frankie. Luckily I was able to sneak up, surprise them (don't they look surprised?) and snap a photo as proof for those nonbelievers that chiwas do know how to drive.
I know, I know...I'm done.
Love ya Diandre and Adria!
My first posting timed out as I was taking too long to put everything into words, so here is a shorter version of my previous attempt!!
Samamtha...I am so proud of you!
You are an amazing young woman and all I can say is "Watch out LA"!!!
Sandi...a tap number AND a solo?? You are an inspiration to our girls every minute of every day!
Darin and all of the Team Leaders....we will all be praying that you have the strength to finish out this week being "parents" to our girls and that you will be able to hand them over to us on Sunday evening! You have all become a part of our families now and we can BEGIN our new journeys together when you return home! We will also need help with the withdrawals!
Steph....can't wait to see you on Sunday! I hope you are having fun with the animals. Did I mention that we got a new pet while you were away? Chrissy and I missed you sooooo much--we had to do something! Just kidding, really!
No one could ever take your place! We love you and miss you lots!
Sam: Well you time is winding down in Africa and I really am glad that you had this opportunity in your life. Sometimes small decisions we make become larger signs in our lives, your life will come to have great meaning to many others. Waiting to see you on Sunday. Love, Gram
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