Namibia G.O. Team 2005

Etosha Day One

Darin's Journal 7-14-05 - 7:00 AM

Thank you Lord for a good first day of debrief. Our arrival at Etosha came early enough to allow us a short run outside the fences before dark and we had a personal encounter with a number of giraffes. Mike’s comvee was treated to a personal encounter with an elephant. In my comvee, on the way to Etosha, we spent a lot of time talking about Psalm 19 and the way God reveals himself in creation. And then, when we arrived, we were touched by the sights all the more.

The first part of our debrief went well, I think. The song time seemed extra special to me. Everyone really participated and for Dave, Mike, Jason and myself, singing worship music is a real anchor.

My leaders seem to be strong again and the effect across the team is obvious. Tears flowed numerous times during our debrief as we considered the coincidence of our new relationships with one another. Six months ago we didn’t know each other. And now many of us have grown to love one another and trust one another in deeper ways than we could have imagined.

Now, here we go, we are going home. Why would God do this to us?

A couple of the dancers don’t want to go home. It’s not a reflection of life at home but rather the results of their experience, joined close to one another here. Lord, will you ease this transition for us all?

The night ended with many up late at the watering holes. Most at THE watering hole looking for animals while myself, Nate, Dave, Kara and Becca (eighteen is legal in Namibia!) sharing a beer at the other watering hole, talking about how profound our experience has been.

posted by Darin @ 1:49 AM