Etosha here we come!!
Hey Everyone, it's been a while since I've been over to the internet cafe but here I am so you can be sure that means more exciting media for you to view. I'm still working on another video so maybe up in Etosha I'll catch some time to finish it up. But we did get some more pics up on in the photo gallery of our time down in Rehoboth so be sure to check that out.Well we head up to Etosha today. Darin assured me that he had a long talk with God this morning about all the animals He's gonna show us tomorrow. :) We're all pretty excited but at the same time a little disappointed because we know this means our trip is almost over. Dieter was right, the dust mixes with your blood and you just can't stay away. So many of the first timers have just fallen in love with Africa and it will be quite the tear fest during our final debrief this Friday I'm sure. Please continue your prayers while we're in Etosha, that it will be a good time of reflection on all that we've learned and experienced and that God will keep us all safe from charging elephants. ;) We won't be able to make posts from Etosha so don't be surprised if you don't hear from us for a few days. But we will try to get on at least once more before we head to the airport on Saturday morning. Thanks for your faithful prayers. Hope you enjoy the pics.
ps. In case you were wondering, all the late nights and early mornings had finally caught up with me so I just had one of those over-tired, easily irritable days. Fortunately, a little alone time and an afternoon nap yesterday were a welcome cure.
posted by mike @ 9:25 AM
18 Comments:
Thanks for all the postings Germaine and Darin, it is great to keep up with all of the activities. Etosha should be a great ending to a heart warming experience.
Samantha I know you'll take a ton of pictures for me, so I pray all of the animals come out to greet you. Everyone would be glad I missed that part of the trip, me and animals!!!!!!!!!! Never forget of Disney safari.
Come home with a heart full of great memories of the lives you and the others have touched and allow it to be an inspiration to you as you venture though your college years. Miss you and we'll see you Sunday.
Jackie and I are having dinner together tonight, so if your ears and Steph's are burning we're talking about you!!!!! ALL GOOD
LOVE
MOM
Karen Brown
Alex is enjoying his time down in Mass. The house is empty without every one home. You are all doing a great job. Can't wait to see you.
Lots of love Mom
Mike, glad to hear your feeling better!! I was a little worried the girls had gotten to you!!! they can do that at times!! anyways, thanks for being their leader..I'm sure you feel like you've been a surrogate dad to them as well as Darin!! the postings and pictures are awesome!!! Enjoy your time in Etosha and remember that the job you were sent there for is complete!!! see ya soon!! Love, Denise
Steph, hope you're enjoying your last days in Africa....remember to take lots of pictures and enjoy every minute of the days left there!! I see in the picture at the restaurant you still have that beautiful smile on!! did you hear what Bissa did? she took the car to Nashua to see Frankie...what a littlw sneak!!! hope you got a kick out of that!!! Jaime's counting the hours till you get home...I've never seen her so down in the dumps!! she really misses you!!! As do dad & I!!looking forward to hearing your stories and looking at pictures!! packing your stuff for the beach today!! don't forget the souvenirs!! haha!!! counting down the hours till Sunday!!! love, prayers and hugs!!
Don....I totally agree with everything you wrote about this trip about Darin, Sandi and the team...thanks for putting everything in perspective...I think all us parents agree with what you said!!! I also love the picture of Frankie and Bissa!!! see ya soon!! Denise
Mike....great that your spirit has been retored. A long car ride with kids in the states can be challenging...but given the change of scenery and the over all adventure of it... hope you won't hear: "Are we there yet?" too often.
Love the pics...see you satisfied Shari's request and the "Where's DeeDee" crowd. The last picture of Team Fontein looks like an album cover...are you planning ahead for another release?
Everyone enjoy Etosha, it's the downtime you need to prepare for the journey home. Your arrival Sunday is a much anticipated event...despite the late hour.
We continue to think of you often...view the video and picture postings to satisfy the need to see you. Life has been different here in the states with 29 friends and family in Africa. When we all return to "normal", I don't think "normal" will be the same.
To Diandre...yes, I'm posting again. I been thinking about the day you were born a lot lately. In an instance, I held a precious being that I did not know but loved dearly. Now, a brief time has past and I must prepare for a long absence while your in college. These two weeks have been the prelude. Guess I've been re-living that in my mind because it's the closest I can come to understand what your experiencing this week. The children you've met and grown attached to so quickly. The small absences while you traveled to Rehoboth, the coast and now Etosha. Soon the longer absense when you plan to return home. I'm sorry for the ache you feel. Your memories will soothe this... in time.
Age...I'm sure you are also hurting but you have an advantage. Each day at dance, you will see your traveling companions. Together again, your African adventure will not be so far away.
Love to you all.....stay safe, stay healthy..we shall see you soon.
Love Mom
Mike, thank you so much for the pictures!! It's sooooo good to see my family! The one of you guys playing your guitars in the sand is just great. Hope you all have a great time at Etosha. I'll be praying for all of you. I finally got to see the video of Steph last night and just sat here crying a flood. Steffy, I could sit here and watch you dance all day. Darin, Amanda, and Katie, miss you and love you guys more than words can say. Stay strong and safe.
Love you,
Shari
Oh, here I am again! Oh my gosh!! I finally got the video in of your first few days. It took about 3 hours, because well, we actually still have "dial-up", and we apparently didn't have the right equipment to play it, but now we do! I LOVE the accordion player! He looks like he was a lot of fun. Katie you look so comfortable, like you're a big sister at home playing with all her brothers and sisters. I am so proud of you. You look so grown up! Amanda, you're wearing a "dew rag"...oh my goodness! You and Jackie look like very experienced big sisters too. Did that tooth come out yet? And Darin, you look like a very proud daddy in both videos. I think you'll be bringing home lots more daughters in your heart this time. I can feel what you're feeling in my heart.
Love you guys!
Shari (Mom)
To Adria and Diandre,
My cup runneth over!
In a day and age where the I, Me, me generation has placed their mark on our history, it leaves the older generation with a large question as to the mark our progeny will leave on the history.
It is certain that the mark of our generation has left, has some large question marks. Perhaps we look for to large a mark and should be slightly less ambitious. Small marks are as important especially if the mark left is indelible.
Certaintly the quest has been answered and in a time and place where I was able to see and experience the impact. Thank you one and all. You bring tears to the eyes and a swelling of the breast with your unselfish service to God and country. Long will be remembered your dance and interface with the people you visited. As well you will have the memory and pride that you served your God and country. Even more important the whole project and experience was completed without any big brother interference and approval. Guess what, it wasn't needed.
Your participation in this activity has reinforced the idea that good things can happen if we will have patience and faith in our young people. The belief was rewarded in a way that was beyond our anticipation. Thank you to the team and supporters.
This old grampa can walk with pride and sure in the knowledge that our young people have carried forward the dreams and hopes we have had and could not accomplish.
Via con Dios!
Grampa Blicker
Hooray!! They all made it to Etosha! I just got a call from Stephie---the first time I got to hear her voice live and chat with her!What a feeling---like she just spoke her first words to me! Yes, I am feeling a little sappy! On the way there, she saw giraffes and ostrich and one of the other vehicles saw an elephant(?). They had dinner a little while ago and she tried ostrich---said it was "sour" and switched over to beef! They will be going over to the watering hole soon to sit and watch for animals---on the other side of a fence! She sounded great...said "only a few more days"; Sandi leaned in and said hello to us! After climbing the sand dune the other day (which she said was more like a mountain), her digital camera isn't opening up so well. She is praying that it will be working well for tomorrow! This must be the same dune that has sand in all the wrong places for Germaine!! Steph's request for Sunday was to bring CLEAN CLOTHES to the airport! HaHa! She said they were traveling about so much that they haven't had the chance to wash things lately. "Im so dirty" is all she could say!! So, they are about to have alot of fun over the next two days.....take lots of pictures if you can and stay safe! We are all anxiously awaiting your safe return! Love to all!
Hey Guys!
It's great to hear that everyone's trip has been awesome! I want to hear all about it! Thanks for all the pictures they're great. I just wanted to tell you that we'll all be praying for you as your adventure comes to an end. Make the end of your trip the best!
Sandi: I can't even imagine you doing Jaclyn's solo! Everyone is so happy for you, you're the talk of the day, and probably will be for the rest of the week!
Amanda: I can't believe that you gave all of those speeches, it's unbelivable!
Jaclyn:Good to hear that you're eating the African food! Can't wait to hear from you!
Katie:I heard that you did alot of the video work! You did an awesome job!!!!!!
Love, Nicole
Diandre and Adria,
We have just about everyone we know saying prayers for you all. People you do not know, but respect your committment to this mission. We are all praying for a safe journey home as well. If you see any elephants and giraffes can you say "Hi" for Eilzabeth and Brian? Watch out for the "prairie cookies" :) Lots of love!
Uncle Paul and Aunt Ann
WOW. i finalllly got to see the videos you have been making. They are incredible... Those children look so happpy to be with you guys. You should feel so proud and privledged. And Steph, i think you have gotten even more gorgeous as a dancer since the last time i saw you. You girls are amazing. Lots of Love :)
Carli, I was so happy to hear from you tonight, Tell Darin thanks, I really appreciate the call, tell Rebecca her Mom would love a call, shes wondering if Rebecca is really there?? You got me really nervous when you told me you had just seen 2 rhinos and lots of giraffes. Dad said the rhinos can be very dangerous. Keep far away!! So you really want to go back and you haven't even left yet? Maybe next time I'll come w/you. Enjoy your safari tomorrow and your big show Friday. I hope we get to see videos of these shows when you get back. The picture of you that was posted was beautifullll!!! I miss you so much, I can't wait to see you Sunday and hear your stories. I'm going to Marco tomorrow morning and I'll be flying in 1 hour before you, Roman will pick us up. I hope all the flights are on time. Marco and Vito came home from Dover tonight covered in paint, they looked really cute, they got baths on the deck, that was a project for Dad and Roman, Marco acted like the baby. Well, I won't be able to write from Florida, Have a safe trip, If anyone has a cell phone w/long distance coverage, call from Atlanta and leave a message on my cell and let me know if you will be on time. Love you and miss you, Mom P.S. Rebecca call home!!
Hey Steffy, have you seen any giraffes yet? any elephants?....hope you're having a ball!! call if you get a chance...I haven't heard your voice yet either!!! love ya...mom
Hey Nate~
Enjoy the well deserved rest and all of Etosha's sceneries.
Your mom and I've pray'd for you and your safety during this trip on a daily basis.
We're so proud of you and, that giving nature within you.
Btw, your Jeep has been washed three times since your departure..I've only driven it once..lol
Casey..sends his purrr's to you as well.
Have a safe trip and, hurry home. Can't wait to hear first hand all about your experiences`!:)
lov ya~
Dad
Nate~
Almost forgot to mention..
We'll all be at the airport Sunday night awaiting your arrival~!
You knew that`!!
Not trying to rush your trip or anything..Just not sure when you'll get a chance to read these post again before leaving.
Take care ^&^
lov
Dad
Steph-L,
I miss you SO much! im just happy that you come home really soon! haha hope you are having fun..we have so much to talk about when you come home. Stay safe! Love you!!
-Amy
carliii,
I've basically fallen in love with your africa team or atleast this website... through reading the messages, seeing the videos and pictures and what you are all really doing in africa is amazing. even though you've been in africa for like 13 days thinking your in different continent is still pretty carazy. im sure you are all making a postitive infuelnce on all of those kids lives and them making an infuelence in yours as well. well i need to go to basbeall... have an awesome last couple of days in africa, cant wait to see you again.
ben
Hey Jaimie,
I see ur mom and dad found a way to use the internet lol!! i hope u r havin funn in Etosha... Babci said hi and hopes u r havin fun.everyone misses u a lot and can't wait till u get back in THREE days !!! can't wait to see you and get to no everything that happen!!
lOv Ya,
AlLiSoN & eVeRy1 eLsE
p.S. eVeRyOnE lOvEs YoU aNd MiSsEs YoU a LoT 0O0O0 yA mY b-DaY iS iN 5 dAyS!!!!!cAn't WaIt TiL u GeT baCk!!!!
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