A Letter From Sandi
Hi Parents, Family and Friends,I am sitting here on my sleeping bag in Rehoboth. Many of the girls are writing in their journals, some are still sleeping, some are cooking breakfast and some are reflecting on their time here in Namibia. Mornings tend to be one of my favorite times of day here. Instead of rushing out the door, with a day scheduled from morning till night, we sit, relax, think about life and enjoy each other’s company.
Yesterday I was able to get up early and hike a ways on Dieter’s property to view the sunrise. Mike, Cara, Michelle, Adria, Dieter and I were up and out early to see this beautiful sight! The reflection of the trees against the morning sky is something I will never forget. We are each able to experience something new on a daily basis. We are challenged, not only physically, but mentally by the many images, sights and sounds we experience.
Our first performance was a major turning point for the girls. We performed in an elementary school in Vyf Rand. Watching these girls step into the dirt and perform heart and soul for these beautiful children is a memory that will stay with me a lifetime. I have enjoyed an amazing life of teaching and sharing with students, but nothing ever prepared me for the feeling that over took my heart that day. Seeing your girls cry as they were dancing, not out of fear, anxiety or stress, but purely because they were experiencing a joy they had never felt before…….Their hearts were open and they were “Living” as they danced. This moment is one none of us will ever forget. I cannot wait for them to get home to tell you more about it! We’ve had many other performances that were meaningful as well. Another elementary school had an audience of close to 1,000 kids sitting out on the cement watching. The performance at Emmanuel church was like a rock concert with a light show, multi level staging and an audition prior to the performance so the youth pastor could decide where the direction of the youth service would go. Some show orders were not set until 2 minutes before show time. We’ve had to cut numbers at the last minute and the girls have been so good about all the schedule changes. Tonight we will perform in front of an audience of approximately 900 people here in Rehoboth to benefit the Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministry and tomorrow it’s on to Arrundis for a similar community performance. These are big shows, and they kids are very cool about it all. No stress whatsoever!!!!!!!!!!
I must say that spending so much time with your daughters has been a wonderful gift. I am truly getting to know each one a bit better and I love each one of them more every day. Their love of life, sharing hearts and energy give me the strength to keep going. Seeing them sit in the dirt and play with the kids brings tears to my eyes. Melissa, I cannot even begin to tell you what they have done here. Life will never be the same for any of us. We are coming home with a lot of knowledge about things we only had heard of. Now we have seen it and feel that we will need to do something positive with this knowledge. I have a feeling the MHDC will only continue making a difference in so many more ways in the future!! I miss and love you so much………Next time we will have to experience this together to understand it all!!
Mom & Dad……….Hope you are enjoying Maine. I cannot wait to see you and tell you all about the trip. Happy Anniversary. Mark, Happy Birthday!
Kimmie…….I miss you so much and love you more than anything!! Keep smiling and it’s only 1 more week until we get to share hugs!! Your notes at night make me smile and I hope you are enjoying yours!!!
Jaimie, Diandre, Adria, Bekka, Jaclyn, Amanda, Katie, Bonnie, Steph B. Steph L. Casey, Carli, Sam and Michelle send their love. Keep those messages coming. You have no idea what it does for our hearts to hear from you! We sit in a circle and read them aloud as a group during our “debrief” time at night. It makes us feel close to you and know how much you care about us here.
I know there are some scary things going on in the world. We are safe, living life as large as we possibly can and know that we have many prayers being said for us. As each day continues, we will do our best to add a little more love and compassion to the lives of the beautiful children we meet. Know that when we get back, we may need some hugs ourselves to allow what we have seen to process in our hearts, souls and minds. Be patient with us, it may be hard to comprehend what your babies have seen. I have never in my entire life been so proud of a group of “women” as I am today. They have changed my life and have brought joy to many here in Namibia. Be proud that you have brought up such outstanding daughters!!!
I miss you all and feel your presence here with us. Thank you for entrusting us with your girls……….We will return home soon with stories to share for days and days. Stay strong, enjoy each day, and we will see you on Sunday night!!!!!!!!!!!
Sandi
posted by germaine @ 12:16 PM
9 Comments:
Hey Germaine....I decided to see if anything was new in the photo albums and was surprised to see so many new pictures. Went I returned to teh blog page - Sandi's letter was up. You must be at the cafe right this moment! Good Morning!
Sandi....thanks for the letter. Sharing like this is not done on a daily basis normallly and I am begining to wonder why not. Being able to express yourself is rewarding for the writer and reader. It brings each closer to the other. I guess the hectic scheduled life gets in the way of this process. So I'll cherish this while it happens.
Love and prayers to you...
and all the rest of the team
I sure am... and there is more... :-)
Sandy your letter was very much appreciated and heart felt, at this point and time, when I am missing my girls so much! I too am jealous and wish I was there sharing this with them. Kara How are you spending your time? Are you keeping the girls in line? Is Michelle getting on your nerves? I'm sure your getting as much out of this trip as they are...prbably even more! I'm going to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY again just to make sure you get it by Sunday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! I love you, miss you and am so proud of you!Michelle, how are you, are you tired? How was the sunrise? I can't beieve the different things you are experiencing!!! This computer thing is very addicting. I had my first IM yesterday. It was Dann with 2 n's. He says Hi to both of you. Miss you so much and am even prouder! Can't wait to see you guys and here all your stories . Love Mom
Sandi,
You have done so much for the girls through your work with them in classes, at camps, performances, Ensemble and now this!! What are your plans to top all of this?? Just keep being you---you are a wonderful person and we all thank you! Hugs and Kisses and All our Love!
to bonnie, sandi, and all the girls:
well, since i just got back from Tahoe, last night when i got home from work was the first time i have been able to visit this site. there is a much clearer picture in my mind of what u guys r doing now that i can see pictures and read ur posts.
when i first heard about the idea of u guys going to africa, i was definitely taken aback and thought it sounded a little crazy. i'm sure everyone had their doubts and concerns initially. but as this idea began to mold and take shape, as we were continuing to get more and more information and meaning behind it, it struck me as an incredible, and even life altering opportunity.
i definitely could not have pictured a better experience for all of u. after seeing ur video, i can say with every confidence that i would have gone in a heart beat.
take in every moment because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity as you all well know. i would imagine that dance after this will take on a new meaning...or at least add to what u already have in ur hearts a new side of living. write in ur journals every day, take as many pictures as u can, and bring back with you a few momentos. ur lives are being enriched in ways most people can't even fathom. enjoy.
Sandi - your letter brought tears to my eyes. Where has my "little cuz" gone? Oh yeah, we've grown up. Thank you for sharing your gifts of compassion & love through dance with a world that most of us only read about. Please let your dancers know how proud we are of them. May God Bless and Keep you Safe. Love, Judy
Heyy Jaimie,
Haw is everything u r goin to be home in less than 6 days! everyone said hi and misses u a ton.. i hope u r havin fun and dancin ur heart out!! Everyon sed hi inclidin Babci aunt jenn uncle john katie and charlene!!
Can't wait to hav u bac,
Lov Allie
Hi Mom!
What a great story and I can't wait to see the video of your dance. I miss you lots and can't wait to see you in a few days. Please keep posting messages for me.
Thanks, love you, bye bye.
Kim
PS Say hi to my friends.
PPS Dad & Paige loved your story (Paiged cried)...and they hope you are well.
PPPS And.....I have some news to tell you when you get home.
hey guys! i hope you are all having an awesome time! i think its amazing that you guys all took this trip to make such a big difference in the world..You are all the best! I love you all and miss you guys! see ya when you get home!! xox
Bridget :-)
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