Messages for home
This morning we printed off all your comments and read them as a team. It was such a blessing to hear from home. But apparently I’ve been dubbed the official mailman because no sooner did we finish reading than they started a comment sheet (more like novel) for me to post to you all. Not everyone wrote stuff so if your loved one isn’t here, don’t worry, they’re all still alive and doing well. Here it goes…Sandi – To Kimmie: I love you and miss you so much. We are having a blast! Hard to belive but it’s cold at night!! I love my letters! Mom: Happy Birthday, Love you!! Miss: Missing you! Friends: I love you, thank you for your friendship and support. See you all soon!
Amanda L. – To my family: I love and miss you all, I’m doing great – in fact I’ve decided I’m gonna live here…j/k! See you in a couple of weeks. Keep praying.
Samantha – Hi everyone, I’m having an amazing time here. It’s so different from everything I’m used to. Last night I camped outside under the stars with Di, Becca, and Colleen. The sky is beautiful. We danced for the first time today and it was awesome. I’ve already cried quite a few times…there was no Margarita’s though. Have fun with the room.
Casey – Hey Mom, Dad & Ricky Ticky, Everything about Africa is truly special. The people, and the food are great! The one thing that amazes me the most about Africa would have to be the sky, how blue it is during the day, and the beautiful stars at night. Tonight I’m sleeping outside! It’s also wicked dirty, but it’s great. I just love the kids, they are always happy. This is the best time of my life. P.S. Tell TJNC I’m not diseased.
Amanda S. – Hi everyone! I miss you all like crazy! We are having a great time, but I can’t wait to come home and hug you all! Mom: I miss and love you a lot! I hope you are doing okay without me! Bec and Em: I love you two. Please stay out of my room! Haha. And don’t worry, I’ll bring you home presents. Please tell George and Shaggy I love them too! I’m surviving, even though I haven’t had a full meal yet. Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma Shaw: I love and miss you too! See you all soon.
Jaclyn – Hey Everyone! Well, here I am, in AFRICA! I’m missing all of you tons! It’s amazing here! By the way, all I’ve had in my stomach these two days is snacks and bread and butter! Don’t worry, I’ll survive! I’m going to sleep outside tonight in just my sleeping bag! Does that sound like the girl you know/knew? LOL! I’d write individual notes, but there’s not enough room! Don’t burn down the house and don’t have too much fun! Miss you all! P.S. Plenty of gifts are on the way!
Katie S. – Mom: I miss u and luv u, I’m having a lot of fun, tell Becky and Emily that I said hi. P.S. Have fun in Ohio.
Diandre – Hey loving family and friends, so…I’m gonna stay a few more weeks is that’s okay. I slept under the stars last night, completely amazing experience. Nothing can even compare to this back home. I love you and miss you all. Thanks for posting and praying!
Michelle – Hey Mom & Dad & Max, Thanks for commenting…Anyways, I’m having an awesome time and I love it here! Miss you! Don’t hang out w/ the Boisvert’s too much!
Steph L. – Hi Mom, thanks for commenting and forgetting my blanket, I definitely could use it…it’s cold at night! Chrissy, you’re welcome for the clothes. I better get a payment/present! Tell Alyssa thanks! Hi Tracy & Brenna. I love everyone and miss you all! See you in 2 weeks!
Jaimie – Hey Madre & Padre, thanks for the nice words. I’m doing great, I love it here. Peter & Mikey: did you really cry? By the way, Mikey, you can make me laugh half way around the world. See you all in 2 weeks.
Adria – Hey all in Nashy!! Miss you guys so much!! Keep praying for us! Peace & Love.
Kara – Mom and Dad? Are you there? Ok, are you too busy hanging out with Steph’s parents? Hi
Steph B. (Ton) – Hey folks, First of all…Ma, thanks for the 35 comments. I hope the T-shirts for your crying club came out good. Dad, I miss you and can’t wait till you teach me to drive. LOL Jaime, please post a comment, I admit it, I miss you. And last but not least..BISSA, I love you. Cya soon.
Carli – Nance…you’re totally slacking on my comments. I could be a little disappointed. I absolutely love it here…the odds are against me returning home. Sorry. Dad, I’m being super cautious, don’t worry. Love you both. I have a friend – Laquia!...love her. Everyone else, I love you! How’s the pups?
Rebecca – Hi mother and father and brother and friends. Haven’t really started to miss anyone yet. I’m in love with AFRICA. I really don’t want to come home. We danced for the first time today and I balled my eyes out. It’s so fun. I have a friend named Helena and her sister is Rebecca. I slept outside under the stars last night for the 4th of July with the spiders and the animals out in the fields behind the fence. No tent, just a sleeping bag. I’m alive. Leave a comment. Peath Out.
Being the one to post everyone else’s messages I don’t often get to share my own. But because of the slow connection speed I have a little time while I’m waiting for the video to upload. I love Africa, partly because it’s away from home (although it’s quickly become more and more home in my heart) but partly because of how it makes people slow down and take inventory of their lives. The girls danced for the first time this morning for the children at the Vyf Rand school. They danced like I’ve never seen them dance before. Perhaps not the best moves or the highest jumps because of the dirt and constantly kicking up a cloud of dust (gives new meaning to the song “Dust in the Wind”), but because the emotion was incredible. After meeting and falling in love with the kids in Vyf Rand yesterday afternoon, dancing for them this morning was like the consummation of all that they’ve been preparing for for the last 6 months. When they danced for these kids tears were flowing and no one could stop smiling. It’s what they’re here for, to bring hope to people who have none, to bring love to children who have no one to love them, and to share a joy only found when everything else is stripped away except love. They’re seeing things they’ve never seen before, and experiencing things they would never even think of back home, and it’s changing their lives. Thank you so much for all your prayers for our safety and working out all the details, but even more so be praying for the teams as these children and these experiences are deeply impacting their lives. None of us will ever be the same.
On a lighter note, I learned how to play rugby today. The team of South Africans who are also staying at Mpampo with us were playing and invited me to join them. Next I’m going to teach them American football and they want Jason to teach them baseball. Jaclyn’s eating food, Carli’s buying all the bottle water she can hold, and Bonnie’s getting enough sleep for all of us. ;) But all in all, things are well, spirits are high, and learning opportunities are endless. Peace.
posted by mike @ 5:03 PM
29 Comments:
I have to say that this blog site is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced!! It's so great to be able to hear all the wonderful stories and what's happening each day..and yes...I cried like a baby through the whole thing!!! I'm so proud of all of you for opening up your lives to the children of Africa through dance..I can't even imagine how you're feeling as you dance your beautiful dances!!!Sandi...without you they could not have experienced this!! I Love you and thank you, thank you , thank you and to all the cca people without your love and support the girls wouldn't have made it!!!I feel so much better knowing their with an awesome group of people...Steffy...have fun and dance with a purpose!!! Love you all & am praying for you...see ya soon...can't wait to hear more!!!
Hey Guys
Ok I have to say that I am addicted to checking in on you guys! Sounds like you are having an amazing time togther. Hope you miss me somewhat ...LOL!!!! I am home for the next two weeks with my own children ...I am embrassing that as much as you guys are being with those children!
Jaclyn for the last time ..you need to start trying some of the food!!!! You'll never know if you like it unless you try it!!!
Carli ...all I can tell you id SANITIZE!!!!
Talk to you Later!
Dean BEan
Samantha and all of the rest of the team. I'm glad you all have someone to share this amazing experience with. My heart is so full of love and respect for all of you. The children will forever hold you dear in their hearts and souls, for that I am sure and I hope you will all remember them fondly.
Samantha we did have a great weekend weather wise but needless to say it is humid again. But, of course it is sunny and 77 in LA.
Don't eat to much junk and drink lots of water. Can't wait for the pictures.
HUGS to the whole group and I love ya Samantha. MOM
Hi Stephanie! You can always use your beach towel as a blankie inside your sleeping bag! We will exchange presents with you when you get back with our souvenirs!!! Pack up Sandi's suitcase FULL! (You have our wish lists and plenty of cash)! I can see you're having a blast dancing with your new friends! I hope you are writing tons in your journal. I can read it when you're sleeping for two days when you get back! I know I talk way too much and ask too many questions!! I always have and always will---that's my promise to you! Love you, Ste!
Hey Sandi!!! do you still have your "strength"? hope you're enjoying every moment...your birds must miss you, they've been really noisy today!!! but they're good!! you're probably around the campfire right now!! can't wait to see more and hear more...sleep and eat well!!! love ya!! Denise
Hey you guys!!!
I'm so glad you're all having a good time. I'd love to be out there with you; I'm stuck here doing nothing! :) I hope you are all eating and sleeping well. I miss you all so much, I can't wait for you to come home! Make sure you bring back tons of pictures! I'm praying for you all every night. Hope you are having loads of fun!!!
Jacka, Amanda, and Katie- Being the youngest ones on this amazing adventure, you are probably the ones complaining the most!!! ;) We're all praying for you at home, though, along with many others. Hope you're conserving those Luna bars, Jackie; you wouldn't want them running out on you! And no matter what happens, you guys are still '#1'! Haha! Hope you had a very safe trip, and I can't wait to hear about all of your awesome adventures! I'll keep you posted on whats going on at home. Eat and sleep well, and have lots of fun!
~Lauren
Sandi...Homemade clam chowda for dinner!!! I'll save you some!! NOT!!!! Miss and love you!!
Lynn
first of all....Mike as I was reading your comments, I heard Darin's voice. How wild is that??
I love technology...today's video was much clearer than the "HBK" video...keep using that camera.
Thank you thank you thank you... you are not only helping us stateside share in the experience but also creating a wonderful electronic journal for the kids to keep.
Darin...your wild thought turns into a reality...while the kids from both worlds are gaining, I hope you see what a wonderful thing you helped make happen. I'm sure your heart is full. Be proud.
To his side kicks - Mike and Germaine...your efforts are equally appreciated. Glad you decided to take Darin up on his offer.
The MHDC dancers....the dancing in the video was better than anything I've seen. Spinning and twirling and making kids smile. Tears running down my cheeks make it hard to type.
The rest of team Fontein...prayers and best wishes. We need everyone to make it happen. Prayers out to Sandi, Dave, Alicia, Kara, DeeDee.
To Nate's team....your work is not forgotten. I saw a few of you at the ophanage..nice that you all could be united for the first visit. While there are a lot of parent's focusing on their own...we think of you all as well.
Special message to Diandre and Carli...
Nice Chicken Dance class
Special mesage to Adria....that peep a boo /Piggyback game was a favorite of yours as a baby!
Love you...Mom
Hi everyone!
Jaclyn start eating or were gonna come over there to get you! We will bring you right back home! lol! Amanda hope all your memories are returning to you. Katie keep close to everyone and hold hands! jk! Hope your having a blast even if were not there with you. Love Always, Lori and Nicole!
This is a special reminder from Lori.....Jaclyn and Mandi remeber the Ostrich family......Ostriches unite....and the torch of life......lov you all!!!!!! from your friend/ostrich lori .....Sandi and everyone else i hope you are also having the time of your lives......be safe!!love you....Lori
*I'm praying for you all!!!-Nicole*
Hi everyone!
Jaclyn start eating or were gonna come over there to get you! We will bring you right back home! lol! Amanda hope all your memories are returning to you. Katie keep close to everyone and hold hands! jk! Hope your having a blast even if were not there with you. Love Always, Lori and Nicole!
This is a special reminder from Lori.....Jaclyn and Mandi remeber the Ostrich family......Ostriches unite....and the torch of life......lov you all!!!!!! from your friend/ostrich lori .....Sandi and everyone else i hope you are also having the time of your lives......be safe!!love you....Lori
*I'm praying for you all!!!-Nicole*
Sorry we didn't mean to send it twice! opps! Please forgive us!
-Spirit and Ostrich
Hi all!
I cannot begin to express how happy I am for all of you to be in Africa. I am a bit jealous myself! Yes, even though I fell out of a tree there, I do remember last year's trip like it was yesterday. All my emotions from the trip came rushing back as I watched the video you posted - tears are still streaming down my face as I write this to you. I want so much to be holding one of those precious children from Vyf Rand in my arms right now. However, I cannot so I leave that joy to you all. You are incredibly blessed and will never forget your time in Africa. Be lights for Christ and share you love to all you meet. And remember, you can sleep when you get home! :) - thanks Darin!
To Amanda and Karen - You are two wonderful young ladies and I miss you so much. It was such a blessing to share my experience in Africa with you last year. Give all the children an extra hug from me:)
To G - You have done so much for this trip and others. I have so many memories with you and respect you so much! Watch out for "big hairy spiders and little scary scorpions" and keep Richard in line:)
To my "Fluffy Bunny" - haha! I miss ya, big Dave. Have fun with those kids and see if you can top the number of kids you hold at one time!
To Dave W. - Congrats on your marriage! I wish you all the best.
To Mike - Play that guitar real loud for me and keep Darin in line:) Miss you! Maybe you can teach to other teams some vball.
To Darin - Make sure to keep everyone focused on the Lord. You are an amazing man, called by God to do wonderous things! Watch out for elephants, but don't drop a bottle:) Kill some roadkill for me, too!
To Dieter, Joan, and Richard - "I thank my God upon every rememberance of you!" You made my trip to Africa last year. I have been blessed to know you personally and miss you so very much. Richard, thanks for opening my eyes to a different perspective on life, not just one of an American. Dieter and Joan, thank you for your hospitality and your continued work for the Lord. I pray that I will see you again some time when we can share on all the ways God has revealed Himself to us!
To all - I am praying for you, that God would lift you up and sustain you, giving you the strength and energy you need to share His love to Africa. God bless and play extra hard, for your days are numbered, but you will never forget them:) Also, no ziplines! haha and much love, abs:)
Carli, I have no idea what you meant by your last message, I loved the video, You know me Carli, I'm not a big crier, but remember when we went to see Stepmom, that's what I was like after seeing that video. You guys are just incredible, make sure your writing alot in your journals, thanks for the video, keep them coming. Love, Mom
Diandre and Adria: Hello Ladies! We are keeping you in our thougths and prayers. It is hard to believe that you are in AFRICA! What an adventure and important work as well. We are very proud of you both! Elizabeth and Brian want to know if you are making new friends. By the looks of the video it seems you have some new fast friends. Who wouldn't love you guys! We will keep an eye on you from here so behave! Love Uncle Paul and Aunt Ann
Hey mom!
Wassup? I miss you lots! I had a great time in Maine. I hope you are having fun in Africa. How's the sleeping??? Can you say "hi" to some of my friends like Jaclyn and Adria and the Shaws? Please keep writing me!!!!!
Love ya!
Kim ;)
Awww mom...when are u coming home? I miss you so much....here's a big kiss for you!! LICKKK!!! Bissacrazypupchiwa..oh..and tell Mitch I miss her too!!
Steph B - Happy 1/2 Birthday - I know - you are now old enough to start driving...That will have to wait till you get back - don't try it there!
We really miss you but it looks like you are having a good time - like Jaime said try to get a little more face time!
Enjoy yourself - I'll keep the car warmed up!
Dad
Amanda L....
My most humble apologies...I left you off the list of shout outs...it's like your one of the dancers since you been aroundthem so much. I'm thinking / praying for you as well.
Mom B
Good morning to all!! 30-plus comments from us and still going strong!! All of us here in the States took these two weeks off so we could just sit at our computers and write to you every chance we get!! HaHa! Enjoy your work! The pay is priceless.......
(P.S. I also "felt" that Darin was speaking to us!!)
This blog site is an addiction. I have been checking it twice a day! I am thoroughly enjoying all of the journal entries, the comments from both sides of the world, and the video - it was AWESOME! Each and everyone one of you is "making a difference".
Diandre - You say you would love to stay in Africa for extra days -- Grandpa says "no"! Work is starting to pile up!!!!! Ha Ha!
Adria - Looks like you are finally rested, feeling better, and really enjoying the time with the little ones.
We are so very proud of you both and what you are doing. Enjoy, and keep up the good work.
Can't wait to see your pictures and hear about your trip.
We are thinking and talking about you both every day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole Namibia team.
Love from Grandma and Grandpa Blicker
PS - Went to RI this weekend. Cee Wee and Ray, and Grandma C send their best wishes, too. Cee Wee and Ray the enjoyed the dance video.
Greetings Nate~
Just a quick note to let you know that we're so very proud of the work you and your outstanding team is doing~
BTW, Casey is missing you back home`:)
Have you had a chance to take any pictures with the camera and, if so how's it working out for you?
I expect we'll see some really Kewl pictures upon your arrival back to the states~
Can't wait to see you and, hear all about the results of your work during this fantastic trip~!
Regards~
Dad
Steph L. - oh no! I dropped some killer lion repellant by your house but you had just left! Better watch out. Hope your enjoying yourself in Africa and keep up the good work :) I'm sure you'll have plenty of storys for the 3/5 crew when you get back. See you then, ~Scott
Hey Guys!!!! Sounds like you are having sssoooooooo much fun in Africa!!!!! Take lots of pictures...can't wait to see you. Continue to have a blast and dance your heart out!!!!
<3 Shannon
Hey Steffy....going to cheer on Britt tonite...will give her your love...hope everythings going well...can't wait to hear more stories, and like dad and Jaime said....get your face on that video more with your "little one"..so proud of you..mem and pep R are so proud of you to...they told everyone to check out the website...everyone says Hi and continue your purpose...the faces of the kids and you girls tells the story!!! luv ya....make sure you're writing in your journal...Emily says hi too...she misses you..(Em Bennett)....take care!! mom
Hey Guys, i have to admit checkin this website is consuming my life haha, it's good to see you all there safetly and it looks like you are really enjoying yourselves. Those kids are adorable!!! I cant wait for you all to come back and to see all of your pictures =)Love you all and have a fun and safe rest of your trip!
~Catie
Hey all! Hope you are all having a great time! I am so jealous! haha! I'm glad you all arrived safe. Samantha! I miss you and I hope that your tour guide is better than the one in Disney! "This is not good, this is not good at all!" haha! Have fun guys!
~Alicia G.
Hi Jaimie,
It's Uncle Joe again. Just a sports update .The Red Sox are winning again , up 2 1/2 games. Sweet Dreams,talk to you tomorrow.
Love, Uncle Joe
DIANDRE : I miss you so much, nashua just isnt the same with out you, but i am sure you are having an amazing time in Africa I can't even imagine how breath taking everything must look..
I hope that Pumba tasted good haha and that you havent gotten bad diarrhea and been unable to dance.The fourth of july was the other day but dont worry you didnt miss out on anything good and dont fret we will reenact it again when you return to the good ol' US of A. We also definately need to have a WOS as soon as you get home, and i've already left you voice mails for your entertainment for when you return :)
keep having fun love Danielle xOxo
Hi Sandi,
We are thinking about you all everyday and hoping that you are all safe and well. Talked to Mom and Dad in Bar Harbor today and they wanted me to let you know that they are thinking of you too and that they read the posting of Happy Birthday to Mom!! I hope all is well,
Love and God Bless, Pauline and Bruce
Hey Rebecca, I hope you are having fun in Africa. It seems like you guys are having a blast. We will have to go deep sea fishing when you get back, but enjoy your time preforming for the kids. Teddy and Taco say hi. :)
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