Aware

Namibia is commemorating Day of the African Child at a critical time when her own children are increasingly facing orphanhood and substance abuse.

HIV/AIDS is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Namibia and many children are likely to be orphaned by the death of a parent or a caregiver who are also the breadwinners. HIV/AIDS kills almost 15 000 every year.

Orphanhood is just one of the host of problems that the Namibian child is facing. The Namibian child also faces abuse and neglect, early pregnancy and exposure to drug and alcohol abuse. Children are also getting more and more in conflict with the law.

Some of the Namibian children are robbed of their childhood by having to look after their fellow siblings due to the death of their parents. A study a few years back found that out of 200 children that were interviewed, 33 children were heading households.

We have been reading and learning all we can about Namibia so we can be aware and therefore we can go somewhat prepared to understand the culture, the issues, the government and the people of the country.

Our weekends have been busy speaking at churches and helping others to also become aware of the situation in Namibia. We also have been sharing our hearts and God's calling upon us as a family.

This past weekend we had the opportunity to speak at four services/five congregations.

This was our Sunday

9:30 a.m. service

10:30 a.m. service

~ 40 minute drive

1:30 p.m. service

~ 3 hour drive to Selkirk

5:30 p.m. service

9.00 p.m. ice cream with Porterfields!

~ arrival home about 1:00 a.m.

We have been full time missionaries for sixteen days as of today and have had the honor of sharing our hearts with eight congregations.

We were so encouraged by he support from all who we have shared with. It was amazing! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.