Sue in Africa

OHMYGOODNESS!! I love Heather and Michael Walker. I totally respect their work and that of Love Botswana. I’m amazed at all the ministries, NGO’s and government projects working together in the region of Maun - where close to 40% of the population has AIDS. It was a delight to celebrate worship for 4-5 hours on Easter Sunday in the country of Namibia; it was stretching to watch Michael baptize new believers in a river that is home to crocodiles! Our God is BIG!!!

   OKAVANGO RIVER, BOTSWANA

Am  at the end of my time in Africa. Oh my. Tonight I write from the contrast of a plush hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa where I’m treating myself to some luxuries. Leaving in a few hours for a 10 hr flight to Paris where I’ll be staying 5 days in a B&B. After the change of plans not to visit my brother in Austria, was unable to get a flight back to the states right away. So now I’ll see Paris, enjoy the Louvre and other delights. Hoping for a lovely and restful time. Arriving in the U.S. on April 2^nd  for a week w my kids; home in Poulsbo the 8th.

My time in Botswana was another one full of big experiences. Used some time to explore probably 10 social service and ministry responses to HIV/AIDS. Intense!

Also, did tourist stuff: small plane ride over big game on the Okavanga Delta (lots of elephants!); 4 hour safari ride in a wide game reserve (zebra, giraffe, ostrich, baboon, impala); and stayed with my host family at a lodge next to the Okavanga River (hippos and crocks)! The harder parts: cars breaking down in remote places, one car totaled in an accident (we had just gotten out of it 5 minutes before). The great stuff: five hours of awesome worship and African dancing in Easter celebration. Later: more trouble w vehicles in tough places, unable to leave when planned, skidded into the airport 45 minutes before an international departure. J

Have much to write and talk about, but will need to wait for more time. To remind you, Botswana is the location of Alexander McCall Smith’s, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” and the home of the people group with clicking sounds in their language seen in “The God’s Must be Crazy.”

The sounds of the African night are forever imprinted on my heart after sleeping in a tent for 2 nights next to hippos sighing and grunting in the darkness and beautiful sounds of awesome birds… watching the sun come up each morning through the mist across a wide and slow moving river… and a big orange moon rising over the delta. Ahhhh.

Greetings this Advent season as we celebrate the coming of Christ who offers new life. For me, this has been a year of deep personal growth in recognizing the breadth and love of God for His Creation, including those whose lives and beliefs we don’t understand. I’m so thankful for you who love me and know God’s history in my life. His great grace offers a plan for each of us; a place to rest with who we are.This letter is to invite you into a partnership with me, partnering in prayer and awareness that will allow me to step into another realm of trust, exploring vocation in HIV/AIDS prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa.
 
This theme has been the focus of an integrated research and thesis project in my seminary studies at Mars Hill Graduate School . Now I have expanded it another semester to include a three month journey into six countries in Africa to observe and participate in programs that focus on AIDS prevention in developing regions. In a few places, I will do some training. As you can imagine, there will be great diversity in my experience of culture, language, travel and relations as I visit Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa . I am totally reliant on the One who both sends me and dwells with me - the One in whom I live and move and have my being. It’s important to recognize the spiritual dynamics in some places of real darkness. I believe strongly in the power of prayer to protect, heal, and transform lives!
 
So, I ask that you would please pray for me beginning now and though the month of April 2008. For those of you who aren’t inclined toward prayer, keep me in your hearts! At the beginning and end, I will rest and reflect with my kids and grandkids. I look forward to cuddling with Zachary Allen, Lori and Roger’s new son, born Dec. 10^th.
 
It is a delight to realize, as a widow with grandchildren, that God continues to have a plan for me… a very good plan. Share the joy in the journey!

In His great grace,