Hoe gaan dit

Hello! Hoe gaan dit? (pronounced ‘Ooh hond it… that means ‘how are you’ in Afrikaans) J ‘Goed’ (said ‘hood’ like you might be clearing your throat) means good, and thats what I hope you are! Another week was successfully completed, and I am excited for some rest this weekend. This week was interesting, as my days were filled with a variety of things, and it is still difficult to grasp what my weekly routine will look like. There is a Doctor (John) and a Nurse (Margaret) who will be plugging Alli and I into the hospital here in Rehoboth, but John is on leave until October 1st, and Margaret is in Windhoek for a conference until October 3rd, so I will not be jumping into that scene until then. In the mean time, we have made a few home visits to patients with TB, HIV, and paralysis. These have been interesting, as I am quickly realizing not as many older people speak English as I had been anticipating. Another issue that I foresee remaining an obstacle throughout my time here is the lack of information about people’s medical status that is available. 2 of the patients I visited were paralyzed (I assume), but no one knows why, or what their prognosis is, which makes it difficult to plan care appropriately. I guess this is what all that ‘critical thinking’ in nursing school was about ;) On Wednesdays I will be working at a ‘soup kitchen’ (involving a small tent, a large pot, and an open field) that the church in Rehoboth sponsors. It was a sobering experience for sure, to see the reality of children and adults alike in this town who are willing to go to great lengths for a hot meal. There are 3 women who work together preparing the meal, and I will continue to work beside them on a weekly basis. Pray that language barriers would be broken so that this time would be spent effectively. The rest of my days have been spent somewhere unexpected: Lebensschule. Lebensschule is a center for children in Rehoboth who are handicapped or disabled. There are about 20 children who come on a daily basis who’s functional and cognitive abilities vary hugely, and they are such special children. My heart is easily captured by their smiles, laughs, and small hands in mine. Below are some pictures of the center and the kids. I’m praying I’ll be able to spend 1-2 days a week here loving on these kids who need attention and interaction desperately. Personally, I am doing better and feeling more adjusted each day. It has been one of the most difficult transitions I’ve ever experienced. For so many reasons, leaving home was something I grieved, and more than once I have felt that I do not have the faith or strength to continue on here, and then I am reminded that this is how faith is built: by stepping out, trusting the Lord, and being dependent on him alone to sustain me. Psalm 121 has been read many a time this past week, and God has allowed me to experience peace through faith in Jesus (Rom 5:1). Well, that’s about all for now. I’m thinking I’ll try to update this once a week, and it will probably be Saturdays :)
Much love Mackenzie
… enjoy a few pictures…




This is Omaanna. She walked over 30 minutes for a hot meal at the ‘soup kitchen’. She said next week she would curl her hair so that people in America could see there are beautiful women in Africa who are 98 years old!!

Here is a picture of some of the kids at Lebensschule. I want to introduce you to all of them individually, but I will do it over time J The little girl in Pink in the top left corner is Tamela, and a precious ray of sunshine!!

Clinton is about 4 and while I think he is developmentally appropriate cognitively, it is hard to get an accurate idea. Clinton is non-verbal because his tongue is fused to the bottom of his mouth. Watching him play is a blast!!

Rodney and I have become quick buddies, and I must admit, I'm quite partial to him :) I love how excited he gets when he is stimulated – this is the face he makes when I wiggle my fingers in front of his face!!

Lulu with her art project. Doing activities with these kids is so much fun because they haven’t had much exposure to it, and often I’m guessing don’t feel successful at much. To watch them beam after completing their pictures was priceless.

Well, thats all for now!

Picture Post!!

Hello All! I wish I had time to write a real update, but the internet is being wacky so for now I will leave you with a few pictures :) Hope you're well, and miss you all dearly!


Katatura, which is just outside of downtown Windhoek.
There are hills upon hills of houses and settlements like these.

This is my team outside the "Whitehouse" of Namibia. Also note that this is pretty much the only grass that exists here in the middle of the desert....

From L to R: Cathi, Alli, MollyBea, Amanda, Kristen, Me

Welcome to Rehoboth... home sweet home?!

One of the fun faces I live with, John Carl, who is 10.

Anbother adorable face I live with, Jemca, she is 5.

I hope to post a real update soon! Much love!

Words from Windhoek

Hello All! I hope this post finds you well and enjoying the beginnings of fall (its spring here!)! I’m sorry that I haven’t written something more substantial sooner… orientation and an overwhelming cultural transition have kept me from processing thoughts to an intelligible level ;)

Our week of orientation here in Windhoek has been nice. The format has been laid back, and has allowed us to spend time with our team, as well as with the 7 other people here orienting from the UK. We have gotten to hear personal stories and testimonies from Namibians, go through the process of HIV testing and counseling, spend an afternoon at an afterschool program.

The cultural differences here in Namibia are stark. The value Namibians put on “event” or relationships, is far greater than the value put on time. This means punctuality, productivity, and the things of such are put on the back burner. I think I’ll actually find it quite refreshing once I’m acclimated :)

Personally, I am doing okay. There are days when it is hard to know what to do with things I’ve seen or heard. Days when it would be easy to shut my mind off and try not to think about these things and situations I feel so unequipped and unprepared to face offering anything of worth. And then, the Lord reminds me of the hope I have in His glory, and by ministries of reconciliation through Christ, I can share that hope I have with people who have none.

Here are a few pics of things I've been up to - enjoy!


eating a dried worm.... i didn't even spit it out!



Aune and Jennifer, the girls I got to spend time with at the after school program


the children at their school before it let out

Much love to each of you and hope to write to you soon from Rehoboth!
Mackenzie

We're Here!

Well, after a long week of traveling, and an orientation in NY, we made it! 6 girls, 12 bags, 3 flights, and one final destination :) Thanks for all the prayers, they were definitely felt!!
We spent last night in Johannesburg, SA, and caught a plane this afternoon up to Windhoek, Namibia. We will be staying here for the next week to do some orientation with the Rineer family, who live here. They seem like a pretty incredible family, and I am excited to learn from them!
Hopefully I can post a longer one later, but for now, I'll leave you with a few pictures:


the plane as we were about to land in Windhoek...
yup, its just as it looks - the desert!



Here I am with all my luggage! :)
... and even better, it all made it!