Early in the tour we went to the "Heroes Acre" on a hill outside of Windhoek where many of the heroes from the struggle for independence are buried. Of course, in spite of the respect we had for those being honored there, we quickly surrendered any personal respect for ourselves... :-)
(that's a real sign. We didn't see baboons that day, but we had our eyes out for them)After our time at the memorial, we drove over to an area nearby known as Katutura. Katutura plays a role in the history of Namibia because it's an area that all the blacks in the Windhoek area were relocated to in order to keep them separate from the whites. Though the fact that the name "Katutura" has a meaning is nothing special, since most towns have names of significance here. The actual meaning, though, speaks volumes about how the black Namibians felt about where they were forced to live. The name means "not my home" or literally translated means "we do not have a home". After hearing about their struggles I found myself actually feeling some of the hopelessness in my heart that was associated with that name.
Here are some sobering pictures from Katutura and an area nearby Katutura that I took during our tour that I think speak for themselves...
We are continuing to learn quite a bit about Namibia. Please pray for us - that we would have or develop the sensitivity and understanding that is needed to minister and work with a people that have current or recent experiences with tragedy and trauma. Please also pray that God will lift these people from their despair and redeem their lives in a genuine way.
7 comments:
Wow! Those baboons didn't look tame; no one got bitten, did they?
~Brianna
Thanks for the brief introduction to Namibia history. Reading up on the material from the memorial site is sobering. God is good and he has a plan for the people of Namibia! I am excited for you guys and how you will be a part of that plan in the future that is now in front of you.
We miss you guys! It was a little strange seeing Steve this week without the rest of you. We will continue our prayers for each of you and wish you comfort and consolation for your loss in Steve's Dad. It will be a glorious reunion when you see him again!!
Warmest regards,
Ron & Robin
stay away from the hippos. i understand they account for more deaths than most other animals combined. since i am an expert of african countries & knowing what i know of namibia, i know it's full of rainforests and swamps and lots of water so hippos are a danger, right?LOL
David - yeah, dude, we actually have two pet Hippos that we keep around in lieu of a watch dog. Much scarier, don't you think?
ah yes. it's good to see ya'll are actually reading this stuff !!!
blessings, ya'll.
david and virginie
hi da silva's.
I had always heard about hippos being dangerous, but after some surfing, I've changed my mind.
Today's African trivia:
"I thought that the most dangerous animal in Africa (for humans) was the hippopotamus. The hippo kills more people than all other game animals combined. They are fiercely aggressive towards anyone who accidentally gets between them and their water source or comes close to their young ones. But I now stand corrected. The hippo doesn’t even come close to ferocity and deadly threat of the . . . mosquito. Yesirree, the tiny anopheles mosquito with his deadly malarial spit kills millions of people each year. The hippo can’t even claim thousands."
thegarbers.northlandchurch.net/2007/05/index.html
Hey Steve and Karrie-
How are things going? Where are you all now? In Arandis yet? We have continued to pray for you and have been checking here for updates. We'd love to know how the van is working out! So sorry to hear about Steve's dad. We pray that God is comforting you and healing your hearts! We'll look forward to hearing something when you have a chance:)
Love and Blessings,
The Holsinger Gang
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