Sunday, March 09, 2008

Late...again

Hi Friends,

Happy March! My apologies for the late-ness of a real blog. Africa and the internet are 2 words that don’t go well together. While most of you are weary of winter, summer is in full swing here in sunny South Africa – yep, it’s hot!

To start things off I spent my first night (Valentines Day) in a hotel room by the airport in Johannesburg waiting to catch my connection to White River. Fun times!....Uh,not really…but enough complaining.

I’m glad to be back in Africa! It’s always an incredible privilege to be here and be a part of God’s interaction with this continent. I have a lot of expectation & a sense of responsibility in my heart in regard to what we're doing here. There seems to be good feeling of momentum coming into this next season as a group of friends trying to follow God. (Albeit, we’re friends who have their names together on legal documents.)

The other day I had the privilege of visiting a home for children found abandoned or left at hospitals. (you read that right) It seems unthinkable! Calling it a horrible scenario would be an understatement.
When I walked thru the door it didn’t think there would be enough to do. Things looked pretty well sorted actually. (There’s my “get-it-done” attitude). As we played, changed diapers, served lunch, and made make-shift top hats I realized how important this was.
Most people think, “What difference will holding a baby for a few hours make?” But when you’ve literally been found in a trash bag on the side of a mountain then it makes all the difference in the world. Perspective changes everything.

The more time I spend on this continent the more I feel that we are onto something bigger than I can really comprehend. The only thing I can come up with is nation building. A continent with 38 million orphans is like starting all over again. Unless you’ve been here, it’s hard to really understand this part. (That’s your invitation to come visit).

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for all of your incredible generosity and friendship. You guys keep me “in the game”. I hope you know I wouldn’t want to do this without all you routing for me.

Your Friend,
Dave

(Sorry, No pictures this time. Picture taking is a sensitive matter sometimes)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Dave!!!
Wow it sounds so amazing there! Thank you for the reminder that it's in relationship that we are changed and people around us are changed. You'll probably never know what it meant to that little baby to be held by you, and that little baby will never know what it meant to you to hold him or her...God is so mysterious! I can't wait to hear of all you adventures...Slate and I are really looking forward to having breakfast with you when you get back:) When do you get back? You are missed here Dave Henry!
lots of love
Rachel

Unknown said...

Hey Dave

We love you and are praying for you. Thanks for the wonderful update.

D and K Waxler