“Favorite Things” Thursday

Family reading:

For the past year and a half, we have been so blessed by this special time together.

Let me tell you the details…

There are no specific nights set aside for this.  It happens about 2 nights per week.  We just see that there is some time available in the evening...where all our chores are done, kids in jammers(pj’s) and somewhat ready for bed, and Daddy is not off teaching somewhere.  We snuggle up and either Mama or Daddy reads one chapter.

The current books of choice are Missionary Stories published by YWAM and written by Janet and Geoff Benge,  shared with us by the precious Hoosier family.

 

(sorry I'm not sophisticated enough in my blogging to figure out how to remove the date from my picture before posting it)

  They are wonderfully written “biography” type books about some faithful servants of God who trusted Him fully and gave their lives to Him and for Him…for the glory of His name among “the nations”. 

They give our children a picture of what it means to “go and make disciples”, and trust that “He will be with you”.  We’ve seen it over and over again in each book how the Lord has raised up a faithful servant and shown him/her His faithfulness…what a faith builder for all of us!

We see in His word how often He shows His faithfulness to many who fail Him…ummm…hello Israelites…

This is just another reminder for us and our children that His faithfulness did not exist only in biblical times…but in the lives of those missionaries we read about…and we also can recount His faithfulness in our lives…over and over again. 

One of the most beautiful moments that just blessed my heart and continues to each time I recall it was when we were reading “George Muller”.  We were about halfway through the book and George was in a time of need…and our son said, “Oh no, now what is George gonna do?” then there was a pause….and he answered himself saying, “PRAY GEORGE…that’s what he always does…he must Pray!”  And if you know anything about George Muller…you know that’s exactly what he did and God was faithful, yet again. 

Maybe you have a busy schedule, maybe you are big TV watchers, maybe your kiddos don’t typically like to sit perfectly in one spot while you read aloud endless pages of a Grudem’s “Systematic Theology”….

Consider a night where you make intentional time to not “be busy”, to turn off the TV and to let the kiddos build with lego blocks in the floor quietly while you read a chapter aloud…give it a few chapters to get everyone really “into” the book and see where it goes…

I think you won’t regret it. 

We began when my babies where 4 and 8…AND....Family Reading is one of our "Favorite Things"!

Honestly.....I struggle posting.

I struggle posting blog posts…not for lack of writing them (most in my head)…but for these various reasons:

a.     It never reads the way I would say it out loud.

b.    What if anything I write were to sound prideful..which is the ABSOLUTE opposite of my desire and intentions?

c.    What if anything I write were misunderstood?

d.    What if what is written comes off unintentionally offensive?

e.    What if my heart doesn’t show through the words and the words don’t paint a clear picture?

WHAT IF???????  Well, I think the Lord has finally worked through these “what if’s”.  If I’m not going to write anything…why have a blog..if I have such great concern about those things listed above…I must give each of them to the Lord and allow Him to use this blog for His purposes.  I must pray that His grace would cover over each “concern” and just POST. 

My desire is to share God’s work here in Namibia.  To, hopefully, paint some word pictures of what it is like to live in this foreign context and walk with the Lord down this road.  To keep friends, family, etc…informed and included in God’s work here and God’s work in us.  To have a sweet record of periodic posts for my “MK’s” to read as they grow, by His grace.  And lastly, but again, most important…to point any who might read this to the One-True-Almighty God who, saved us by His grace, through faith in His son Jesus…and His work on the cross. Our Savior, who, in spite of Faults and Failures, sins and selfishness…Redeems. 

May He be exalted High….Here.

Lost in "Direct" Translation

There are many phrases used in English here that are just plain foreign sounding to us!  We finally figured out that there are FAR more English words than there are Afrikaans words.  This vast difference makes for some very interesting phrases because of their direct translation….so we thought we’d share a few with you.

“Make a turn”

Defined: to stop by your house, to go visit someone, to drop by or stop by.

Ex. “We should have coffee.  I will make a turn this afternoon.”

“Make Bread”

Defined: to put a substance between two pieces of sliced sandwich bread.  This substance could be butter, jelly, Marmite/Oxo/Bovril, tomato, chutney, cheese, etc…

          Ex. “Today I have to make bread for my kids, my husband and for me.”

“That side”

          Defined: anywhere else except where you currently are.  WHATT? 

          A few examples here would be:

a.     “Where are you staying in Tsumeb?” “That side.”

b.    “Where did you find such a good deal on potatoes?” “That side.”

c.    “Are you going that side, when your Visa expires?” “yep, yep I am!”

d.    “Where did the ball go when you kicked it?” “That side.”

e.    “Where are you from?”  “That side.”

AGAIN, ANYWHERE…..BUT WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW.  

“Pitched up”

          Defined: to show up, to arrive.

Ex. “100 people bought tickets to the benefit concert, but only 30 people pitched up.”

               “I was digging a deep hole today but my friend pitched up and dug too.”

 

“Du Du” yes…pronounced Doo-Doo—imagine our immature laughter right now!

          Defined: to go to bed or take a nap.

Ex.  “Are you ready to Du Du?” “Do you need to Du Du?”  “Does my wittle dolly wolly wanna Du Du?”  J

“Fall Pregnant”

Defined:  to conceive.

Ex. “We are hoping to fall pregnant in January.”

“I fell pregnant with my second child 2 months after the first one was born.”

The first time we heard this term used, Scott leaned over to me and said, “that sounds terribly dangerous…to FALL pregnant”…you may be a little off balance but you should really try NOT to fall pregnant!

“Stand Up”

Defined:  to rise from your bed with feet on the floor and walk into the restroom       and relieve yourself/empty your bladder or occasionally defined as “wake up”.

Ex.  “I had to stand up 3 times last night.”

“What time do you stand up in the morning?”

“I had to stand up for the baby to drink twice last night.”

(bonus word there: to drink=to nurse/breastfeed)

We hope you enjoyed these!

We Moved!

A little over 1 year ago, we arrived in Namibia with the clear direction from God for Scott to teach and train pastors & those who want to study the Word of God. 

1 year later, I’m so thankful to say that God has been more than faithful in confirming His direction, as Scott now has 6 different groups of ‘students of the Word’ to teach.

A little over 1 year ago, God made our path so wonderfully straight as He made a way for us to rent a furnished home from an American couple here.

1 year later, I’m also thankful to say that God continued with His very clear direction for us to move from that home.  He has shown us His faithfulness through friends here asking us to stay in their home for 2 weeks when we returned, instead of staying in a guesthouse while we looked for a different place to live. 

Let’s camp here for a moment:  Let me be sure you read this correctly..yes..Namibian friends, who we’ve only known for 10 months or so, were so completely gracious—they were in the process of purchasing a guesthouse here in Tsumeb (they are now the proud owners) and we asked the cost of staying there for a few weeks while we looked for a house to rent..they would hear nothing of the thought of us staying at the guesthouse…but opened their home to us for 2 weeks!  Y’all…2 weeks..you know the saying about, “fish and houseguests”?  We experienced such grace, love, mercy, hospitality, God-honoring/Christ exalting conversations—it was such a time of refreshment, humble receiving of their gracious gift of hospitality, and experiencing their servant hearts in very real ways.  We are humbled and thankful to have this brother and sister in our lives.

After that 2 weeks…God brought us to the home we are happily in right now!  We’ve been here now for 4 months and look forward to spending the next 5 1/2 months here serving the Lord!  We have met the neighbors on both sides of us and look so forward to seeing God grow those relationships for His glory.  We have a great yard with a climbing tree that the children can’t get enough of!  There are 2 pomegranate trees, 1 mango and 1 fig tree in the yard..blessings!  We hope to plant banana trees this week!  We are also growing spinach, which should be available for harvesting any time now!  All these things are sweet little gifts from the Lord and they bring many smiles to the faces and hearts of our family! 

The last gracious gift I want to share with you is the gift of community & just plain ‘ole goodness of God stuff!

As I mentioned earlier, the first home we rented, upon arriving in Namibia, was furnished…which allowed us to come here in 2 suitcases per person.  Moving to another home, an unfurnished home presented some challenges in my mind…

ummm..no furniture..then the wheels spun crazy—no plates, no cups, no silverware, no chairs, no BEDS…just a wooden couch and chair and desk that we purchased in Rundu from a traditional furniture maker last year! 

 Is this catching God by surprise? 

Is He thinking…What was I doing…moved them to a new house and no furniture/house wares…I forgot they only had 2 suitcases per person…

NO….NO…Absolutely NOT! 

Our great God had big plans to use His body and others to provide for our needs while we are here in this house..Humbled doesn’t even begin to say how we feel. 

In Namibia there is a term used, “Pitched up”.  In a sentence you might say, “we were awed and amazed at God’s work as different people “pitched up” with items to meet our needs.”  Everything from a kitchen clock, water kettle (absolute necessity here), wall art, spoons, forks, plates, coffee spoons (another necessity), laundry basket, Tupperware bowl, even a little pink razor scooter….Oh…bathmats…y’all this list could go on for days…

the gist is..

God provided through our local friends and acquaintances and we could not be more honored, thankful and humbled. 

A few huge additional blessings to also mention were a fridge/freezer, microwave, washing machine and even drapes/curtains for every single room that were shared with us!  Again, from the largest to the smallest detail..our God provides! 

Please rejoice with us and praise the Lord for His plans, purposes, and provision through His means alone!  We praise His name!

Language Lessons

A question we are frequently asked is, “what is the language spoken in Namibia?” 

The answer is multi-layered and goes something like this:

The “national language” of Namibia is English. 

Up until 1996 it was Afrikaans, a language only spoken  primarily in the countries of Namibia and South Africa.

Currently in 2012, there are approximately 28 tribal languages spoken, as well as Afrikaans and English and German. 

The “English” part of that last sentence is a great blessing to us because it made our transition here very simple….in the daily life/living realm. 

In the teaching realm...it’s a different story. 

Scott teaches in English, because that’s all he knows…but he teaches 6 different groups, in different areas of the country, with brothers and sisters from many different tribes. 

Thankfully, God has provided a different brother in each group, who speaks English and his own tribal language, and is able to translate for him in each bible teaching group.  I remain in awe of God’s grace—to keep a “train of thought” going while on “pause” for translation—whew...that takes some “absence of me, fullness of you”, “your words, not mine”, “Holy Spirit speaking” kind of grace!  And, God is faithful to give that to Scott—We praise Him for that!

In the “family, friendships, living out the gospel in our daily life” realm…well…kids are just plain smarty pants!  They pick up things so quickly and really enjoy different sounds and accents, etc…So, in mid-September of last year, we realized both children were REALLY picking up Afrikaans as we were “out and about”…which led Scott to do some research on language programs, and he found this:

http://eurotalk.com

After the children…and I, by default, learned the introductory program quickly, we ordered the full program.

I am so happy to say (we), really THEY are shocking the pants off our Afrikaans speaking friends and acquaintances with their ability to speak phrases, and understand what is spoken to them. 

AND…there is A LOT of “R” rolling, and guttural “g” sounds that go along with this language…and these two Southern U.S. born and bred babies…are rockin’ some “R” rolling and “G” stuff!  We are so proud of them…and are hoping maybe they can teach their parents to do those tricks too!

So, for now I leave you with a big ol’ Lekker Slaap and Goeie Naand from Tsumeb!!!

Update: In a song...or a word?

“Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton….old times there are not forgotten, Look away, Look away, Look away, DIXIE LAND….”

Was it Ally McBeal who had a theme song in her head for EVERYTHING? 

I think that’s me..a song comes to mind in almost every situation/circumstance/mood/Blog post…there’s a song there, always, a song. 

“Coming to America” (Neil Diamond)..mmmmm…my favorite….

Oh yea..write a blog post..write a blog post…focus..

We had our first visit back to the family and faith family that God has graciously given us, in the good ol’ U..S…of A!!!!  (I would write home, but our home is in Heaven, right?)

So, we were here in Namibia for, just shy of 8 months, then returned home for 2 months.  Thus far, God has provided for us to return “home” once a year.  Due to airline ticket scheduling, ending of public school for one child last year, etc….the best timeline for us, right now, is…April-January in Namibia, and Feb-March in America…now…we are on that desired schedule for this year.  After that, we’ll see how the Lord leads.

Now on to the good stuff!

First, I still have to remind myself of the ages of my children…many people travel with children across the world at early ages.  My Swedish friend and her family begin traveling to Sweden when those sweet babies are….babies.  They have grown up traveling, it’s normal for them. 

Apparently, mine think it’s normal for them too.  Let’s see…we took a 3 year old to India for a month, AND came to Namibia when she was 4.

I forget that sometimes.

I am in awe…they both know where to go, what to do, when to pick up the pace, and when to wait patiently through the airports…they sleep when they can sleep and are mesmerized by the television options in the headrest in front of them for the rest of the time.  Does God give GREAT grace?  Yes!

The route we took to return home consisted of 2 days of travel: 

6 hour car/truck ride from Tsumeb to Windhoek—where the airport is.

2 hour flight to South Africa

5 hour layover

10 hour flight to Holland

4 hour layover

11 hour flight to Memphis (ahhhh….Tennessee)

2 hour layover

1 hour flight to B’ham!!!!

AND….we were met by the most wonderful group of friends and family—Wearing shirts that said, “Welcome Home Johnsons” in Orange & the shirts were White!  Some of my favorite people wearing my favorite colors on a shirt…it was a precious reunion…physically and in our hearts!  Our cups overflowed!

The 2 months following consisted of:

Amazing time with our family

Amazing time with our Brook Hills faith family & Small group

Humble opportunities to speak and share about God’s work here in Namibia

Doctor appointments

Unexpected Surgery to remove a cyst & ovary for Tori (outpatient)

--Seriously..those 4-5 lines can’t begin to describe the time..but they are the giant overview words I can use in this quick post for an update.  That time was loaded with so much emotionally, spiritually, physically….it really may have to be described in many other posts at a later date.

But in another word…

Thankful. 

That’s the GIANT, one word, to describe our hearts as we boarded the plane back towards South Africa.

Our hearts were full, yet again.  How we LOVE those God richly blesses our lives with..and how precious the time is with them.

The return trip was a result of our God who knows all before it even happens.  I was 1 ½ weeks “post-op” and our travel back which is usually a 3 day trip was different:

Birmingham to Atlanta (20 mins.)

Atlanta to JoBurg (16 hours)

Overnight in JoBurg

Joburg to Windhoek (2 hours)

Drive from Windhoek to Tsumeb  (6 hours)

The direct flight from Atlanta to South Africa cut out almost a day of travel.  Blessing!

God graciously gave Scott wisdom to have wheelchairs waiting at the gates so I had less walking to do…another Blessing!!!  Travel was wonderful and I am recovering wonderfully as well! 

It’s been 5 ½ weeks now and I am feeling great.  We continue to thank and praise God for giving such wisdom to my doc…and for His sovereign work in it all!

Scott is back in his full teaching schedule and God’s grace and provision continue to keep us humbled on our knees.  He is worthy of all praise!

We took our 2 months home as “Summer break” from schooling.  It just made NO sense to haul back to the states the books/materials/curricula that we took over, only to haul it back again, PLUS, next years books—etc!

Oh and…that was not a battle worth fighting..hmmm..play with grandparents or do school “table work”?…Grandparents win, EVERY TIME!

So..we are back in the thick of homeschooling again and God’s grace and provision are ever-present there as well.  The children are doing great and we really are all enjoying almost every moment of it! 

We thank the Lord for another year to meet Him right where He’s working…and that He’d allow us to be a part of His work here. 

Thankful. 

Humbled. 

Hearts filled with Love. 

Ok...we all knew it'd be more than "a" word, right?