Thursday, November 10, 2005

Sorry for the Silence

Hey I'm sorry but I've been neglecting this blog and I guess it needs a bit of fresh input. Just to explain a little - life has been pretty busy lately. Bex did a presentation at her home church last Sunday and all being well I will put a link here shortly so that everyone can see some of the photographs that Bex brought back with her. I have also been busy editing four video tapes into some sort of order so that we will have some video of Drum's adventures in Namibia. Keep checking the blog and hopefully I'll fit this in in te next few days. Flash

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Da Scorpion of Absolute Doom!!!


Thought you'd all like to see this fabled scorpion which seems to have grabbed the headlines.



Looks a pussy cat to me!! Flash

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

The wanderer returns........

Hey hey party people im HOME!!! Cant wait to cya all!!! Thanks for all the texts ya guys have sent me today! been kool. Arrived back at a sparky 5.45 am this mornin - poor flash and madge had to come pick me up! haha dont think they minded too much tho - they rock. Tis so strange being home - had to enrol in Uni as soon as i got back, tis crazy.
As forecasted im really pretty sad and it was bad saying goodbye yesterday. Me and George managed to pursuade John to let me have my de-breifing at the ark so i could stay there for the whole time and so that George n Anna Marie could take me to the airport. The two volunteers came too and three of the girls from the ark. Yeh was very emotional - yea we had ugly crying 2 - it was not pretty.I had my sunglasses on nearly the whole time.
George made me laugh - with ikle tears in his eyes he explained that he tries not to get attatched to volunteers because they have to leave sometime, but then he said i just crept up on him and now he couldnt believe i was going (yes Gar i thawt ud like that - the creepster at work again) and then he told me off for not staying longer. They are so sweet. The three girls (i spent alot of time with them because they used to like driving wit me in the nights for the bread run) are all having a day off skool 2day - it was awful to see them so upset, but the other two volunteers promised to look after em so it was kool. I love them guys so much, it really broke my heart to leave. It went so fast its untroo. Planning my next trip baby for next year....Godwilling.
There's a new volunteer from nuwcasle man! she's class - we had a good laugh before we left.
Aye, it was quite funny tho because i finally managed to control myself (i was thinkin bout seeing u guys n my drums) and i got on the plane, but then as they were doing the safety talk i was reading the letters the gals wrote me for me, and i started crying again. This poor german bird next to me started to assure me that planes these days are perfectly safe and that u have more chance of being hit by a bus.....i couldnt even explain that i werent scared of flying - bless her. I felt like a right tool then for like the whole of the flight she kept checking i was ok - u no i hate crying in front o people. As we came into land she kept looking at me so i made a sharp exit to my baggage claim. Was a good flight tho - there was a baby in the row next to me screaming for most of the flight - i was kool coz i had my ear plugs but by the end of the flight i was a bit worried for the poor kid coz he had about 20 people looking at him as if they were gonna chuck him out the window.....just thinkin about sherms as she gets on the plane wit baby ben - word of advice babe if u get split up send the lil treasure wit neil!! Talkin about babies - ikle baby deinol i look forward to seeing ya very soon!!! MWAH.

Aye so theres lots more to tell about the trip and im sure il be boring ya wit my tales before long - at least now when im 80 years old (playing drums in the reformed church for rocking grannies) il be able to say - remember the time i went to namibia.....Ayyyye. Haha.

Awsum just wanna say thanks to y'all who have supported me on this trip in all ways. I no the prayers made all the difference to the trip and God was completely amazing - he absolutely astounds me. Dg. Yeh thanks for following the blogs sorry i didnt get the chance to put more on,but it was tricky. Ur constant support in this trip (and anyways), gives me so much strength and i just wanna thank you for sharing this trip with me. Means alot2 me. U r awsum guys. (ps Kenzinton da drum shaped hole sounds kool)

Flash (aaaahhhhh) and Madge....... u guys are two of the most amazing guys i no, and the best parents. I thank you for all you have done and for the example u have set before me. U help me more than you know and i Love you so much.

Finally my Lord, there are not enough words to tell of the greatness of you. Ur constant mercy, grace and love blows me away. I love you with all my heart. I thank you for all you have done for me, with me and in me. All things to your glory - all i ask is that you take all of me. In Jesus awsum name - Amen.

Chearsah

Love you all so much - and cant wait to see you.

Mwah x all of ya's.

Drums is Home

Tired and an hour later than scheduled, Air Namibia flight Drums 1 landed at Gatwick this a.m. We thank God for her safe return and I'm sure that when she has recovered she will post some news. Thanks to everyone that's prayed, commented, texted, supported and been interested over this past month. An especial thank you from us, Flash and Madge, to everyone.

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Da Afrikaan Drums is a-comin' home

Hi all you commenters out there. Bex apologises that she hasn't been able to post much this last week. She's been kept pretty busy and getting online ain't that easy. Anyway, I spoke to her briefly this afternoon and she's making her way to the airport with most of the Ark in the car with her by the sound of it. I guess it's gonna be pretty hard to say goodbye to them all. I know she's been able to accomplish quite a lot especially the last two weeks but I'm sure she'll share that with you all in time. Sian and I are heading off to Gatwick at some unearthly hour to pick her up and we will should be back tomorrow mid morning. Keep looking at the blog because asap I'll get her to update it and also put up some links to photos etc. as they become available - can't wait to see the suicidal baboon, the humungous scorpion and the spider of dooooooom! (if she hung around to snap it!) I'm sure she'll be in touch with all her friends pretty soon. Keep watching this space. Flash (..........aaahh!) D.U.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

The Afrikaaan drum replaced by the Piano……..Can it be???

The Afrikaaan drum replaced by the Piano……..Can it be???
Well it God does say with him ALL things are possible haha. I guess I have 6 days to find some rhythm, - again ALL things being possible. Ayyee. Soz its been so long to get this bad boy across, between my phone and the internet I think it wood be quiker 2 contact yas in morse code!!!! Tis all good tho. Thanks for the awsumness of ya texts and ur comments they’ve really helped me lots during my time here. Im real blessed wit u guys. – N thanks flash for keeping da updates on the blog going …..oh yeh and for defending the universe!!! N madge thanks for being u!! Ur amazing. Mwah.

Well it wont be long till I will be wit ya’ll annoying ya with my tappin n stuff, I cant wait to c u all!!! Missed ya loads n loads …. But to be honest tho I could stay here for another month, im gonna be so sad to leave. Sorry anita but heartbroken is looking likely. We are all banned from talking bout me leaving here. Looking forward to nice showers everyday tho – the bucket and kettle method is getting a bit wearing now!!

Rite en time for creepy update, and mantrap (AKA billion dollar bum) - as “sandra’ Kemmers and “Jimmy one beat” Jlo have left their names behind I demand that the creepiness stays here!!!! As ken says – IM NOT CREEPY!! Haha thanks ken.

Maybe that’s why I like it here – Im the least creepy thing here!!! Its so buggy here its untroo.
In case ur wondering im still wearing the scorpio boots – didn’t quite wear them to bed hehe but they are on from 3pm in the avo until I go to bed – I don’t take em off till im under my mossie net and then drop em out the side. Yuk. The wind has picked up here and the locals take great delight in informing me that the scopions and snakes love the wind – and sadly for me – (Indiana drums wit the boots of doom)- its TROO!!! There was a great drama last nite as there was a highly poisionous scorpio outside the front door of the main house – (they move so fast 2) all we had was a mop – oh yeh and my boots but there was no way those baby’s were comin off!! Thankfully it was on the munch so Daryll (Father Teresa’s youngest son) bravely took the mop and took a swing. He completely missed and the scorpion ran (or scuttled???) to the front door. It was soo funny the whole house screamed and emptied - I was laughing so much ----from the other side of the ark that is. My laughter stopped as inches from my head was a poisonous spider!!! Yuk yuk yuk. The gal who was with me didn’t no much English so she was pointing at my head saying something about a hospital and I was like ‘whats wrong with my hair?’’ Then another one of the gals did a quik flip chop with her filip fulop and explained that if it had bit me I wood have been in hospital ….ahhh that’s what she meant!!! Hoo ya. I do ave photos of the scorps so u can all c. But thank God ive still been able to sleep at night and yeh there’s been no major buggage in my room as of yet so that’s mucho something to be thankful for. Im also pleased to say that the guys here are just as freaked out about the scorpions as me – even tho they chase me round with leaves pretending they have bugs – kids can be so mean!!!!

How are the houses goin sherms and kems?? Ope all is good been praying for ya both – and for Bethel every sun!!! glad to hear its goin well!. And ikle Izzy and Ben I heard u had a nice time swimming!!! Sounded lush!! Laurel thank you much for ya text was really awsum – and it came at a good time, my phone is pretty much wrecked so my texts are now unreadable!!! Poochy u no how much ya mean to me bud, thanks you too. Mr Davies is all good wit u??? – Arbeit macht frei! Will be kool 2 cya’s all again – feels like ages!! Tim that trip sounds awsum!!! cant wait to hear about it when I get home. Thanks for ya text ai ai ai it was koolio.

Since the delivery of cows last week – we have had beef for dinner EVERY day, for some strange reason tho I cant bring myself to eat it….. all the gals like eating with me coz they always get my meat. A maccie d cheeseburger will sort me out im sure….mmmm. Gotta burn off my nutella thighs first tho!!

On a much nicer note - Gods been awsum here, ive had a lot of time to get along side some of the aunties this week and things are defo changing guys so keep at it!!! Yeh one thing God has tawt me here is that he cares about the little things. He has done so much here but it’s the little details and perfections that just blow me away. In Psalm 37 vs 23 it says “ If the lord delights in a mans way, he makes his steps firm” – steps are little things and its fab when God comes throo with the jungle massive things, but aint it class that he is involved with the little steps and the little things in our lives too??? it’s a different grade. I always thank God for all he has done for me – but I often wonder how much other unseen stuff has gone on that I don’t even know about!!! What he has saved me from, or what he has stopped happening and made happen….just a flanders thawt before I leave u guys – opefully I will have time for one more bloggorooni before I come home!!! Thanks guys for just being there in this trip and for all your support – prayer and otherwise. Love ya guys so much ave a good week my ikle sugarlumps!!!!!! Mwah x1 for everyone reading
Love - ‘The soon to be Extinct Afrikaan Drums!!!’
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sunday, September 18, 2005

News Flash Sunday 18th

Hey commenters of doom! Quick news update since the Afrikaan drums is finding it pretty difficult to get online. However, she gets all the comments and they are a great source of amusement, strength and general amazement. The latter adjective is mine because Bex-speak and Kemmers-speak must be some new kinda language altogether!! In a thousand years time someone will read their comments to this blog and think they've discovered a new earth civilisation - or the Martians finally landed - or there's been another Tower of Babel incident!
Anyway, the trip to the lake and Bag End was "awsum". They had the bubble-gum fest of doom (see Bex for explanation!), not a lot of sleep but Bex did say that the sunrise on Saturday morning was one of the sights of her life (lots of "awsums" in the description). Yesterday afternoon she took the girls on the speedboat trip of doom and a swim. When she sent me a text last night I think she was having difficulty keeping her eyes open. I think she hope to take George and Anna Marie on a visit to the game reserve before she returns.
All is now well with the truck - new tyres, exhaust etc. so the care and compassion runs next week are back on schedule. Nutella stocks have been replenished - crisis over!
Time is now going fast. She will be at Rehoboth for this week and next weekshe spends two nights at Okahadja before flying home on the Tuesday. I know she's going to find it tough to say goodbye in spite of all the bugs and problems, so your continued prayers are appreciated. The way things came together over the weekend are real answers to prayer. She hopes to post at least once before she comes back. Bless you all. Flash (.........aaaaahh) D.U.

Friday, September 16, 2005

New Flash 16th Sept

Hi everyone. Been in touch with Bex a number of times this week and thought I'd give you all an update since Bex is unlikely to be able to post directly.
Bit disappointing that we couldn't fix up a hire car forBex to go off to Keetmanshoop this weekend but instead, Bex and six of the older girls from the Ark are off for an overnight stay at the Oanob Lake area where Bex got a special deal on "the chalet of doom". There's a picture at the following link
Looks like an above ground hobbit - dwelling to me!! Also lots more info here including a picture gallery etc.
They're having a barbie and a movie fest tonight and tomorrow going on an organised safari and a boat trip so it sounds really good.

She's off to Windhoek with George later today to stock up on the Nutella and goodies for the trip plus getting the tyres for the truck. I got a text from her last night to say that she'd spotted her first scorpion and the guys at the Ark had killed a very poisonous snake. She was sleeping with her boots on!

The time seems to be flying by now. This coming week will be her last week at Rehoboth because I think she's due to spend two days at Okahandja before flying back a week Tuesday night. We just pray that this last week will be extra special for her.
She will be in touch tomorrow night so I'll post again with further news.
Many thanks again to all you lovely people out there who have been supporting her by texting her and praying for her. (Prayer is not a last resort, it's the most wonderful gift of God's grace and the most powerful. Isn't it amazing how it connects people thousands of miles apart to the same limitless resource in the same wonderful Saviour. What a privilege!) Flash (...........aaahh) D.U.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Pop goes the afrikaan drums!!!!

Hey guys soz its been so long your comments rock!! really am appreciating them!!!! has been a trying few days but God has been an absolute different grade (as always) and is helping us out BIG style!!! Haha, love the idea of bible of doom!!!!At this point tho, before my fame gets too large i have to give the credit to fluffy phil and some of the other crazys that made up some of those words!!! hehe. Big up guys!!!! kenzie i cant wait to c ur hair - where are you going on hols?? i miss the old cowbridge coffee lunches sniff!!!! The nutella situation is dire.....ive run out!!! Nitemare - (and ive put on a few pounds for mass consumption of nutella and coco pops!!!!)ooops!!

Yeh so we got to go out for care and commpassion yesterday and got to pray a lot with the guys it was awsum - but it took a lot to get there....

In 2days both of the back tyres of the vehicles popped, one with a slow puncture (which meant visiting the petrol station every time we went out) and when we finally got that fixed the other tyre just went bang!!!! i was driving it when it went bang - couldnt believe it. So at 10pm in the pitch black me n the namibian (and male) version of mother teresa (george) had to put the spare tyre on!! was quite a mission - bet it looked well funny to watch we both had to laugh. That was yesterday, and today after taking the kids to the hospital (to visit one of their pals) i arrived home to find the spare tyre was also burst. Aaahhhh!! couldnt believe it! so the situation stands George managed to get a good deal from one of the garages for two tyres so they are being delivered this avo!! Me n George and anna marie are gonna have a much needed prayer session this avo 2. But God is good. lots of kool stuff has happened today also, as Flash (…..aaaahhhh) reminded me last nite its easy to focus on the nagative and miss the awsumness of what God is doing!! Aint seen anymore baby goatlets (kids are they nita??) but also i feel that is something to be thankful for because it was actually rather gross. Funny u should mention beef Mr kidby as in the last 3 days the ark has had 2 whole cows delivered (dead). i was in my room and i heard George shout "beaky i need youur heylp" (Namibian accent) so out i went to be greeted by this big dead cow (who I’m sure was winking at me!!!!). Then George handed me the knife and i tell you ....there was no chance. So off i went while they all laughed and proceeded to do the deed like. YUK YUK YUK. Maybe it might cure my love for maccy d's - ya never no!!!

No dribbling goin on there scoobs!!! ('',). Big up the scots and weebles!!! haha. Oh yeh and i hope andrew u make a good and proper recovery haha. Well funny. Im gonna try get some of those biscuits 2 to bring home and prepare for the sugar rush of doooooooom with da tablet stuff!! Yum. Hey all u asda guys am missin ya much!!

So yeh guys there is just a few things that have been going down here. It was awsum to meet with the guys out in the blocks of Rehoboth and it was good to pray with them, a lot of them really appreciated it. I got to have a tour round the aids clinics and hospital here, that was very encouraging to c whats going on here.

I heard the concert went well tooo....Sandra and sargent sherms - i heard your solo was amazin!!!Was gutted i couldnt be there. Cant wait to c ya army top too Sherms haha bet it looks fab on ya's!! Neil will come around........ .

Thanks also for all the laughs and the serious in the comments it really really helps me and its great to know i got ur prayers back home coz some times God reminds me of how important they are to this trip. He is moving amazingly over the aunties and is really stirring them up. They have devotionals now everyday...and just they way they are worshipping and talking you can tell there is a big difference. YEY!!! The kids are really sweet too, but yeh 24/7 man - thats a test in itself!!! Missin ya all loads, thanks too flash and madge, aunty anne and uncle tony, and uncle john who have given me some money to enable me to hire a car and go down to Keetmanshoop to check out the ark and some of the kool touristy sites round there!! tis much much much appreciated will be a lush break!! Madge thanks for your comments oooh u do make me chuckle hahaha!!! I love that poem thing it really helped me yesterday when i read it - twas what i needed to read, and yeh d&a your comments too really build me up...!!thanks y'all. Haha this is beginning to sound like an oscar speech!!! I'd like to thank my dog......! haha watty glad u and julie made it!! missin ya too bud!!! U no i only came here to get out of doing TNT rite??hehe. And baby deinol and my darlings hu and beth. U guys rock am praying for ya loads - beth thanks for the text this morning ...was special chik. Cant wait to c ya's and ikle da ikle guy!!! .....cood really do with some strawbs rite now strawbs!!! yummm. How was the honeymoon!!!? Ope it was all good. For all those textin me i fell on my phone yesterday and my number 4 key is out of action so just to let ya no u have to fill in the blanks if i get to text ya!!! tis way stressful. Rite then this bad boy is long enough...love ya all , missin ya all sooooooooooo much, feels like a lifetime but all is good, - GOD is GOOD!!!!! Yea will come back online as soon as i can - may be a little while!!! Rave safe guys!!am prayin for ya- LOVES U xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Monday, September 12, 2005

News Flash 12 Sep

Hi bloogers of doom! I resisted posting over the weekend so that Bex's post would be seen by all. We've been in touch with Bex over the weekend and this is a brief summary of latest happenings until Bex gets to the local intenet cafe. First the comments have been great and they are such a source of strength and inspiration to Bex. Thanks to the Scots input from Scoobie - Bex was so impressed. Hywel has a lot to answer for in suggesting a Bex-speak version of the Bible - that has the makings of a thread that will roll on (DnA) and it greatly amused Bex. Thank you everyone that's commented.
Friday-the water finally got switched on for the garden at the Ark so Bex was dead chuffed at being there at the switch-on. She has been helping in the garden (!). Also Friday night the Ark received the gift of a whole dead cow - left draped over the fence. Bex was invited to help with the skinning but for some reason declined. The word "minging" has now officially entered the Afrikaans language! George apparently offered Bex the opportunity to eat one of the bits considered a bit of a local delicacy - one of the cow's feet - but she graciously (?) declined. Bex is seriously reconsidering her lifelong patronage of McD's after this episode. As you can imagine, no part of the cow was entirely wasted and some of the girls had cooked and were very willing to share some of the bits that are not commonly eaten here. This led to the word "hanging" being introduced to Afrikaans. Nutella and Coco Pops have never been so attractive!
Saturday, she had a chillout day at the Ark and spent some time talking to some of the older girls, accompanying one of them to visit her grandmother who is blind. These girls have some pretty tragic backgrounds and Bex needs our prayers in this area.
Sunday she went to church (a church with drums!). Although the service was in Afrikaans she enjoyed it. Spent the afternoon playing with the children in the Ark and when we had a txt or two last night she sounded tired but very happy.
One thing occurs to me. If Bex-speak is tricky now, just wait until the Afrikaans version gets home! We'll all need specialist interpreters!!!
Finally and importantly, can I ask you all to remember George and Anna Marie Dien the house parents and leaders at Rehoboth Ark. Bex says that they are truly wonderful people and a great inspiration. They live very much by faith, particularly with regard to the care and compassion ministry among the families of AIDS sufferers. In this regard, could we all especially pray for Bex and George as they go out to visit this week. If you haven't already done so can I recommend that you read the "News" section of the Christ's Hope International web site where there is a write-up about Rehoboth and George. Just click on this link to see it.
In particular read the section on the UK Director's visit to Namibia and also the section on Rehoboth - you'll see what a wonderful work George and Anna Marie are doing. Again, thanks to all you contributors and for all of your prayers. Keep 'em coming. Flash (.....aaaaah) D.U.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

The Afrikaan Drums beats again!!

Hey hey guys!!! haha im loving ya comments. So sorry its been like year since i wrote last - its so stressful trying to get here!!!! But i have a short tiime now so- the keyboard is well ropey so excuse the dodgy spelt letters. Tis all the dust!!!
Yuur comments have been amazing, bek, sherms and kemz it sounded like a rocking kerith!!!! Haha kems take a pic of that bruise for me teehee will be well entertaining for when i get back!! bless ya, was in Windhoek on the weekend and heard a bit o michelle branch - made me think o u miss. Was a proper coffee shop and everythin i was well landed - and i dont even like coffee. God was good to me on the weekend - gave me an awsum break.
Anita and Dave thanks for your funny comments i havent been accosted by any bugs yet which is awsum so yeh keep praying - and dave you should see my feet right now they is mingin - all dusty and all that jazz.
Aunty Anne thanks for your comments and your donation - absolutely amazing!!!!Tis very much appreciated. And Em i hope u really enjoyed the zoo. And Aunty Anne i am trying to say hope and light instead of doom hehe. Hu and Beth hope you are doin well!!! and little baby Deinol!! bet he has grown loads!!! Well guys realy all the awsum stuff uve left has really strengthened me, and im most proud of madge as she was quite computer illiterate when i left!!! round of applause!!!!Loves ya guys so much. Happy birthday too ikle sherms!!!And thanks for ya text Tom!!!Hey Lewis your comment rocked too!!! Thanks so much. Monica and mummy bek nice one too!!!! Everyone who made comments your amazing.
The main focus of the last couple of days has been the evergreen garden project and ive been making a short video of those things as well as getting materials together for the garden!!Emz left yeterday so quite sad, but its all good!!! God rocks!!! btw Scoobs if you are reading this i found some scottish biscuits in Windhoek saying 'eet sum moore' - well funny, coz the rest is in afrikaans.Will try and get some too bring home. Im feeling loads better by the way - started my new diet on Tuesday - its my safety diet of cocopops and nutella. Had to stock up in Windhoek coz they dont sell them where i am at so look out for a hefty drums when i get back!!! They cooked a sheeps head yesterday....euwwwww was so grosss!!!!! Em wanted to try it before she left PRAISE GOD FOR NUTELLAAA!!!! haha was rank. Also while making the video we arrived as 2 little (er dun no what ya call em goatlings???) being born!!! For the first few moments it was amazing ....new life and all the wonder yadaa yadda. then i realised it really wern't prettyl!!! all slime and poo n well ya no the scene!!! think some of it is on camera so haha i will grace ya with it when i get home.
Yeh tis amazing here getting into the swing off things here just wish i could come online more. Yeh and keep praying for the aunties. Im off on the weekend to buy some bibles in their native languages so i can type them up as handouts!!! Quite exciting. Haha and kems i nu ud like joyce!!!! Her teaching is amazing, once ya get past the lipstick ov doooom and the rather scary laugh then ul learn lots!!! Nice one keys glad to c u kept the joyce club goin in my absence!!!! Yeh but keep praying for the aunties here tis quite an oppressed place and it is sometimes quite hard, but in everything God has provided beyond what i could have asked for!!! He rocks, so yeh am praying for y'all wish i could stay more, thanks for your text davies!! loves u. Keep it real people and i will come back as quick as i can!!!! If u do have time keep doing the comments coz i love hearing whats going on back home. Cant wait till i c ya'll again. Stay classy now!!! (nice one pooch) mwah, and keep the prayers up coz thats the most important thing. Must shoot now ..............
All my love drums
xxxxxx

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Short News Flash Wed 7th Sep

Hi to everyone and a big "Hey Hey" from Bex. Had a long chat to her yesterday evening. She returned to the Ark at Rehoboth yesterday having had a brilliant weekend at Okahandje stopping off in Windhoek for some essential retail therapy. She's obviously having difficulty getting online at the moment in order to post to the blog, but can read it and is really delighted with the interest and the comments. I asked her about the barby planned for Emily but change of plan - they are going to honour her with the greatest delicacy in Namibia - a sheep's head. Needless to say, our brave gourmet daughter has equipped herself with a large jar of Nutella and bread and is not planning to go eye to eye with any old sheep! She is now back to full fitness and feeling fine. Some facts and figures. There are 32 orphans at the Ark ranging in age from 6months to 16 - most are younger. Most stay there, but some come on a daily basis. There are a number of Namibian "aunties" who look after the children. The Ark organises a food run around the local villages for families affected by AIDS. Bex has been driving the truck around this run, and this coming week, George (the guy in charge at the Ark) and Bex intend to spend some time at each stop praying with these families. This has been something that Bex really feels important so I know you will support her in prayer. Bex has been highly amused by a nightly soap which is very popular in Namibia. She thinks it was probably made originally in Spanish but (badly) overdubbed for Namibia - anyone who has seen Victoria Wood's "Acorn Antiques" take-off of Crossroads would apparently love this! Bex is hooked - Neighbours etc. will never be the same! Talking to her yesterday I realised that she is now fully happy to be there. I guess last week was quite a rollercoaster and after a wonderful weekend I think she had mixed emotions heading back for Rehoboth. But having got there, she was filled with a sense of the rightness of her being there and is looking forward to all that is to come. She's been taking an interest in the garden (!faint, swoon!) and I think she is really getting on well with everyone. I had a text from her this morning confirming the the internet is bust at the Ark, but she will get online eventually. This afternoon she is driving Emily to Windhoek airport. Bex is so thankful that the Lord provided such a caring companion for her first week. I know they plan to meet up back in the UK - so you might get to meet her eventually! In the meantime, I know that I'm a poor substitute for the incomparable Afrikaan Drums but I'll keep posting the news summaries. Keep the comments up - they really help her. Flash (....aah!)

Monday, September 05, 2005

Short Update Flash

Hi happy bloggers of doom (as Bex would say). We have been in touch with Bex a number of times over the wekend and she wants me to pass on the fact that she's simply dying to get online and give a first hand update, but will have to wait until tomorrow (Tue) night to get online. So I won't steal her thunder and just sketch out what she's been up to the past days. If I get this wrong I know she'll correct me. She has been out with the care and compassion team driving the truck and taking out food etc. She wasn't too well with what turned out to be a tummy bug (about the only bug to survive getting near her) on Friday night and Saturday but had recovered enough by Saturday night to go on a trip to a lake and eat some chips. Sunday she travelled up to Okahandje with George and Emily and folk from the Ark where they had a day of ministry, prayer and fasting which ended this afternoon with a communion service. She is staying in Okandje tonight and going into Windhoek, the capital with Emily tomorrow before returning to Rehoboth for a farewell barby for Emily who leaves Wed. to return to the U.K. She wants me to expressly thank you all for the comments you've left. They really have strengthened her and helped her today. She would also like to ask all you wonderful prayer warriors out there to unite with her and the team in prayer for the "aunties", the local Namibian ladies who hekp look after the orphans at the Ark - that they would all come to know this amazing Saviour that we are privileged to love and serve. She wants to thank you all for your prayers and to let you know that she is feeling better. No matter how I try I can never say it all "like wot she does" so I'll quit and hope that she can get online tomorrow and give you the full, unadulterated, incomprehensible Bex-speak version of the last few days. Flash (....aah)!!

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Short Flash

I won't be around for a day or two but will continue to be in touch with Bex. Keep the comments coming as she obviously enjoys reading them. Flash!!

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

The Afrikaan Drums finally speaks (and how!)

Hey Hey Parti People,
Ýey!!! Finally get to make an entry, did attempt one yesterday as you probly saw but it didn’t go through!!! Took me ages as well. haha!! Ive been listening to Joyce’s Cd of keeping a good and positive attitude and that was definitely a test! So yeh, soz for the wait.
Thanks for all ur awsum comments and notes – and for those of you who have text! Got to read the comments yesterday, it was quite a hard day so was really lifted to read them. After reading them I wanted to come home tho, I miss you guys so much. Feels like ive been here about a year already and this is only my 3rd day!!! Its crazy. Thank you kem’s and sherms for ur beautiful texts too you ladies rock. And for your text J-lo haha the food is good here – no weight loss happening here! Mam (AKA madge) your comments are so funny miss you so so much. Flash (aaaahhh) this site is class!!! Miss you so much too. Well now all the sentiments are gone I think I betta tell ya a bit about my trip so far!!
The flight over here was good –I think tho I was located next to britains champion snorer! – pleasing. But did manage to get a little bit of sleep. Got through ok the other end (just about) and john was there to meet me – thanks anita!! (“,) He was awsum and he took me back to the centre in Okahanja to get some rest. Was strange there tho coz I was the newbie but after a while (and the nap of dooooom) it was all sorted and I got to chat with the guys there and play with Johns kids!!! He has 3 kids which are lush and they have an adopted child called Elaine and she was so beautiful but she was HIV positive which was so sad – my first gloomie. ‘Was a privilege to play with her.
The guys there were kool and they invited me to join their bible study which was nice – but I was slightly late – I was busy on a very important and dangerous mission!!! It was the de-spiderlisation operation of my apartment!!! The offending spider was above my kitchen unit. Was feeling brave after my nap and was gonna leave it, but it didn’t look like a british spider so I concluded it must have been life-threateningly poisonous and it HAD to go!!!! But I didn’t sleep with kem’s mossie net so that made up for my lack of courage. The next day I travelled to Robajoth, which ahem was only 2 hours away (sorry language barrier) so that was kool! No kamakasi baboons this time. Haha, and for all of you who were concerned about the other baboon that was nearly squished – Im sure he is making a good recovery and is probly in monkey therapy as we speak!!
Was so strange at the ark – nothing like I imagined but tidy none the less. THANK GOD that Emily (from England) was doing her final week here. God really provided for me in that, because I don’t think I would have coped here without her showing me the ropes and introducing me to the people. (Corinthians 10 vs 13. Which I think kems wrote in my journal!). Their culture is so different in the way that, out of respect (and coz they are so laid back) they leave you when you first come here to rest for the day, and you have to go to them 1st which I think was why it was so hard yesterday, but thanks for ur prayers and today has been a real good day. Ive got to know some of the kids – so sweet, and the “aunties” that run the house. And incase your wondering yes the mossie net went up last nite coz this place is a lot more buggy! But I had a different class sleep last night, which makes everything brighter.Am getting in the swing of things now, made soup 2day (the 1st miracle has happened – I cooked) and that went out to the people in the village (care and compassion) who have aids and are very poor. Didn’t get to speak to a lot of them because they speak no English (bit gutting) but it was just a soup run. Hopefully next week we can go out to specifically pray with them which will be kool. Not that safe there but the aunties who do care and compassion live there so its their neighbourhood. So they are well in there. (phew). OOH I get to drive the truck for the soup runs yey, and along with my timberlands im like soooo safari! But for the rest of the time I wear my Flips coz there are no scorpions in the ark grounds. So yeh am just installing some software for them on their computer and sorry for the jungle massive entry but It’ll probly be a few days till I write again and so much has happened cant believe its 3days. Missing and love you all millions and im praying for you all.
Thank you so much for all who have been praying for me everyday as I no some of you are. I know its made all the difference. I just hope and pray you will continue to do that. God has been so amazing already and he is so faithful. And I love reading Isaiah 40, vs 12-22. Just for a glimpse of who God is.
Right I got lil Jimmy and lil Steven (both 2yrs old) knocking at the door to go play and I need to finish this software so God bless to you all. And already I cant wait to see ya’s again.
All my love ….. and a lil bit more…
The Afrikaan Drums xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

The African Drum almost spoke!

Hi everyone - brief update. Bex managed to get into an internet cafe and (so she assures me!) wrote the post of absolute dooooom! However, the internet link went kaput or something at the critical moment so the post was doomed and the Afrikan drum will speak tomorrow. News is that she's arrived at Rehoboth (the journey was much shorter than she had thought). She's at the Ark and has met up with Emily, an English girl who is on her second visit to Christ's Hope in Namibia. This is really cool since Emily will be there for another week and is showing Bex the ropes. I shan't say too much more because I know that Bex will want to share her experiences directly with you all. Her mobile is now fully charged and she's back in contact again. By the way - she loved the comments from everyone - keep them coming! Flash!!

The afrikan drums speaks.........

Monday, August 29, 2005

Final Post Monday Day 1 (Dramatic or what!!)

Contacted Bex just after 6 p.m. She's fine, having had a really good rest and has been looking around the locality of Okahandje with the people she's staying with and their children. She's looking forward to a Bible Study tonight with the folk from Christ's Hope and tomorrow she makes the 5 hour journey from Okahandje to Rehoboth via Windhoek where she thinks she will be based for the whole month at the Ark (orphanage) there. Her mobile battery is about flat but she hopes to get an appropriate adaptor tomorrow to get it charged up. So, she'll be out of touch for at least 24 hrs. Be warned that if you text her it will cost you more than a normal text in the U.K. Sian and I are so thankful that she's upbeat and fine. It's also really great that through the wonders of technology we can actually talk with her directly! The other good news is that the baboon (or whatever it was) survived - bugs that cross her path won't be so lucky!! - trust me! Flash!!

Pics at Gatwick

This is a link to some pics taken at Gatwick. http://home.btconnect.com/jonesdip/bexnamibia/ Flash!!

Mid Monday Update

Bex rang about 11.00 She is staying the day and tonight at the CH training facility at Okahandja. She enjoyed the trip from Windhoek to Okahandje, the highlight of which was almost running over what Bex described as a baboon! Anyway, she is very tired and has some time now to catch up on her sleep. I think she will go to the Ark at Rehoboth tomorrow. Good to see the comments rolling in. More when we know. Flash!!

Drums has Landed

Bex rang just after 7.20 this morning to let us know she'd arrived O.K. in Windhoek. She's obviously a bit tired - who can sleep properly in an aircraft anyway? Don't think she was too impressed with the immigration official, but she has been collected O.K. and if I got the message right she's off to the Ark at Rehoboth where there is another British girl volunteer so that will be good for her. Hopefully she will have mobile reception wher she's going so we'll be able to keep in touch directly, but she will be letting us know about that later. We're just thankful that she got there O.K. It's all going to be very different for a few days so continue to pray that she will settle quickly. If you want to know more about Christ's Hope International and the Arks etc. they have a website at http://www.christshopeuk.org/page0.html Wanna know more about Rehoboth visit http://www.namibian.org/travel/namibia/rehoboth.html Flash!

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Some admin stuff from Flash.

O.K. I set this blog up in a hurry this morning and following Sherm's attempt to comment etc. I realised that I hadn't enabled comments for everybody. The idea is this. If you want to mail Bex personally then her e-mail address is in her first post. If you're happpy to let the world see what you want to say then I've enabled anyone to add a comment to any post - just click on the comments link under the post that you want to comment on and you can read other comments that people have made in a new window. Add a comment of your own in the text box at the end. Just to avoid automated rubbish you will be asked to type in some letters that you will see. If comments prove unmanagable (lot's of spurious even rude comments from non-involved people) then we'll make some other arrangement. Anyway Sherm - your comment worked because you actually created a blog for yourself and therefore logged on. Enough of this technical stuff. I'll post again tomorrow morning (Monday) but everything went wonderfully smoothly today. As Bex would say "different grade - awesome!" Thanks to Anita for passing on the vital reassurance that someone is actually expecting Bex to arrive in Windhoek tomorrow morning and thanks to everyone who texted, phoned, prayed and generally encouraged Bex on her way. The journey to Gatwick went very quickly for her although her phone battery must have taken a hammering. More about today tomorrow after we hear from Bex. As Sian commented, the Lord certainly rolled out the red carpet for Bex today. Flash

Impending Trip of Absolute Dooooooom!!!

Hey hey guys!

Tis aye ...drums, and my first entry on this site my dad (flash --->ahhh) set up for me! Hope your all ok, am leaving at one to go to Gatwick - scary i no - cant believe its time to go already. But tis all good. Im flying out at 9.30 tonight - so get ya prayer mats out as kemmers would say....! Gonna miss ya all loads but il be back in a blink. Thanks to all who contributed to my beautiful journal tis lush, and for all of you who provided money - has been a jungle massive help!!!

The bug therapy isnt going too well either, - Had the spider of doom on my wing-mirror yesterday (yuk) but in a brave fleeting moment i decided i should try and face my fear by touching it!!! As you can guess that went pete tong as i screamed, completely freaked out and nearly crashed my car!!!! The reason for this story is to encourage you all to pray for all the namibian bugs to keep outside a 5mile radius from me while im there!!

Right im off now, my momma is making the spag bol off dooom (last supper maybe??) haha just kidding!!!! So the next log on will be me in namibia!! Yey. U can leave your comments here on this website or you can email me at coolspot38@hotmail.com

I will also be praying for y'all while im away and just remember ...... He's got the whole world in his hands, strong to deliver, mighty to save!!!

Luvs y'all

Bex Drums xxxx

First Post

Created this blog initially to chronicle my daughter Bex's trip to Namibia, South Africa. Back in the early part of this year Bex heard of the work that Christ's Hope International are doing among AIDS sufferers and orphans in Namibia, SouthWest Africa. Hearing that volunteers are needed, she felt strongly that this is something that God was calling her to do. In many remarkable ways, and sometimes in the face of difficulties, the way was made for her to spend a month in Namibia and later today she flies out from Gatwick, London on her great adventure.