Swakop

Swakop was awesome. Paul and Auguste took us there early in the trip – we left Sunday afternoon on the first weekend, riding together in a bus driven by Fritz, a driver that often worked with the church. It was our R & R period of the trip – a little odd that it came at the beginning, but it was a great way to get past the jet lag and further bond as a team before we began our ministry together, so I think the timing worked out for the best.

Swakop (full name Swakopmund, but everyone shortens it) is a coastal city with a lot of dichotomy – giant sand dunes going right up to the ocean; quaint shops, restaurants, tourist areas, and really nice houses only a few miles from extremely poor developments of metal shacks that are often blown away in major sandstorms. The poor live in the shadow of the rich and are largely ignored. We didn’t get to visit any of those places on this trip, but I’m sure we would if we go back – Paul and Auguste said they would like to one day minister to those people. They definitely need it.

Our Swakop experience:

• Awesome bus rides full of shared stories, learning about each other’s families, laughing, singing worship songs, planning our week.
• Having a brief team meeting with Paul on the beach. Standing still and listening to the ocean is one of the easiest ways to hear God in nature – only He could create such a calming sound.
• Climbing Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the area. It was pretty much a sand mountain. It took a long time to climb, and then we ran down very quickly. I did forward roll/somersault at the end. I felt like a kid; it was great.
• Getting dinner and breakfast with Paul and Auguste and learning more about their story – how they met, things they’ve done on the mission field in Africa, plans for the future. Plus, the food was great.
• Our team staying in an “A-frame” house, girls on the top floor and Jeff and I on the bottom floor. Playing cards with each other. Accidently overhearing embarrassing stories through the not-at-all-soundproof ceiling.
• Getting up early for some peaceful prayer and Bible time on the beach.

We all enjoyed our time there, and came back ready to work. I’m really glad we were able to fit it into our trip.