Tomorrow morning we get up, get ready and get on a plane at 12:50PM heading to Jo'burg South Africa (3 hour wait) and then on to Frankfurt Germany (5 hour wait) then on to Toronto Ontario Canada (7 hour wait) and then to Moncton NB Canada (almost 2 hour drive to my parents....). That is a total of 38 hours in airplanes and terminals! YIKES.
Please pray for sanity... patience... etc! Also pray that our bags will all get on the plane without having to pay any weight penalties, and that they arrive safe and sound in NB!
I am tired just thinking about it... so I think I will go to bed!
Love,
Charlene
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
THREE days to go...
3 Days to go…
Here we are and 3 more days to go before we fly from Namibia to New Brunswick, Canada! Up to now we have had so many things that just seemed to fall apart… so many unknowns… and so many discouragements. Today was the last possible day to get things worked out with our visas, and Pete went into Home Affairs and the lady graciously and very quickly granted an exit (or re-entry) Visa so when we get to the airport there will be no problem in leaving! What a load off of the mind, heart, body, stomach……….! Also some wonderful, gracious American missionaries offered to clear out a space in their garage that we can store our things in for while we are gone. So tomorrow and Sunday we will spend time carting things over there. Continue to pray for Elfie as she is still looking for a place to rent. We know that God will work it out in His time, but pray for Elfie as she is waiting!!
Let’s see what is left to do… we have to get our bags packed with 50lbs of stuff and no more, we have to get our stuff ‘moved’, I am picking up my friend Tammy at the airport on Saturday, we have church on Sunday (saying goodbye) and driving Tammy to the airport so she can catch her flight to Angola, Monday morning we get up early and head to the airport at 9:00 AM.
Now once we arrive in NB… Meagan and Talitha both have exams, Talitha has grad ceremonies etc, we have to decide where we will live (and we are leaning toward living in NB), we need to make a trip west, and Pete is anxious about finding a job, we will have to get the kids registered in a school somewhere, registered for medical, etc… etc… etc…! There are a lot of things to do and the task seems overwhelming, but we trust that God has a plan and he will work it through for GOOD!
We appreciate all of your prayers and we are extremely thankful to those who have given toward our tickets and general living expenses. We appreciate your giving to the Lord! We look forward to the year ahead; it will be interesting to see how God works everything out for GOOD once again! I do hope it will be a restful year, and that we will be renewed and ready for another term on the field.
Keeping you posted!
Blessings,
Charlene
Here we are and 3 more days to go before we fly from Namibia to New Brunswick, Canada! Up to now we have had so many things that just seemed to fall apart… so many unknowns… and so many discouragements. Today was the last possible day to get things worked out with our visas, and Pete went into Home Affairs and the lady graciously and very quickly granted an exit (or re-entry) Visa so when we get to the airport there will be no problem in leaving! What a load off of the mind, heart, body, stomach……….! Also some wonderful, gracious American missionaries offered to clear out a space in their garage that we can store our things in for while we are gone. So tomorrow and Sunday we will spend time carting things over there. Continue to pray for Elfie as she is still looking for a place to rent. We know that God will work it out in His time, but pray for Elfie as she is waiting!!
Let’s see what is left to do… we have to get our bags packed with 50lbs of stuff and no more, we have to get our stuff ‘moved’, I am picking up my friend Tammy at the airport on Saturday, we have church on Sunday (saying goodbye) and driving Tammy to the airport so she can catch her flight to Angola, Monday morning we get up early and head to the airport at 9:00 AM.
Now once we arrive in NB… Meagan and Talitha both have exams, Talitha has grad ceremonies etc, we have to decide where we will live (and we are leaning toward living in NB), we need to make a trip west, and Pete is anxious about finding a job, we will have to get the kids registered in a school somewhere, registered for medical, etc… etc… etc…! There are a lot of things to do and the task seems overwhelming, but we trust that God has a plan and he will work it through for GOOD!
We appreciate all of your prayers and we are extremely thankful to those who have given toward our tickets and general living expenses. We appreciate your giving to the Lord! We look forward to the year ahead; it will be interesting to see how God works everything out for GOOD once again! I do hope it will be a restful year, and that we will be renewed and ready for another term on the field.
Keeping you posted!
Blessings,
Charlene
Monday, June 02, 2008
ONE WEEK to go...
Here we are at one more week. Saturday we found out that on Wednesday the church decided to sell the house and not rent it to Elfie. That was a BLOW! We are all floundering now... her with all the plans to move in (just formalities, shouldn't be a problem, blah blah blah)... and now no where to go but back to the center. Us with all of our stuff that was going to be stored in the garage. Great! Well... we have one week to figure something out or leave the stuff in the street. Sounds depressing but I am sure that God has better plans! Since all things will work together for good... :0) There is much to think about now... oh and we still have NOTHING settled regarding our visas either. So here we are... one more week... I am sure it will be a great story to tell in the years to come of God's faithfulness, but going through it and waiting (and knowing there isn't much time to wait) is not easy!
We appreciate your prayers... a LOT!
Charlene
We appreciate your prayers... a LOT!
Charlene
Saturday, May 31, 2008
NINE more days to go...
Here we are with 9 more days to go. I have never felt more complacent about packing and getting ready to leave! Maybe I have become totally African... hehe! Although I wouldn't say I am relaxed... I feel tense everyday, but not enough to PACK!
We still do not have our VISA issue settled, which is causing me a great deal of anxiety... but I know that GOD has it all under his control!
So here are the prayer requests for the days ahead...
1. VISAS so we can actually get out of the country without a problem!
2. Motivation to pack and get ready to leave.
3. Peace in saying our goodbye's (or rather... see you later's).
4. Remainder of money for airline tickets.
5. Safety in travel.
6. Finances for getting settled upon our return and our trip across Canada!
7. Wisdom in where to stay for the year.
8. Adjustments (RE-Entry) upon return.
9. Both Meagan and Talitha have exams the first week we are in Canada.
10. Wisdom in ALL decisions to be made!
We thank you all for your prayers! We could not make it here without them. It is so wonderful knowing that there are those who are daily/weekly/monthly holding us up to the Father! You have been a blessing to us. We look forward to visiting with each one of you IF THE LORD WILLS! We would love to share face to face our experiences and how we have seen the Lord working here in Africa over the last 3 years!
Keep in touch,
Blessings,
Charlene
We still do not have our VISA issue settled, which is causing me a great deal of anxiety... but I know that GOD has it all under his control!
So here are the prayer requests for the days ahead...
1. VISAS so we can actually get out of the country without a problem!
2. Motivation to pack and get ready to leave.
3. Peace in saying our goodbye's (or rather... see you later's).
4. Remainder of money for airline tickets.
5. Safety in travel.
6. Finances for getting settled upon our return and our trip across Canada!
7. Wisdom in where to stay for the year.
8. Adjustments (RE-Entry) upon return.
9. Both Meagan and Talitha have exams the first week we are in Canada.
10. Wisdom in ALL decisions to be made!
We thank you all for your prayers! We could not make it here without them. It is so wonderful knowing that there are those who are daily/weekly/monthly holding us up to the Father! You have been a blessing to us. We look forward to visiting with each one of you IF THE LORD WILLS! We would love to share face to face our experiences and how we have seen the Lord working here in Africa over the last 3 years!
Keep in touch,
Blessings,
Charlene
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sateco
Here is Sateco... he is the one that some have helped toward getting registered in University. He is studying now at UNAM. Next month however, they are due to write exams, he will need to have all of the finances to complete his registration ($) or he will be unable to do his exams. As we are leaving there is no way (unless done in the next 'less than' two weeks) that we can get finances to him if done through our account. If you are interested or feel God leading you to give toward Sateco's education, please email him at stelytodd@gmail.com and he can give you his Namibian banking information. We do pray that he will continue on with his engineering program, as it is not easy for these guys to get an education. We thank those of you who made it possible for him to get registered this year, and we believe that God will continue to work in Sateco's life regarding his future!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Well, I found out yesterday that we are going to have to apply for a work visa (our work permit has been into Home Affairs since October) in order to get out of the country. We are going to call Home Affairs and try to set up an appointment ourselves so that we can communicate our situation and the urgency (since it is only 20 days til departure now) of the matter... because obviously we would like to be able to get back into Namibia! We would ask that you PRAY... please PRAY... and add us to whatever prayer chains that you know of. We would like to see things sorted out properly and quickly!
I must say that yesterday I was feeling extremely overwhelmed with the whole situation and I had a migraine as well (which didn't help). There are so many things racing through our minds and we are feeling very much on our own at the moment, I know that we are not... we have GOD beside us, with us and in us! One thing I have very acutely discovered since coming to Africa is that we can "KNOW" things... but to "EXPERIENCE" is a very different thing. It is a whole new ballgame when you are in a new culture, new climate, new everything and everyone around you wants YOU to adjust to them! I have a whole new impression and love for immigrants to Canada! I have EXPERIENCED what they go through! AND... without GOD I cannot imagine what it would be like! Those are my thoughts for today... we DO appreciate your PRAYERS!Charlene
May 20, 2008
God blessed us with another $1200'ish... that puts us at $4791 towards our tickets and $2409 more to go! I think that helps my mind with the pressure a little, plus tonight we had company over for a visit and had some good laughs which helped again to get me relaxed. I also received several encouraging emails and comments on the blog which helped me to remember to put things into perspective. We all get down sometimes, we are all human, we all have emotions and things that we feel we cannot handle, but I think that sometimes God does things to help us SEE and EXPERIENCE HIS faithfulness by using our 'family' to come around us and lift us up. And for that I am truly thankful! God is GOOD... ALL the time... and I am thankful for the friends and family He has given to encourage us and lift us up when we feel we are sinking! Blessings to those of you who have given what God has called you to give, whether that is prayer, finances, or an encouraging word... WE are THANKFUL!
God Bless,
Charlene
May 14
I must say that yesterday I was feeling extremely overwhelmed with the whole situation and I had a migraine as well (which didn't help). There are so many things racing through our minds and we are feeling very much on our own at the moment, I know that we are not... we have GOD beside us, with us and in us! One thing I have very acutely discovered since coming to Africa is that we can "KNOW" things... but to "EXPERIENCE" is a very different thing. It is a whole new ballgame when you are in a new culture, new climate, new everything and everyone around you wants YOU to adjust to them! I have a whole new impression and love for immigrants to Canada! I have EXPERIENCED what they go through! AND... without GOD I cannot imagine what it would be like! Those are my thoughts for today... we DO appreciate your PRAYERS!Charlene
May 20, 2008
God blessed us with another $1200'ish... that puts us at $4791 towards our tickets and $2409 more to go! I think that helps my mind with the pressure a little, plus tonight we had company over for a visit and had some good laughs which helped again to get me relaxed. I also received several encouraging emails and comments on the blog which helped me to remember to put things into perspective. We all get down sometimes, we are all human, we all have emotions and things that we feel we cannot handle, but I think that sometimes God does things to help us SEE and EXPERIENCE HIS faithfulness by using our 'family' to come around us and lift us up. And for that I am truly thankful! God is GOOD... ALL the time... and I am thankful for the friends and family He has given to encourage us and lift us up when we feel we are sinking! Blessings to those of you who have given what God has called you to give, whether that is prayer, finances, or an encouraging word... WE are THANKFUL!
God Bless,
Charlene
May 14
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Airfare Progress
To date we have $3591 in the account for our plane tickets, so we have $3609 more to go. At this point it seems a bit overwhelming with all the other expenses that we will face once we return, so please pray for peace of mind and trust in the GOD of the universe who has all things in his control! We have found someone to take our house, Internet and dog, so that is a burden that has been lifted.
Here are some of the random thoughts and feelings that pass through my mind and heart on any given day:
I still have lots of packing and planning to do. I am feeling a bit nervous about the unknowns. I am not completely sure everyone knows what a Home Assignment is, and I am burdened with the feeling that we have to somehow justify it, I know that we NEED it and yet I have a hard time having to explain it. I am realizing there are so many who do not understand the world of 'missionary' and I am praying that we will have those who will surround us and support us when we arrive back in Canada. We still have no idea where we will live. I am nervous about returning to Canada. I am overwhelmed with the task ahead, and yet I want to enjoy my last few weeks here in Africa (where's the balance?)! I am looking forward to seeing our family and friends. I am looking forward to attending Talitha's Graduation! I am looking forward to the quiet and peaceful place where my parents live in Sussex! I am wondering how we will manage a vehicle. Sometimes I wish we could purchase a small home that we could come back to every 3 or 4 years for the refreshment and relaxation that we need. I never realized how much is involved in planning a home assignment and all the unknowns that you just have to sit back and watch God work through! Some days I wake up and think... 'this is all TOO much', but then I remember that God doesn't give us more than what we can handle. Some days I think... where is everybody when we need help... but that is just me being selfish. This is who I am, I am sharing honestly, some may be offended, but others will pray more for me, and some will even write me and let me know that I am not alone!
There are some of my random thoughts! They rush through my mind and make me tired. I am a weak and broken vessel who needs the Lord and His filling more than ever. He reminds me that ALL things work together for GOOD for those who LOVE Him and are CALLED according to His purpose! God is good... all the time!
Trusting...
Charlene
Here are some of the random thoughts and feelings that pass through my mind and heart on any given day:
I still have lots of packing and planning to do. I am feeling a bit nervous about the unknowns. I am not completely sure everyone knows what a Home Assignment is, and I am burdened with the feeling that we have to somehow justify it, I know that we NEED it and yet I have a hard time having to explain it. I am realizing there are so many who do not understand the world of 'missionary' and I am praying that we will have those who will surround us and support us when we arrive back in Canada. We still have no idea where we will live. I am nervous about returning to Canada. I am overwhelmed with the task ahead, and yet I want to enjoy my last few weeks here in Africa (where's the balance?)! I am looking forward to seeing our family and friends. I am looking forward to attending Talitha's Graduation! I am looking forward to the quiet and peaceful place where my parents live in Sussex! I am wondering how we will manage a vehicle. Sometimes I wish we could purchase a small home that we could come back to every 3 or 4 years for the refreshment and relaxation that we need. I never realized how much is involved in planning a home assignment and all the unknowns that you just have to sit back and watch God work through! Some days I wake up and think... 'this is all TOO much', but then I remember that God doesn't give us more than what we can handle. Some days I think... where is everybody when we need help... but that is just me being selfish. This is who I am, I am sharing honestly, some may be offended, but others will pray more for me, and some will even write me and let me know that I am not alone!
There are some of my random thoughts! They rush through my mind and make me tired. I am a weak and broken vessel who needs the Lord and His filling more than ever. He reminds me that ALL things work together for GOOD for those who LOVE Him and are CALLED according to His purpose! God is good... all the time!
Trusting...
Charlene
Friday, May 09, 2008
Our Trip North...
I just realized that I have not updated on our trip north to Ovamboland.
Meagan went to Walvis Bay on the Intercape to visit the Strauss family... the rest of us set out to the north to visit Lazarus and Leila.
It is a long drive north... we stopped to eat at a rest stop, stopped at Ndemufayo's farm to deliver some goodies to her sisters and mother, and stopped at the Ark Oshikuku to say hello!
We arrived at Lazarus' farm late afternoon and were met with some disbelief that we had actually come... :0)! Lazarus has built a house on his family's land, next to his sisters who he does his best to care for from far away in Okahandja. They grow millet (omahangu) and sorghum (iilyaalyaka), the store it in big baskets and when they need it they pound it into flour for porridge. In the summer they collect mopani worms, which they dry. He has some goats on his farm, however some of them died during the rainy season as there was a lot of flooding in the north... they got too wet and died. Lazarus has a passion for his community in the north, he would like to see some community development take place. Many of the people are uneducated, and there are many suffering with HIV/AIDS in the villages who do not have access to the med's and are often ostracized by the community and left to die. There are also orphans and vulnerable children (OVC's) in the community who need to be supported within the extended family. There is lots to be done in Ovamboland.
During our time there the boys wandered free in the fields... catching fish, turtles and frogs and chasing snakes. Tavis said that this was the best holiday he has ever had! They were made for village life :0) I enjoyed spending the days with Leila and the children, and looking around the area. Leila and I had plenty of time to chat and REALLY get to know each other... I feel our relationship has reached a whole new level. Pete enjoyed wandering around the property and visiting with Lazarus and finding out more about his life. We went into town to visit Danny and Frieda (they used to work in Okahandja and Keetmanshoop with CHI).
On the Saturday we took a drive to Ruacana. It was a fantastic day... we saw the falls, the Angolan border crossing, the Angolan countryside :0( felt lonely for Angola... went to a park and the kids ran wild, swam near the croc's, played with the Himba boys, rode their donkey, caught fish, and just had a lot of fun! The ladies sat with the little ones and did beading, and the guys took a long hike up the river almost to the falls! In the evening we had a goat braai... we talked and laughed until we cried. It was awesome!
On Monday morning we drove back to Okahandja, stopping in Oshikuku, and at Ndemufayo's place again. We stopped in Otjiwarango and bought PIZZA... the world's best.
Of course this is just a basic summary of our trip... there are so many details that I would love to share, maybe when we are together for coffee we can talk about how God has worked in and through us! It's always better face to face!
Charlene
Meagan went to Walvis Bay on the Intercape to visit the Strauss family... the rest of us set out to the north to visit Lazarus and Leila.
It is a long drive north... we stopped to eat at a rest stop, stopped at Ndemufayo's farm to deliver some goodies to her sisters and mother, and stopped at the Ark Oshikuku to say hello!
We arrived at Lazarus' farm late afternoon and were met with some disbelief that we had actually come... :0)! Lazarus has built a house on his family's land, next to his sisters who he does his best to care for from far away in Okahandja. They grow millet (omahangu) and sorghum (iilyaalyaka), the store it in big baskets and when they need it they pound it into flour for porridge. In the summer they collect mopani worms, which they dry. He has some goats on his farm, however some of them died during the rainy season as there was a lot of flooding in the north... they got too wet and died. Lazarus has a passion for his community in the north, he would like to see some community development take place. Many of the people are uneducated, and there are many suffering with HIV/AIDS in the villages who do not have access to the med's and are often ostracized by the community and left to die. There are also orphans and vulnerable children (OVC's) in the community who need to be supported within the extended family. There is lots to be done in Ovamboland.
During our time there the boys wandered free in the fields... catching fish, turtles and frogs and chasing snakes. Tavis said that this was the best holiday he has ever had! They were made for village life :0) I enjoyed spending the days with Leila and the children, and looking around the area. Leila and I had plenty of time to chat and REALLY get to know each other... I feel our relationship has reached a whole new level. Pete enjoyed wandering around the property and visiting with Lazarus and finding out more about his life. We went into town to visit Danny and Frieda (they used to work in Okahandja and Keetmanshoop with CHI).
On the Saturday we took a drive to Ruacana. It was a fantastic day... we saw the falls, the Angolan border crossing, the Angolan countryside :0( felt lonely for Angola... went to a park and the kids ran wild, swam near the croc's, played with the Himba boys, rode their donkey, caught fish, and just had a lot of fun! The ladies sat with the little ones and did beading, and the guys took a long hike up the river almost to the falls! In the evening we had a goat braai... we talked and laughed until we cried. It was awesome!
On Monday morning we drove back to Okahandja, stopping in Oshikuku, and at Ndemufayo's place again. We stopped in Otjiwarango and bought PIZZA... the world's best.
Of course this is just a basic summary of our trip... there are so many details that I would love to share, maybe when we are together for coffee we can talk about how God has worked in and through us! It's always better face to face!
Charlene
Progress Report...
Well, here we are with 31 days left to go... where are we at? Well, to date we have found someone to take the house, store our stuff, take our dog, take over our internet contract, and we have packed several boxes! There is still much to do, but I am feeling a little better with the progress that has been made!
Just over half our our airline tickets are paid up, but we are trusting that God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory, through His cheerful givers... for whom we are very thankful!
The points of prayer that are needed for what is yet to be sorted out are:
* That the rest of the money for tickets will come in.
* That we will be able to sell our car (as when we return we need a 4x4 pickup, makes more sense)
* That we will be able to finish sorting out the transition for the ministry here in Okahandja for both Pete and myself!
* That we will be able to purchase a vehicle in Canada that will be sufficient for our family and for the year at home.
* That the details for a place to live will get sorted out ASAP... it is a nagging concern which I am trying to give up to God! I know He knows... but it is hard for me to not think about it!
* For safety with all the traveling ahead in 2008/09!
* For softened hearts to the needs in Namibia/Angola as we go and share what God has placed on our hearts.
We praise God for all of the answers to prayer thus far and we are looking forward to how He will sort out the rest of the details, on our behalf! We thank you for your prayers, and we will continue to keep you posted on the progress!
Love,
Charlene and family...
Just over half our our airline tickets are paid up, but we are trusting that God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory, through His cheerful givers... for whom we are very thankful!
The points of prayer that are needed for what is yet to be sorted out are:
* That the rest of the money for tickets will come in.
* That we will be able to sell our car (as when we return we need a 4x4 pickup, makes more sense)
* That we will be able to finish sorting out the transition for the ministry here in Okahandja for both Pete and myself!
* That we will be able to purchase a vehicle in Canada that will be sufficient for our family and for the year at home.
* That the details for a place to live will get sorted out ASAP... it is a nagging concern which I am trying to give up to God! I know He knows... but it is hard for me to not think about it!
* For safety with all the traveling ahead in 2008/09!
* For softened hearts to the needs in Namibia/Angola as we go and share what God has placed on our hearts.
We praise God for all of the answers to prayer thus far and we are looking forward to how He will sort out the rest of the details, on our behalf! We thank you for your prayers, and we will continue to keep you posted on the progress!
Love,
Charlene and family...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Arrival of boxes...
Well, Sunday night, Janet arrived in a big Ford truck filled with surprises for the Knightly's. Things we haven't seen for 2 years. I took all day Monday and opened them all, sorted through them, cleaned things up (some of the stuff had been chewed through, used as rat's nests, and peed on) and repacked everything. There were lots of books (which would be very exciting except that we don't have time to read now), some dishes (which I repacked, still using plastic), our pictures and digital photo CD's, as well as a couple of boxes of the toys that Judge Shupe made for us to bring to an orphanage (now we have several we can share them with :)), etc!
Today I had beading with the ladies, I have suggested to them that when I leave they come and purchase the beads and extras, go home make the necklaces, and then if they want to sell them through Christ's Hope they can bring them back to the Ark. I think this will work out best for them, as they will be able to make a steady income even selling in their neighbourhoods. I had them do an experiment, they took home 2 bags of beads to see how many necklaces they could make and they were pleasantly surprised (as they have not been keeping track of how far they go) at how many can be made with two small bags of beads. So we will see how it goes, but I would love to know that these ladies can continue to bead and earn an income for their families!
Thursday I run into Windhoek, another long errand day (I am sure) and then on Monday we will head to the North for a visit to Owamboland. Looking forward to that. Hoping to see Ruacana Falls, and some other things we haven't had the chance to see yet. The boys have several weeks of holidays now and Meagan will go to Walvis Bay to visit her friend (still continuing to do school while she is there). I am really hoping for a good break now for a bit, so that I can get my head around leaving, and try to get more planning done. We are at $1621 toward tickets home... we have about $5500 more to go until they are paid up!
Thank you all for your prayers and love during this time, we appreciate hearing from you.
Take Care and God Bless,
Charlene
Today I had beading with the ladies, I have suggested to them that when I leave they come and purchase the beads and extras, go home make the necklaces, and then if they want to sell them through Christ's Hope they can bring them back to the Ark. I think this will work out best for them, as they will be able to make a steady income even selling in their neighbourhoods. I had them do an experiment, they took home 2 bags of beads to see how many necklaces they could make and they were pleasantly surprised (as they have not been keeping track of how far they go) at how many can be made with two small bags of beads. So we will see how it goes, but I would love to know that these ladies can continue to bead and earn an income for their families!
Thursday I run into Windhoek, another long errand day (I am sure) and then on Monday we will head to the North for a visit to Owamboland. Looking forward to that. Hoping to see Ruacana Falls, and some other things we haven't had the chance to see yet. The boys have several weeks of holidays now and Meagan will go to Walvis Bay to visit her friend (still continuing to do school while she is there). I am really hoping for a good break now for a bit, so that I can get my head around leaving, and try to get more planning done. We are at $1621 toward tickets home... we have about $5500 more to go until they are paid up!
Thank you all for your prayers and love during this time, we appreciate hearing from you.
Take Care and God Bless,
Charlene
Sunday, April 13, 2008
GUESS WHAT????
You aren't going to believe this... but in about an hour around half of our stuff from Angola will arrive... and the other half is set to arrive sometime this week or next. Can you believe it? We'll keep you posted!
Seems a bit ironic that we will get our stuff and then leave in 2 months... and not get to see it for another year... but whatever! Life is like that... I am thankful to God that it is coming... I am also thankful for friends like Gary and Tammy Goertzen and Janet Holden who have helped to make this possible!
Charlene
Seems a bit ironic that we will get our stuff and then leave in 2 months... and not get to see it for another year... but whatever! Life is like that... I am thankful to God that it is coming... I am also thankful for friends like Gary and Tammy Goertzen and Janet Holden who have helped to make this possible!
Charlene
Thursday, April 10, 2008
One Ticket Paid For...
Well, we now have one ticket out of 5 paid for...! We appreciate all of your prayers and giving at this time. We have been so blessed and we pray that God will continue to bless you as well!
We will keep you posted on the progress of our return... it is 2 months today that we will be arriving back in Canada... there is a LOT to be done before then, and we are tired! Pray for strength, especially in making decisions and planning out our itinerary upon return!
Love,
Charlene
We will keep you posted on the progress of our return... it is 2 months today that we will be arriving back in Canada... there is a LOT to be done before then, and we are tired! Pray for strength, especially in making decisions and planning out our itinerary upon return!
Love,
Charlene
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Interac Money Transfers
A friend just sent some money via an Interac Email Money Transfer. It was quick and easy, I was so surprised (guess I have lived in Africa too long... see lots has changed)! You can click the link below and figure out how it is done... and when our friend gets back to us exactly how she did it, then I will write more on this. You don't even need our bank details I don't think... I get to choose which bank and account to deposit it into. Wild! There is a question that I have to be able to answer... so you might want to make it something I can answer :-)
What is an INTERAC Email Money Transfer?
If you have an email address and online banking password at a participating financial institution, you can send and receive money quickly and easily.
Email carries the notice while the financial institutions securely transfer the money using existing payment networks. If your financial institution does not yet offer INTERAC Email Money Transfers, you can still deposit transfers to any bank account in Canada. Click http://www.interac.ca/consumers/faqs.php#emt for details.
I will continue to update you on the progression of things... they are moving forward very quickly now... we only have 2 months to get our acts together and things set up for going back! It has converged upon us much too quickly, as I knew it would! I am going to have to cut back the work load for CHI in order to get things set up for Canada. PLEASE pray for us!
Love,
Charlene
What is an INTERAC Email Money Transfer?
If you have an email address and online banking password at a participating financial institution, you can send and receive money quickly and easily.
Email carries the notice while the financial institutions securely transfer the money using existing payment networks. If your financial institution does not yet offer INTERAC Email Money Transfers, you can still deposit transfers to any bank account in Canada. Click http://www.interac.ca/consumers/faqs.php#emt for details.
I will continue to update you on the progression of things... they are moving forward very quickly now... we only have 2 months to get our acts together and things set up for going back! It has converged upon us much too quickly, as I knew it would! I am going to have to cut back the work load for CHI in order to get things set up for Canada. PLEASE pray for us!
Love,
Charlene
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Update
ARK OKAHANDJA
This month at Ark Okahandja the children wrote exams, collected report cards and were given a break from school for almost 4 weeks.
The staff has enjoyed some down time as many of the children have gone back to visit family. Currently there are only 5 left at the Ark.
Ndemufayo, the volunteers and the 5 children took a trip to the ocean (Swakopmund and Walvis Bay) last weekend. They had a fantastic time at the beach, and the children especially enjoyed playing in the ocean and on the dunes. However the trip ended with some bad news, as they were climbing a dune between Walvis and Swakopmund the Condor was broken into and Ndemufayo’s purse was stolen with her passport, keys to the Ark, bank card (which the people ended up taking most of her savings before she could cancel her card… a very discouraging moment for her) her cell phone as well as many other personal items. Please pray for her as she is feeling very discouraged (especially about the money she has worked so hard to save).
Lazarus and Leila went north for the holidays to spend time in their village with family. We joined them (but I will tell you more about that on page 3) for 4 days.
It is looking hopeful that 2 of the boys at the Ark will be placed in foster care. We are praying that this works out as one of the boys needs special help with education (which he is not receiving in Okahandja). Please pray for them during this time of adjustment.
Care and Compassion has continued throughout the holidays (thanks to the volunteers, Ndemufayo and Kapango).
Choose to Wait Discipleship club has continued!
Kids Club is taking a break for the holiday, as well as Choose to Wait in the schools.
Home Assignment Update
Preparations are going well for returning to Canada. The tickets have been purchased and almost 2 tickets have been paid for. We are currently at almost $2500 toward the 5 one way tickets, which means we have $4700 more to go.
We say THANK YOU to those of you who have given.
If the Lord wills, we will stay in NB for almost 2 months, and then travel across Canada to BC where we will take up residence for the school year, and then we will travel back across Canada to NB where we will make preparations to return to Namibia. Remember OUR plans are often not GOD’S plans… so we are of course flexible to his leading and guidance in our lives!
We are looking forward to a chance to refocus, refresh and rejuvenate and discover what God has planned for our second term on the field. We have learned SO much during our first 3 years and we are so thankful for the journey thus far, even though it has not always been easy!
Pete's Work
Pete continues to spend a lot of time at the Ark. He is trying to get things settled for him leaving. It will not be an easy day when it comes time to say goodbye. The kids love having him there, the staff really appreciates him and he enjoys spending time with them.
The ladies at C&C are sad that he is leaving and have enjoyed all that they have learned this past couple of years as he has spent time trying to disciple them and show them the truth in the Bible. It is not easy because they are lied to in their own churches. Most of the churches manipulate and twist things for power and money. It is very sad.
He has also enjoyed spending time with the Choose to Wait Discipleship group. They are now meeting in 5 Rand and they do a lesson and then kick the soccer ball around for a while.
Pete also manages the MPMC which has now been handed over to the Ark Okahandja (financially and for maintaining). It is pretty much a sitting duck at the moment and we get calls on a regular basis in the middle of the night from the security company, informing us that the place has been vandalized , broken into, and things stolen! The building really needs a wall around it to protect it, so please pray that the funds will come in and it can be built soon, as we don’t want to see this building as a burden, rather than a blessing!
Knightly Kids
Meagan went to Walvis Bay to spend time with her friend Mardi (the Strauss family). She had a great time kayaking in the ocean, swimming, and watching TV (wow… we don’t have one). She took the Intercape Bus there and back on her own. Her birthday is on the 7th of May… she will be 17!!!
Trevor and Tavis came to Owamboland with us. Tavis commented on the second day that THIS was the best holiday he has ever had! They had the time of their lives catching fish, turtles and chasing snakes. They ate Pap (maize meal porridge), tried Mopani worms, ate soup made from the juice from intestines of a goat, and many other things!!! They were made for village life! When we went to the Ruacana Falls they spent the time catching fish, swimming with the Himba boys and riding the donkey up the river bed! Some of the Himba boys spoke a little English, but who needs spoken language when you are BOYS? HA!
http://www.on-the-matrix.com/africa/himba.asp for more info on the Himba!
Incredible Journey
This last 3 years has been an Incredible Journey for the Knightly family! Selling almost everything we owned, shipping the little that was left, settling into life in Angola, having to move to Namibia, not getting our belongings for 2 years (and still not getting them all), adjusting, readjusting, building relationships, saying goodbye, and coming to learn more about ourselves and others… its has been a lot to learn in 3 short years! Some would say that we have not held to our vision for coming to the mission field or that it has been a waste of time, but I would say that God is in control and has used these 3 years to prepare and teach us for what is to come in the years ahead! This has been an amazing learning and growing period for our family and we have come to see more clearly what we feel called to do in Africa and we pray that those who have stood behind us will continue to do so and that more will join us in this Incredible Journey that God has called us to! We appreciate your thoughts and prayers! You have been an amazing group of people who have come behind us and shared in our struggles, trials and joys during our time away. We look forward to reconnecting with you while on Home Assignment! GOD’S BLESSING ON YOU ALL!!!
Charlene's Work
This month I have been busy with rounding things up! Packing, preparing and trying to find ways to enable the beading ministry to continue and doing LOTS of sewing!!!!
I have decided that the best way to do things with the C&C ladies who are beading is to have them purchase the beads, make the jewellery and have the option of selling it themselves or returning it to the Ark to have them sell to volunteers and mobilization nations. It is a struggle to explain to the ladies that we are leaving and that there is no one to replace me to continue with the ministry. Please pray that they will understand and be willing and able to continue to work with their hands to help support their families.
While in the north I taught one of Leila’s nieces and Lazarus’ sister how to do beading. I left them with a few supplies so that they could continue to learn with Leila while she is there on holidays. They were so excited about learning how to do something new and something so beautiful!
A large amount of boxes came down from Angola (thanks to Goertzen’s and Holden’s efforts) and so I took the time to clean things up and repack. Lord willing the rest will come this month.
There is a lot more to do to prepare for Home Assignment, it is giving me a headache (Literally)! I appreciate your prayers!
Our Trip North
On April 24 we packed up the car and hit the road for the North. It was time to go and visit Lazarus and Leila in the village that Lazarus grew up in. We stopped at Ndemufayo’s homestead on the way and at the Ark Oshikuku and arrived at the village late afternoon! Leila was shocked to see us, although she knew we ‘said’ we were coming, I don’t think she truly believed that we would. On the 25th we spent the day wandering around the land, checking out where Lazarus gets his water, watching the boys fish, meeting his family, and driving all over to find a goat to Braai (no luck). On the 26th we set out for Ruacana for the day. On the way we stopped at a banana plantation and then continued on to the falls, saw the Angolan border, and spent some time at Hippo park (didn’t see any Hippo’s though). Can’t get too close to the water as there are a lot of crocodiles in it. However, the boys found a safe place to swim with the Himba boys. Leila, her niece (Tuuliki) and I sat with the children and did beading while Pete and Lazarus took a hike up the river to the falls. When we returned home we had a Braai with a goat that the family rounded up while we were gone and had slaughtered. Leila also cooked up the innards and made Pap and rice. On the 27th we spent a relaxing day at the house again. The boys took off for a drive to a bigger puddle where they could fish for bigger fish! However they didn’t catch any BIG ones, but it was fun for them anyway! While the boys were gone Leila and I had a great chance to really talk. Although I would have considered her my friend before I didn’t realize how little we had a connection. In talking with her I found out just how hard it is for the black people to let the white people into their lives (to have a ‘relationship’). The separation during the time of apartheid caused a lot of damage to the country and the people! Although I was open to being her friend she was afraid to become my friend (not trusting that it was real). Having us going to the north to spend time with them made a HUGE difference in our relationship, and I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to go. It was a big milestone not only for us (learning and growing) but also for the Stephanus family! The evening of the 27th we sat around listening to how they had tried to prepare for our visit… we laughed until we cried! On the 28th we traveled back to Okahandja, stopping again for a quick visit at Ark Oshikuku and some time with Ndemufayo’s family. It was a GREAT trip!
Praise and Prayer
Praise:
We are thankful for a wonderful and enriching experience in the North! For true friendship in the body of Christ!
We praise God for the finances that have come in already for our plane tickets home, as well as the continued finances for our living expenses! God is good!
We praise God for safety in travels, and we are thankful for the provision to be able to travel!
We are thankful for those who have been praying for our family. The downhill slope on the rollercoaster has seemed to even out and we are coasting now! God has given peace in the storm!
Prayer:
Please continue to pray for those who we will leave behind, especially the staff, children at the Ark and Jenny. Pray for strength and wisdom to continue to press on in the ministry.
Pray for wisdom in the preparations to return, both on this end and in North America.
Pray for the finances to cover all the needs that we will have both on this end and in Canada. God has been amazing in supplying our every need and we are truly thankful for His provision in our lives and for those whom He uses to accomplish His work!
Pray that broken relationships would be mended and that we will have grace and mercy toward those who have hurt or offended us. May God’s love overcome our human desires and weaknesses.
Pray that things will work out soon concerning the house we are renting (we would like someone we know and trust to move in, and use our stuff so we don’t have to store it anywhere), also we would like to sell our car (upon return we would like to purchase a pickup truck as a car is not practical for the ministry we do).
Pray for the finances to purchase a vehicle upon our return. We have had an offer to purchase from dealership and he will buy it back when we leave, but we will need the money up front.
May God’s name be glorified in all that we do and may we find joy in the journey!
Financial Info
We are in the transition phase with our finances and would appreciate your prayers during this time. Currently we are unable to receipt those who live in Canada (CHI has just been approved as a charitable organization in Canada… it will take some time to work things out… but we hope that things will be ironed out soon! We thank you for your patience).
For those who desire to support our ministry financially you can do so by
DIRECT DEPOSIT (either through Internet Banking or at the Royal Bank) into our
account or sending cheques to Ron and Marge (Pete’s parents).
Ron and Marge Knightly
Box 4, Ft. Steele BC V0B 1N0
Phone:250 426 4782
If you live in the USA you can mail your donation to CH-USA and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.
The address is Christ’s Hope USA, Inc. Regional Office PO Box 2238 Traverse City, MI 49685… Phone Inquiries: Phone: (877) 544-0914 Fax: (877) 698-0692,
please include a ‘separate’ paper indicating that your donation is for the
“Knightly Family-Namibia”!
Thank you for your support! We are continually overwhelmed by God’s provision for not only our daily needs but for the ability to help meet the needs of others through the generosity of those who give financially to our ministry here in Namibia. May God richly bless you!
This month at Ark Okahandja the children wrote exams, collected report cards and were given a break from school for almost 4 weeks.
The staff has enjoyed some down time as many of the children have gone back to visit family. Currently there are only 5 left at the Ark.
Ndemufayo, the volunteers and the 5 children took a trip to the ocean (Swakopmund and Walvis Bay) last weekend. They had a fantastic time at the beach, and the children especially enjoyed playing in the ocean and on the dunes. However the trip ended with some bad news, as they were climbing a dune between Walvis and Swakopmund the Condor was broken into and Ndemufayo’s purse was stolen with her passport, keys to the Ark, bank card (which the people ended up taking most of her savings before she could cancel her card… a very discouraging moment for her) her cell phone as well as many other personal items. Please pray for her as she is feeling very discouraged (especially about the money she has worked so hard to save).
Lazarus and Leila went north for the holidays to spend time in their village with family. We joined them (but I will tell you more about that on page 3) for 4 days.
It is looking hopeful that 2 of the boys at the Ark will be placed in foster care. We are praying that this works out as one of the boys needs special help with education (which he is not receiving in Okahandja). Please pray for them during this time of adjustment.
Care and Compassion has continued throughout the holidays (thanks to the volunteers, Ndemufayo and Kapango).
Choose to Wait Discipleship club has continued!
Kids Club is taking a break for the holiday, as well as Choose to Wait in the schools.
Home Assignment Update
Preparations are going well for returning to Canada. The tickets have been purchased and almost 2 tickets have been paid for. We are currently at almost $2500 toward the 5 one way tickets, which means we have $4700 more to go.
We say THANK YOU to those of you who have given.
If the Lord wills, we will stay in NB for almost 2 months, and then travel across Canada to BC where we will take up residence for the school year, and then we will travel back across Canada to NB where we will make preparations to return to Namibia. Remember OUR plans are often not GOD’S plans… so we are of course flexible to his leading and guidance in our lives!
We are looking forward to a chance to refocus, refresh and rejuvenate and discover what God has planned for our second term on the field. We have learned SO much during our first 3 years and we are so thankful for the journey thus far, even though it has not always been easy!
Pete's Work
Pete continues to spend a lot of time at the Ark. He is trying to get things settled for him leaving. It will not be an easy day when it comes time to say goodbye. The kids love having him there, the staff really appreciates him and he enjoys spending time with them.
The ladies at C&C are sad that he is leaving and have enjoyed all that they have learned this past couple of years as he has spent time trying to disciple them and show them the truth in the Bible. It is not easy because they are lied to in their own churches. Most of the churches manipulate and twist things for power and money. It is very sad.
He has also enjoyed spending time with the Choose to Wait Discipleship group. They are now meeting in 5 Rand and they do a lesson and then kick the soccer ball around for a while.
Pete also manages the MPMC which has now been handed over to the Ark Okahandja (financially and for maintaining). It is pretty much a sitting duck at the moment and we get calls on a regular basis in the middle of the night from the security company, informing us that the place has been vandalized , broken into, and things stolen! The building really needs a wall around it to protect it, so please pray that the funds will come in and it can be built soon, as we don’t want to see this building as a burden, rather than a blessing!
Knightly Kids
Meagan went to Walvis Bay to spend time with her friend Mardi (the Strauss family). She had a great time kayaking in the ocean, swimming, and watching TV (wow… we don’t have one). She took the Intercape Bus there and back on her own. Her birthday is on the 7th of May… she will be 17!!!
Trevor and Tavis came to Owamboland with us. Tavis commented on the second day that THIS was the best holiday he has ever had! They had the time of their lives catching fish, turtles and chasing snakes. They ate Pap (maize meal porridge), tried Mopani worms, ate soup made from the juice from intestines of a goat, and many other things!!! They were made for village life! When we went to the Ruacana Falls they spent the time catching fish, swimming with the Himba boys and riding the donkey up the river bed! Some of the Himba boys spoke a little English, but who needs spoken language when you are BOYS? HA!
http://www.on-the-matrix.com/africa/himba.asp for more info on the Himba!
Incredible Journey
This last 3 years has been an Incredible Journey for the Knightly family! Selling almost everything we owned, shipping the little that was left, settling into life in Angola, having to move to Namibia, not getting our belongings for 2 years (and still not getting them all), adjusting, readjusting, building relationships, saying goodbye, and coming to learn more about ourselves and others… its has been a lot to learn in 3 short years! Some would say that we have not held to our vision for coming to the mission field or that it has been a waste of time, but I would say that God is in control and has used these 3 years to prepare and teach us for what is to come in the years ahead! This has been an amazing learning and growing period for our family and we have come to see more clearly what we feel called to do in Africa and we pray that those who have stood behind us will continue to do so and that more will join us in this Incredible Journey that God has called us to! We appreciate your thoughts and prayers! You have been an amazing group of people who have come behind us and shared in our struggles, trials and joys during our time away. We look forward to reconnecting with you while on Home Assignment! GOD’S BLESSING ON YOU ALL!!!
Charlene's Work
This month I have been busy with rounding things up! Packing, preparing and trying to find ways to enable the beading ministry to continue and doing LOTS of sewing!!!!
I have decided that the best way to do things with the C&C ladies who are beading is to have them purchase the beads, make the jewellery and have the option of selling it themselves or returning it to the Ark to have them sell to volunteers and mobilization nations. It is a struggle to explain to the ladies that we are leaving and that there is no one to replace me to continue with the ministry. Please pray that they will understand and be willing and able to continue to work with their hands to help support their families.
While in the north I taught one of Leila’s nieces and Lazarus’ sister how to do beading. I left them with a few supplies so that they could continue to learn with Leila while she is there on holidays. They were so excited about learning how to do something new and something so beautiful!
A large amount of boxes came down from Angola (thanks to Goertzen’s and Holden’s efforts) and so I took the time to clean things up and repack. Lord willing the rest will come this month.
There is a lot more to do to prepare for Home Assignment, it is giving me a headache (Literally)! I appreciate your prayers!
Our Trip North
On April 24 we packed up the car and hit the road for the North. It was time to go and visit Lazarus and Leila in the village that Lazarus grew up in. We stopped at Ndemufayo’s homestead on the way and at the Ark Oshikuku and arrived at the village late afternoon! Leila was shocked to see us, although she knew we ‘said’ we were coming, I don’t think she truly believed that we would. On the 25th we spent the day wandering around the land, checking out where Lazarus gets his water, watching the boys fish, meeting his family, and driving all over to find a goat to Braai (no luck). On the 26th we set out for Ruacana for the day. On the way we stopped at a banana plantation and then continued on to the falls, saw the Angolan border, and spent some time at Hippo park (didn’t see any Hippo’s though). Can’t get too close to the water as there are a lot of crocodiles in it. However, the boys found a safe place to swim with the Himba boys. Leila, her niece (Tuuliki) and I sat with the children and did beading while Pete and Lazarus took a hike up the river to the falls. When we returned home we had a Braai with a goat that the family rounded up while we were gone and had slaughtered. Leila also cooked up the innards and made Pap and rice. On the 27th we spent a relaxing day at the house again. The boys took off for a drive to a bigger puddle where they could fish for bigger fish! However they didn’t catch any BIG ones, but it was fun for them anyway! While the boys were gone Leila and I had a great chance to really talk. Although I would have considered her my friend before I didn’t realize how little we had a connection. In talking with her I found out just how hard it is for the black people to let the white people into their lives (to have a ‘relationship’). The separation during the time of apartheid caused a lot of damage to the country and the people! Although I was open to being her friend she was afraid to become my friend (not trusting that it was real). Having us going to the north to spend time with them made a HUGE difference in our relationship, and I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to go. It was a big milestone not only for us (learning and growing) but also for the Stephanus family! The evening of the 27th we sat around listening to how they had tried to prepare for our visit… we laughed until we cried! On the 28th we traveled back to Okahandja, stopping again for a quick visit at Ark Oshikuku and some time with Ndemufayo’s family. It was a GREAT trip!
Praise and Prayer
Praise:
We are thankful for a wonderful and enriching experience in the North! For true friendship in the body of Christ!
We praise God for the finances that have come in already for our plane tickets home, as well as the continued finances for our living expenses! God is good!
We praise God for safety in travels, and we are thankful for the provision to be able to travel!
We are thankful for those who have been praying for our family. The downhill slope on the rollercoaster has seemed to even out and we are coasting now! God has given peace in the storm!
Prayer:
Please continue to pray for those who we will leave behind, especially the staff, children at the Ark and Jenny. Pray for strength and wisdom to continue to press on in the ministry.
Pray for wisdom in the preparations to return, both on this end and in North America.
Pray for the finances to cover all the needs that we will have both on this end and in Canada. God has been amazing in supplying our every need and we are truly thankful for His provision in our lives and for those whom He uses to accomplish His work!
Pray that broken relationships would be mended and that we will have grace and mercy toward those who have hurt or offended us. May God’s love overcome our human desires and weaknesses.
Pray that things will work out soon concerning the house we are renting (we would like someone we know and trust to move in, and use our stuff so we don’t have to store it anywhere), also we would like to sell our car (upon return we would like to purchase a pickup truck as a car is not practical for the ministry we do).
Pray for the finances to purchase a vehicle upon our return. We have had an offer to purchase from dealership and he will buy it back when we leave, but we will need the money up front.
May God’s name be glorified in all that we do and may we find joy in the journey!
Financial Info
We are in the transition phase with our finances and would appreciate your prayers during this time. Currently we are unable to receipt those who live in Canada (CHI has just been approved as a charitable organization in Canada… it will take some time to work things out… but we hope that things will be ironed out soon! We thank you for your patience).
For those who desire to support our ministry financially you can do so by
DIRECT DEPOSIT (either through Internet Banking or at the Royal Bank) into our
account or sending cheques to Ron and Marge (Pete’s parents).
Ron and Marge Knightly
Box 4, Ft. Steele BC V0B 1N0
Phone:250 426 4782
If you live in the USA you can mail your donation to CH-USA and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.
The address is Christ’s Hope USA, Inc. Regional Office PO Box 2238 Traverse City, MI 49685… Phone Inquiries: Phone: (877) 544-0914 Fax: (877) 698-0692,
please include a ‘separate’ paper indicating that your donation is for the
“Knightly Family-Namibia”!
Thank you for your support! We are continually overwhelmed by God’s provision for not only our daily needs but for the ability to help meet the needs of others through the generosity of those who give financially to our ministry here in Namibia. May God richly bless you!
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