Recently we have had to say "Goodbye" to three of the team from Rehoboth: Steph (from Canada) and Cathi and Alli (from USA). "Goodbyes" are always hard but little did we realise that we would be saying our own "Goodbyes" just a few weeks later.
After just over five weeks back in the UK, everyone felt that as Katie was making such good progress, Ruth should return to be with us in Namibia. However less than a week after Ruth's return we heard the news that Katie was back in hospital. It is difficult to put in to words how we are feeling right now - whilst we are convinced that we are right in coming home we also feel that God has used us in Rehoboth and that the work is unfinished. We have formed deep relationships with people in such a short space of time and are sad to think we might not see them again.
Before we returned we had the opportunity to spend three nights in Etosha National Park. It wasn't the best time to visit as the rainy season had started. This meant the animals no longer had to stay close to the water holes but we all enjoyed seeing many different birds and animals:
The Rehoboth team were involved in running a summer holiday club at one of the state orphanages in Windhoek during the week in which we left Namibia and Ruth was able to help for the first two days of this:
Before we left the team went out for a farewell meal together in Windhoek:
I am planning to return to Namibia in January to finish off some computer work I have started at the theological seminary (NETS) and also to try to hand over what I have done at the school in such a way that it can be sustained after I have left.
Please continue to pray for us as we go through this transition. We need to decide what our next steps will be - we are convinced that I will not return to teaching full time in the UK. If possible I would like to find a job where I can combine an IT support role with teaching mathematics. Ruth hopes that she might be able to find a role outside of the home for a few hours each week.
We want to thank all of you who have supported us prayerfully and practically (this is probably the only way that we can thank those who have supported us anonymously!) If any of you want to continue supporting the work of AIM in Namibia after the end of January we will send the funds to Mick & Suzanne Rineer.
