Layovers in Germany

Hello!

   I'm typing this in Frankfurt, Germany waiting for my flight leaving at 10pm for Johannesburg. The flight from Calgary to here was AMAZING. I had a window seat and NO ONE beside me in either of the two seats so I was able to stretch out and relax and sleep a couple hours which usually doesn't happen for me. Upon arrival I was still really exhausted and this is a new airport for me. I was super overwhelmed when I landed. Just a shock to the system. Travelling alone isn't my favourite either. I was feeling really stressed and started having a little meltdown trying to get my bearings. I was hoping to go into the city and leave the airport but I decided I will try on the way home. My new shoes will be broken in, I'll know the airport, my carry-on won't be so heavy, etc. I'm doing a little better now, I slept a bit more because there aren't many people here in this section of the airport at the moment. It's pretty quiet and relaxed. I've been reading and journalling and my boyfriend Josh and I were able to Facetime a bit as he got ready for work. It was 3pm my time and 7am his time. My flight departs in 5 hours. So I just have to hold out a little longer. Believe it or not, I'm half way there! Prayer requests right now would be continued peace and that I wouldn't get panicked again and also that I would find some energy and feel rejuvenated. I only had one teeny tiny cup of coffee this morning so maybe that's my issue! haha. I might have to remedy that here soon.

   Blessings.

Redirection and Namibia

Happy New Year!

   One of the hardest parts about being involved in full time and/or part time missions, for me, is keeping people updated. I get so caught up in getting prepared that I forget about the friends, family, and supporters who are curious about what I'm up to and how it's all coming along.

   A few months ago I was feeling trapped within my own plans and agenda. I had everything prepared in my minds eye how I would spend the first few months of 2017. I had already made the choice to go to YWAM in Denver, Colorado to take their Biblical Foundations course, but slowly I became very disinterested and it didn't feel right in my heart. I randomly started looking at missions trips abroad and one in particular with Operation Mobilization made me excited immediately upon reading about it. It is a two month trip to Namibia in Africa. I will be involved in prayer, serving, practical ministry, some class time, travelling within Namibia, working with local people, outreaches, etc. The team will be no larger than 12 people which is conducive to the type of training and travelling that will take place. One night after praying I simultaneously sent in an email saying I wouldn't be participating in the course with YWAM and I sent in my application for OM. The next morning I was conditionally accepted upon receiving the first payment, criminal record check, etc. It felt right immediately.

   I've had a lot of good feedback and support from friends and family and in 23 short days I hop on a plane from Calgary to Frankfurt to Johannesburg to Windhoek.

   I have no idea what God has planned for me when I arrive home April 1. But I've learnt His plans are much more exciting than mine and I'm flexible to be redirected where He needs me.

   Prayer points for before I leave would be focus and determination to finish preparing for my trip. I get distracted easily and I still need to purchase travel insurance and various items I will need i.e new luggage, clothes appropriate for the culture in Namibia, sleeping bag, pillow, flashlight, etc. Also that I would be content and know that God has me in His arms and I don't need to be afraid to leave home on my own again. My last trip abroad alone was to Australia and the Philippines for 6 months in 2014. *you can read about the entire trip in previous blog posts*

   Right now I'm still in Red Deer. My parents and little brother both flew down from their missions field in the Caribbean to join us for Christmas. The entire family of 7 (now 9 with two siblings married last year) has not been together for Christmas in many years and it was a joy to have them here. The next time they are home is March and I will still be abroad at that time so it was great to see them while I could. My last day of work is the 17 so I have 10 days to further prepare after that.

   Thank you for reading and thank you for your prayer and support, because I couldn't do any of this on my own, without people like you, or without God working through me.

Blessings, Bethany.

10 fun facts about Namibia:

1. Namibia is home to the world's largest population of free-roaming cheetahs. (2500-3000)
2. Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world.
3. The country gets it's name from the Namib desert - one of the world's oldest deserts.
4. Namibia was a German colony, then captured by South Africa in World War 1.
5. Despite it's low population, Namibia is still home to 13 different ethnic groups.
6. Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate environmental protection into it's constitution.
7. Namibia is one of only two countries in the world that has desert elephants!
8. Sossusvlei Sand Dunes are some of the highest in the world and one of Namibia's most impressive sights.
9. Namibia is home to the world's largest population of free roaming black rhinos.
10. Namibia is one of the youngest countries in Africa.