Alive & well in Namibia

This is our first time checking out this Blog thing. It was fun reading the previous postings.

First impression of N from plane was "very flat & no recognizable farms". However, there are hills all around. It is the rainy season now, so things are green. When in Africa last year, everything was brown & this is a nice change.
Spent an over-night w/ a host family: 55 year old instructor at the local Arts College who had lost his wife a year ago, leaving him w/ 5 children (16 - 4 mos). He was a freedom fighter in N's struggle against Apartheid & for Independence. In exile for 15 years. Traveled around the world performing w/ a music/drama group to spread Africa's story. He lives in the area of Windhoek (N capital where we are now) where the blacks were pushed when the whites took over. A very large area of corrugated "homes"--like in the pictures you often see, only this was live! The house our host had was better--although very minimal. He took us to his church where he leads the music & preaches, along w/ others. They were very welcoming.
We went to a restaurant last night that served a traditional N dinner. We sat on logs at a very low table. Had chicken cooked over a fire, cooked spinach, "porridge", and tripe. No plates, no serving utensils, no silverware. And, we are not supposed to use our left hand--my right hand was dripping w/ grease (or something). An interesting experience. We played a game where one person danced in the center of the circle of people while the circle clapped & chanted. The dancer then would dance up to someone of opposite sex & point them out with a pelvic thrust & then that person would dance. Only our group was involved with this & it was funny.
Went to Etosha Park (game reserve) & watched a hyena feed on the carcass of a giraffe. Wasn't much left, so he tore off a piece of hide & trotted off. Saw wildebeeste for the 1st time. Also a huge salt pan.
Went to a small town last week to practice teach at a regional school, which was very nice. The learners responded to flyers advertising a Holiday School. It gave us an opportunity to try different approaches.
We are having sessions covering topics involving teaching, culture, a little language (we are the only 2 who are trying to pick up common phrases in Oshidonga. The other volunteers have other languages to learn).
Windhoek is a very westernized city. For the most part we are eating "normal" food, have modern facilities, the water is fine. It gets a little warm, but not bad. When we arrive at our school Monday (18th) we may have a totally different story. It's time to say "good-night". We will try to maintain this with a degree of regularity. Love to all. We are very grateful for your support in this effort--pray for us as we pray for you.
Jim & Sharon