My Dream Team

By Dale

Tis the season for basketball so I thought, even though my team lost in the “not so sweet 16”, I would write a festive blog.  In 1992 America put together the first Olympic basketball team to feature active NBA talent. Names like Jordan, Bird, Johnson, Robinson…these were the best of the best at the time.  A Dream Team indeed.  It was touted by journalists as “the greatest sports team ever assembled” and proved it by defeating their opponents by an average of 44 points on their way to a gold medal in Barcelona, Spain.  By the way, one of the assistant coaches was Coach K.  I was 15 at the time!

Now I am about to turn 39 and have a “Dream Team” of my own.  At so many times while we’ve been serving at Naomi’s Village each one of us has been doing something different and so it often felt as if we were heading in different directions.  However, as I reflect on our time which is drawing to a close today, I recognize that sense was misguided.  Our little team of 6 was indeed heading in the same direction but simply spread out to have a larger impact among the various aspects of NV’s ministry.  Together we have touched the lives of many and together have been touched deeply by so many wonderful people. 

Several people have told us that we have given the children of NV a living and valuable example of a family that loves Jesus, loves each other and serves together in building God’s Kingdom.  I could think of no greater compliment to receive as we complete our time here at Naomi’s. Our team will likely never be the same again as things like this don’t come around every day.  But boy it is sure has been a joy to be a part of such an awesome team!

 

Isaac served a ton in the kitchen and learned to make a Kenyan favorite; Chapati!

 

Julia served predominately with the babies (here with Noelle)  Isaac assisting in the Kindergarten class

 

Ann assisting Jo Jo in the Kindergarten class (a teacher went on maternity leave)

Rachel assisting Nancy in her work

   

Isaac and I helped with the teens doing road work a few different times. Yes these boulders actually help smooth the roads!  Esther and Paul are pictured here helping while Willie is bent over continuing to work.

 

Lizzie serving with arts and crafts time.  Sorry, can’t tell who’s who :)

 

Ann loved helping with the babies too! (here with Sammy)

Rachel reading to a group of interested youngsters.

Isaac and I often washed evening dishes together.  Great father-son time; at least from my perspective :)

We built a nice friendship with chefs Uncle Michael (L) and Mike (R).

Liz playing “Spot It” with some little ones.

Rachel, Isaac and I after a fun afternoon of football (soccer).  The soccer field is a great teaching platform for character and teamwork!