Chicago 26 July – 11 Aug (Dawie J)

Chicago was great. There is such a beautiful skyline and we had a nice home the first 12 days and then went to a hotel (near Willow Creek) for 5 days.

We went up the Willis Tower to the Skydeck. There were spectacular views, it feels as if you're on the top of the world. It was cool to stand on the glass balcony and look right down to the street 103 storeys below!

We played cricket in Lincoln Park, and I came 2^nd after my dad (who always wins). We often also played mini-cricket in the small area next to our house.

The visit to the Science and Industry museum was great. Me and my 2 brothers went. We saw the German U-boat (World War II submarine) and many other interesting things. Tinus and Charlie explained all the stuff that I did not understand. It is a privilege to have 2 older brothers like them.

My parents and brothers went to the Leadership Summit and I did not have a place to stay. I worried about it. We asked God to provide a place for me to stay. That really put my faith to a test. A family we have not met before, invited me to stay with them. So, I went to the Lowmans on Thursday. I had so much fun, that I asked to stay with them on the Friday as well, instead of staying in the Hotel room. I learned that to trust God, is the best and that when God provides, He provides the best!

Once we went to a restaurant as a special treat. It was buffet. We stayed there for 4 hours, not because we ate so much, but because we talked so much! I just love to be part of my family. We loved the eating as well!

Now I say good bye!

What I’ve Learned: Germany (Tinus) 1 September 2009

I guess I knew I was behind schedule when we revisited Germany before my post on what I learned the first time round, was published. Ironically (or tragically, to be more truthful) the very thing I chose to remember from my Germany experience is the axiom: "Do it, do it right, do it now."

Slightly embarrassed, I am thus doing it right now.

Every time I visit Germany (OK, I have only been there twice, but it is certainly true of both those occasions) I am struck by the efficiency and excellence with which the Germans do everything. From the passport control to the coffee machines to the bathrooms. Everything just works. I respect them for that.

Funny though, that it was a Lufthansa airplane (on our flight from New York to Munich) that had a malfunctioning in-flight entertainment system.

Elaborate on my axiom, I cannot do too much of though. You'll agree that it does not address a part of my life I am particularly proud of. All I can do is shorten it even more: "Do Right Now" and make a few comments.

• Doing the right things adequately is far better that doing the wrong things beautifully.
  
• Do whatever you do to the best of your ability, as for the Lord.
  
• Do not postpone.
  

I realize that this installment on what this tour has taught me is woefully short, but true it is nonetheless. I can also proudly assert that I shall continue learning...especially in this regard.

Chicago, Chicago (21 Jul – 6 Aug)Charlie

A lot has been said about this memorable stop on our world tour and although all stops were definitely memorable, this one was especially special. Although I am currently in the south of France and still behind on a lot of blogs I still deem it necessary to elaborate on my own experiences and feelings about the windy city. I am sure that at the end of this tour, we will be able to recall a lot of special things from our memory, but I know that as soon as we start thinking the first memories that jumps impulsively into our heads will be that of Chicago.

As you know already from my mother's blogs, the first week after landing at the Chicago's O'Hare airport was one of adventure and discovery. It was, by the grace of God, one of the very few times we had nothing planned in terms of where we will stay or in what we will stay! We were left to challenge the void of imagination and adventure in our thoughts. The only problem at the beginning of these few days was that everyone started to think for a change. Usually we plan the basic things beforehand and then during our time there the tour co-ordinator, my mother, would make suggestions as to what she felt had to be done. In these few days on the other hand, we didn't even have the basic stuff planned… Luckily we booked one thing ahead of time which was the car. That helped us more than you could ever imagine. You see, if you have wheels, your horizon of possibilities becomes broader by the second. In retrospect I think it was a good thing but at that time I wasn't sure if more possibilities was making things easier or more difficult.

So it all began… We climbed in our newly rented Cadillac and hit the road with absolutely no idea of where we were off to. We impulsively just decided to stay on the I- 90 E and see where that leads us. It took us past the city, past all Chicago's beautiful skyscrapers and finally out of Illinois. Then we were a bit unsure of what to do next, because as soon as we brought the inevitable question to the table a kaleidoscope of different views and ideas flushed through the car. Where were we headed? That question still remains a companion to me, not only in the practical sense of where to travel but in life as to where we will take our own life, where will we steer our own ship? After a lot of arguing, we decided to take it further in a stationary position, off of the interstate. The big problems was different paradigms, predictions and thoughts as at what this will consist of. A few of us felt that this was always going to be a road trip. Where we would put many American miles under our belts. Others felt like making it a more personal journey through the country, experiencing everything a single place has to offer, progressing slowly. At the end we came to the conclusion that everyone imagined these few days differently and that we needed to do more research about the area. Thus we headed to the Indiana Visitor's Centre.

Unfortunately it was already closed. We saw this as a decision being made for us. That night we would spend close to the Visitor's centre. The next morning we spent another two hours to decide where to go and in all the confusion I think we all saw the light. Simultaneously we decided to make it the best of both worlds. We were going to give attentive detail to the country but also put a few miles between us and Chicago. Thus it worked out perfectly in the end. We never got tired of driving and we got to see a variety of people and places. You might wander as to what gave us the necessary insight and wisdom. It was after we prayed and began to make sacrifices on our own terms and began to think of the other people in the family that we could come to a conclusion. This was a special few days for me, not only because of the beautiful places we could see, but because of the insight on the way I would steer my life's direction, in the wake of God's leadership!

After the week of adventure, unfortunate confrontation and reconsolidating freedom we headed back towards Chicago. From the beginning, Chicago had been on our list of places we had to visit because of the Willow creek Community Church. So when we thought about the few days without agenda beforehand, we came to one agreement. We had to be back on the Sunday to go to the Willow service. Thus, when heading towards Chicago, after these few days, we stopped by Willow on our way there. It was then that we got another taste of a beautiful, working church in the will of God. Thinking back now, I can only thank and praise God for leading us to so many inspirational churches. There is truly nothing like the local church when it is functioning according to the will of God. Not only did the worship capture the individuals Spirit in the essence of God, but the sermon captivated the soul, enlightening God's greatness. We got to listen to David Nasser. I will elaborate more on his service next time. After this first enriching service at Willow we headed to our new house which would become our home away from home for the next 10 days.

This apartment was in the heart and soul of a beautiful part of the city. Certainly not the most wealthy part, but one of the most enjoyable parts. Yes, our new apartment was in Lincoln park. Not in down town but a bit to the north west. Still, it was near enough to jog to downtown and to see the John Hancock side of the skyline from the lake side. It was situated about 2,5 km from the great lake. Thus setting up a beautiful opportunity for jogging to and next to the lake. It is so beautiful in day and night that jogging really becomes a dream. It appeared as the destination where it would be perfect to get a few running miles behind our backs and as it appeared, it was.

We got up early some mornings and ran our hearts out. Other days we would take an afternoon run. This for me was the most special. Not because of the beautiful colors in the sky, but because of all the people that joined us in exercise. All around us, there appeared locals with roller blades, bikes and the ever trustworthy running shoe. Chicago is certainly a calorie burning machine! There are people who says that the location isn't that important when you run - I was one of those. When I first ran in Chicago my views changed. Running certainly is a breeze there! Although the breeze may be in my face, I still enjoedy it because of all the beauty and because of all the people doing it with you. I could also learn from this that when there are others doing something with you, it is easier, although they even might be headed in the other direction.

More about our apartment. The whole apartment was in an old, small Chicago house basement. It was a bit of a downsizing from the Atlanta house and mountain cabin, but it still was a lot more worth than a hotel room. We spend those ten days mostly in our small apartment. It was a fruitful week for work, but also an eye-opener to what city culture and diversity could be like. During our few afternoons and days off, we did a few memorable Chicago city ventures including the Willis Tower Sky Deck, Lincoln Park zoo, Millennium Park, Navy pier and the Museum of Science and Industry.

The Sky Deck was an experience that left me feeling above the clouds – literally! Beforehand, being a Namibian, I felt a strange sense of awe and admiration as well as a bit of fear staring at the humongous structure. Before even going up I could understand that the Lord truly wants us to reach our full potential for the age we live in. When climbing in the elevator I felt a bit unsure… This feeling was futile though, because the elevator started to move. We went up, and up and up, surpassing other structural landmarks on the way. When we rose above the Eifel with 20 floors to go, a new feeling entered my thoughts, excitement! After my ears popped a few times we got to the 103 floor… I stepped out and saw the beauty of a skyline I've seen before, only this time it was from above! Everything was breathtaking! The lake in the east, the sunset in the west, everything! When we got down I felt an aspiration to reach my full potential and let God take me to new heights in my life!

Lincoln Park zoo was on the list only because it is for free, one of very few zoos in the world that are still free. Summarizing that experience, I did feel a bit sorry for the creatures in captivity because my own spirit is free, but I saw it as an opportunity for people who do not have the privilege to go to the wild, to see these animals there! Millennium Park is coupled not only with beauty in sight but in hearing as well. We went to the park to see a full orchestra performance. It was my first an definitely not my last. It was beautiful, even though I do not have an expert's ear for music. It will bring out the classical side in Rambo!

The Navy pier, also synonymous to Chicago, was an experience of cultural hospitality and restful pleasure. When you walk on to the navy pier, you not only walk and see the skyline but you drift through all the cheerful laughter and restaurant smells. All around there are tourists busy buying tickets for a boat ride or standing in the line to buy a Bud light. The locals could be found on the bicycle / jogging / skating trail and in one of the many restaurants each with a unique and special atmosphere. We, on the other hand, could not be found on a boat trip, in a restaurant or in a line to buy beer. We had the lovely privilege of attending Aladdin, the musical, at the Shakespeare theater at the Navy pier. After that joyous, funny and intriguing experience, we enjoyed the essence of pleasant atmosphere and cheerful conversing by walking around the pier.

Another experience of a life time and a must do when visiting Chicago is a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. Me and my two "engineer to be" brothers were the lucky ones selected to go. There were a lot of very interesting things, but I want to only name a few. We couldn't nearly get to everything it had to offer. I think that a annual pass wouldn't even be enough! Immediately when you enter, you are astonished by the mere size of the place, not even knowing of the beauties there are to follow. The highlight of the place was definitely the German WWII U-boat that was captured by the Americans during the war. It was a testament as to what man is capable of and how beautifully God has made us. Unfortunately it is also a symbol of how atrocious war is and how we should all keep striving for peace. I mean, you know something is bad, when the enemy that is captured is glad because they are freed from the clutches of war. Another highlight was the model train track from Chicago To Seattle occupying a whole hall. The detail and the story around it was astonishing. There was so much more we learned and enjoyed, but I do not have that much time to spend on blogging!

Before moving away from Lincoln Park, Tinus and I decided that Chicago is definitely the best place to attempt your first half-marathon. So, two nights before we moved closer to Willow, we decided to do it! We set off at about seven o'clock, planning to run in the dark on the way back to experience the skyline from all angles in all its lit up glory. The first 6 km were a breeze! Beautiful scenery and ABBA ringing in my ears, life seemed right. It was after 8 km that I started to feel a bit of pain in my leg, but I was still okay. The scenery of the sky line and lake kept changing and held remarkable beauty. When we turned at the half way mark it was completely different again. The Skyline now gave its own light and gave a totally new running inspiration! After 15km everything started to cramp up. I had pain in my legs in places I didn't know existed ! We kept on going despite the pain and finally reached the finish line. It was a big achievement! Although everything was sore for the next week, I felt great!

I hope You understand a bit more of the beauty of Chicago now and feel part of the city. In my next blog I will elaborate on the last week in Chicago, which is all about the Leadership summit!

Chicago – 26 July – 11August (Chrisna)

It was a mistake! Procrastination is never good, even if you think you have a good reason- and that is what I did. I kept postponing to write a blog on Chicago, and then on New York and I had a good reason: There was so much to say and so little time to say it. There was never enough time to sit down and pen down all that I felt inside, always something more important to be done, and now I realize that I cannot postpone any more, this is the more important thing right now. But now I have a new problem. There is so much bottled up inside of me, Chicago way down in the bottle, on top of that New York and now even on top of that, Marseille and the French Riviera! It was definitely a mistake to wait so long...

Let me shake my bottle, and let it all just fall out!...........

Chicago was special, very special. We had a special time in Chicago, very special.

We were sad to leave Chicago.

Why? Many different reasons, let me name a few: the beauty, the friendliness, the skyline, the lake, the classical music concerts in the park, the miles and miles of paths for hiking and jogging, the small Chicago apartment we lived in so close to the lake, the many free things to do, the sunrise and sunset, the church, the Leadership summit, the divine connections...

We started off on a bad foot with our home exchange being cancelled. But,this was the only bad part of Chicago. We spent many hours on the internet to find other accommodation and eventually succeeded. We rented an apartment in the basement of a 3 storey building in Lincoln Park. We had the most wonderful landlord, who even gave us a special discount rate and 1 day for free! Miracles happen even in the business world. (If you ever want to go to Chicago, contact us for her detail.)

We had our "goal-meeting" on day 2, and worked very disciplined. During breaktimes, we sat outside in the 3m wide piece of land between our house and the neighboring one and drank tea, or played cricket in that same area. The road is so narrow, with cars parked on both sides of the street, that you have to fold the car's mirrors flat!

From our house to the lake, was 2km. Sometimes we walked from the house to the lake and back, sometimes we drove to the lake, parked, and walked along the lake for 1 hour. This was our daily exercise.

We were there before sunset and walked till it was dark – seeing the colour of the sky change and the city lights go on. We were also there before sunrise, saw the sun lighting up yet another day and the city lights being switched off. Whatever time of day, it was always beautiful – the sky, the lake, the skyline of the city.

We did not only admire the skyline from down below, but also from the top of it all. Yes, we went up the Willis (formerly Sears) tower (for many years the tallest building in the world, but after Dubai's building spree, the highest in USA). We went all the way up to floor 103. If I had a choice, I would have stayed on the ground, but my 4 men took me up. And was I glad they did. What a beautiful sight! Again we saw the setting of the sun and the city lights flickering on. Yes, we were on top of it all, and we were all very excited and appreciated the outing. We were also glad that we could use an elevator this time – and not like always climb to the top!

Mondays are free days at the History Museum. We took this opportunity specifically to see the exhibition on the life of Abraham Lincoln, a great leader. We were impressed with more than his leadership skills alone, because at the same time we could see the good leadership and planning the leaders of the city of Chicago had centuries ago. The beautiful city and many parks did not just happen by coincidence, it was planned. A quote of Daniel Burnham at the entrance of the Willis tower sums it all up: "Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir mens blood."

Dream, Plan, Action (this is my quote!)

We were also blessed to visit with a Namibian girl who lives in Chicago for 5 years already. Her mother gave her details to my mother and we made contact. What a special and brave young lady Nadine is! She stays with a family where she takes 100% care of the children and cooks for the family, while at the same time studying full time. It was wonderful to spend time and share stories in Afrikaans and to make a new friend! Her parents can be so proud of her and Namibia can only hope that she will return, because she will surely be an asset to our country.

The 3 services we attended at Willow Creek Church, as well as the Leadership Summit were obviously highlights. Luckily Dawie shared about that experience, so I will not write about it now other than to say: "Thank you God, for allowing us this blessing!" It was also good to see other Namibians at the conference and as we greeted them on their way back home, to know: we will also return, Namibia is where God wants to have us, but not now, not just yet. (Oh, Thank you that we still have 2 months left before going home...)

What I want to write concerning Willow, is to tell about another miracle that happened to Dawie J and us while we attended the Leadership conference. This lady, Karen, and I corresponded via e-mail about a possible home exchange, which could not work out. When she asked whether all of us will attend the conference, I told her that only Dawie J will not, and she invited him to stay with them. We took Dawie J to these complete strangers on the first day of the conference . When we dropped him there that morning, I had complete peace in my heart. When we went to fetch him, he asked to go there again the next day! They invited us to dinner and we spend the evening with them, parting at midnight as friends.

Friday evening, fetching Dawie J, we were again invited to dinner and enjoyed yet another feast and wonderful fellowship. All three children plays different instruments, and we were blessed with beautiful violin and piano music. (Were we perhaps in heaven for a while?) We had such a special feeling for Lane, Karen and their children in our hearts, that we went back to them on Monday, just to say good-bye. Needless to say, a short good-bye ended up in a feast! Psalm 133:1 (NIV) How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Both Dawie and I had very significant meetings with different people during our Chicago stay. God surely loves to surprise us as He uses us as His instruments. He gives the wisdom when we are out of our comfort zones and can use us even outside of our SHAPE, the only thing we must do is to say: "Yes, Lord".

As I write and write, I understand why I continuously postponed to write about Chicago. We had such wonderful times there and made wonderful special new friends. My words do not do justice to what we truly experienced, and I think that I always felt that my writing will be inadequate to show the whole picture, so it was easier to postpone! Now it is inadequate, but at least something is written. May this be enough to remind us in years to come of how sweet Chicago tasted...

Thank you God, for blessing us in such a way – yet again. Thank you also for using us in different ways in the lives of different people and to use different people to build into our lives. You did it in every single place we called home, even if it was for a few days, during this fast speeding year of 2009! Thank you!

New York – the giant and 9/11 (Dawie) – 26 August 2009

I have seen most of the places in America we have included in our world tour before. New York I have never been to. I therefore had some strange kind of expectancy to visit this "giant" in magnitude and significance, especially in the financial world.

The planning was tough, because we could not find a home exchange and the city is expensive compared to other American cities (By the way; our experience is that Europe is more expensive than America).

The Lord blessed our visit in an unique way. A few weeks before our arrival in NY, a woman who read our blog mailed us and offered their home (though palace would describe it better) to us...for free. They were going to Namibia during the same period and, allthough all their accomodation was completely arranged allready, just wanted to bless us.

Their neighbors took us for dinner, their friends brought us American pie and offer us the most precious visits and friendship. From our "palace" we had the most beautiful view of New York. There was a pool table, swimming pool and a separate room & working space for each one! And those are just the highlights... We spent a week in their house and two days in New York city itself, walking for tens of kilometers and visiting numerous places of interest. A truly memorable week. My family will elaborate more on the detail.

Let me share a different thought and an expression or two with you. But, before I start, let me just add a quick disclaimer. I respect America as a nation tremendously and would choose to immigrate there if I was to leave Namibia. My comments are thus born from a deep respect and love.

Ten million people in one city are a lot. Everything is massive and excessive: buildings, accommodation, public transport, number of cars and feet on the streets, shops, number of police vehicles, etc. It is amazing how they manage to create some kind of "slower pace" in the chaos created by the numbers, by having numerous parks and relaxing chairs and tables beside the streets.

We walked the Mecca of the financial world...Wall street and Broadway. We walked past the American Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and massive financial institutions' buildings (all of whom received billions of US$ as "bail out" money very recently). We also visited the site where they are constructing the new building where the twin towers stood. We spent a long time in the Trinity Church – less than 100 meters from all of this!

I reflected deeply on 9/11, when terrorists brought the capitalistic world's icons down. Churches, I have been told, were full for a few weeks after that day. Just to decline in numbers soon afterwards.

Last year, Wall street recorded it's worse "bear trend" ever and millions of Americans lost their houses, jobs and the majority of their pension.

Although annalists speculate on a possible recovery and even a "little bull run", others pointed out that the average American owes more than N$ 60 000 on their credit cards. The possible "write offs" imbedded in the latter, may force the American government to extent it's U$700 billion "bail out" package to the private sector. Not good news, baring in mind that their newly elected President, who just rent an island for his family's vacation at a rate of only N$ 350 000 per week, is in the process of extending/improving the health care options for 50 million Americans (while very little is being done about the two thirds af Americans who are obese) and extending the war in Afghanistan. These initiatives will most probably not be funded from "their trading account!" Will America borrow from the Chinese again?

If an individual spent more than he earns, he will have to sell assets to fund the deficit or borrow more from someone else to finance it. The same principle applies to businesses and governments. Is it possible that the leaders of the free economic system twisted it so far that their rights and comfort, through their own money, became their own god? Meaning that they are turning away from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to worship something else...Interesting that Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
²⁴ "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

As I read through the Old Testament again, I was struck by how an "abundantly loving-kind Heavenly Father" tried to do everything possible that His people will not turned away from Him. But, it seems to me, this is exactly what happened all over the years, again and again...for 6000 years. Is it possibly true that this very special American nation who wrote in their constitution and even today on their money that "in God we trust," is turning away from their God?

Often on long roadtrips, Tinus plays us a "podcast" or message from one of his favorite preachers. In one of these, Louie Giglio said that we are all worshippers. We will worship what we value the most. Period. What we value the most will consume us and what will consume us, will conform us. What we will be conformed to, will determine our destiny. Is it possible that this nation, once fully devoted to God, started to value "money" more than God? Is it possible that it conformed them to materialistic self-centric human beings with legio of rights and to the love of money, which will determine there destiny? Hard words...but what about Europe, did that not happen with them first? It is easy to criticize other countries...where are we, as Namibians, in this process?

Are we still worshipping God and Him alone?

The warning lights are red in Europe, orange in America and between green and orange in Africa...

Scripture is clear on this:

Psalm 115:1-8 (NIV)
¹ Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. ² Why do the nations say, "Where is their God?" ³ Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. ⁴ But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. ⁵ They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; ⁶ they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; ⁷ they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. ⁸ Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

One of the signs you will see the most in New York City is: "I love New York", on t-shirts, glasses, keyrings, etc. A truly remarkable city with the most wonderful people, but I felt a sense of hopelessness due to who they worship. The Sunday before we left we visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church of Jim Cymbala (he is the author of two wonderful books I have read "Fresh Wind Fresh Fire" and "Fresh Faith"). Again, it was here, in church, that I received hope! Every time during our American leg of our trip; after reading newspapers, watching news channels, talking to people, my hope was fading. But every time it was in the local church that my hope was restored. That happened in LA (Fred Price and Rick Warren's churches), Whitefish (Paul and Angelita's church), Atlanta (Bruce Wilkinson, Phil Tuttle, Louie Giglio), Chicago (Bill Hybel's church) and now in New York (Jim Cymbala's church)!

That reminded me of Scripture; 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

There is hope because God is faithful, abundantly loving-kind and full of forgiveness... and his local church is still there...but then the church in America's voice should be heard! Can you hear that prophetic voice?...(Remember, the church is not only those few prophets I mentioned ...the church are all those who is carrying Christ Name!) Does that prophetic voice change the direction of businesses, the Government, the Nation? If the silence continues (voice or efforts not being effective)... America will become who they worship!

Maybe this is why the follow up book of Jim Cymbala of New York (Brooklyn), is called "Fresh Power". Churches (individuals, businesses and the Government) will need the Holy Spirit's presense and power to turn this around...

What about you and me? Are we still salt and light? Are we worthy of Christ Name? Are we faithful to our calling?

Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)
¹ As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

^{Dawie Fourie - 9/11 from New York}

Chicago –our number one? (Dawie) 23 Aug 2009

Chicago has been our number one choice in several categories. It was the first city we identified to include in our world tour. The family voted the skyline as the most beautiful one in the world. Tinus and Charlie completed their first half marathon there. The best local church we have visited is there. The best car we had on the tour, we drove there. It's the location in which we made the most new friends. It's the most innovated city we have visited. It's Tinus' first choice for after graduate studies. It's the city in which we have exercised the most. And the list continues...

The innovative and architectural buildings and structures, 1000+ km running/bicycle tracks, numerous parks, cleanliness, various famous educational institutions, museums, art festivals, etc. contributed to my gaining respect for the city. The pace against which the city and it's people develop are remarkable. Chicago for example, produced the most Noble price winners ever. (I am sure some other family members will elaborate more on Chicago and the friends we made here)

Chicago was indeed very special.

But so were all the other places and all the other wonderful people and churches we have visited.

We had the most remarkable eight months as a family, but believe me, it is here in Chicago that I felt our relationships matured and grew in depths, more than ever before. I once again realized that I am very proud of my wife and three godly sons.

The visits to the Willow Creek Community Church and the Global Leadership Summit ("GLS") surely contributed to make Chicago even more special.

The church is relevant, innovative and lead by people with the spiritual gift of leadership. The focus on God's Word and Jesus is real, which ensure that they are practical and sensitive to the needs of their people and of the world. The GLS was once again a world class event; excellently organized and executed. It was full of practical information for leaders in today's changing world. It is "a must" for every leader who desires to glorify God through his or her church/organization.

My meetings with Bill Hybels and Gary Schammlein were fruitful and inspiring. There are so many win-win opportunities in Africa if the Willow Creek Association and the African Leadership Institute can work closer together in the future. Something , I think, which will develop.

Something I once again realized on this trip is that if one desires to make a difference you need to do the following:

• Be willing to learn from everybody and be sensitive for opportunities to gain knowledge, experience and wisdom.
• Never think that you are better than other people
• Work hard, with excellence, and in unity with teams
• Actively and innovatively seek new solutions for challenges and be willing to take risk for a Kingdom reward
• Your own abilities will take you only so far...we all need the power of God's hand on our lives.

It is not fair to all the other very special places, people and churches to give Chicago the official "no 1 -Fouries-around-the-world-prize"...Lets just conclude with the statement that it was an truly amazing and blessed visit!

Psalm 127 (NIV)
¹ Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. ² In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. ³ Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. ⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. ⁵ Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Detailed Appreciation – 23 August 2009 (Chrisna)

When my father died 3 years ago, I woke up one night and thought of him, thought that I've learned so much from him, that I appreciated him for so many things. Then I realized that to say that means very little. I must give detail to what he has taught me, I must be specific in what I appreciate. I took pen and paper and started writing – pages full of detailed appreciation. That meant a lot to me and continued to create precious memories I have of my dad.

Last night I woke up and thought how much I appreciate the 4 men with whom I am travelling around the world. Once again I realized that I must be specific in my appreciation. So now I take my laptop and type my detailed appreciation I have for them, that is for my special husband and 3 sons. I will read it to them once I'm done. You are welcome to read it too and then go write your own detailed appreciation thoughts for your loved ones.

I deeply appreciate the fact that we have been travelling the world for 7,5 months and that they still love me AND like me! It's really special that they appreciate me and tell me that. (Although I do what ever I do for the Lord, It's good to hear from time to time that others see what you do.) It was quite special when Charlie jokingly told his dad yesterday that if he ever even thought of leaving me, he(Charlie) will call him the biggest fool on earth. I took that as a compliment!

I love the hugs that all 4 of them give me periodically all through out the day. It's so special how they all give compliments and say nice things to each other and to me.

Sometimes we decide to play a board game or watch a movie and find ourselves 2 hours later still just talking, enjoying each others company and opinions and stories. And this during this tour where we spend all our awake hours in any case in each others company- we still love to be with each other. We laugh a lot – at each other and with each other- this create good companionship and safety. We pray together – often. And I see that the saying :"A family who prays together, stays together" is true.

Sometimes we decide to play a board game or watch a movie and then we actually do it and have great fun. We play a game of cricket, always passionately, always playing to win. We walk for miles and build precious memories. Although fatigue sets in after 10 km of walking, no one complains but they rather cheer each other (and especially me) up with a joke or even a song(although no one in our family can realy sing!) I appreciate that we do things together, sometimes simple things, sometimes spectacular things and they appreciate and enjoy them all. I love it that we really have fun together.

There are many specific things in their characters that reveals itself while on this tour, things that I would not have known if we did not do this. That is part of why I appreciate them so much (and appreciate the world tour so much!) Let me be specific – it is the idea behind this writing of mine.

We are like rolling stones this year. We never settle or have time or opportunity for each to create a personal space for himself. Sometimes we live in a big house , sometimes in a very small apartment and often in only one room. No matter where our house is or what the size is, they are always excited about every new place. They have found ways to see the best in every place and communicate it with each other – that way we influence each other to focus on the good and not the bad. There were times that each had his own room(although that did not happen often), but there were more times that each did not even have his own bed, often we had 2 beds for the 5 of us. It never created problems. No one ever moaned about where and how to sleep and was always just very glad to have a bed. How often when we pray, I hear one of them thanking God for a roof over our heads and a bed to sleep in. The wonder is that if they have their own room or a comfortable bed, they always speak their appreciation. What I realized is that this tour had taught them to never take any thing for granted and to really be thankful in all things.

As with the rooms and beds, we also have new workspaces every 2 or 3 weeks. Sometimes every one has their own place to work, but most of the time, we have to share a desk or even all 5 share the same dining room table and have to clear it when we eat. I have not heard them moaning about this. I see them take their books or computer and start to work, until the bell rings for break-time. Then we thoroughly enjoy our break – together. As I write this, I realize what a privilege we have to live life together in such a degree of "togetherness", but I also appreciate that all of us still enjoy and treasure it so much. I especially appreciate my 2 teenage sons for genuinely loving and enjoying our time together.

Another thing that I sincerely appreciate is that they do not complain that they do not have other friends here and now. They know that they have friends back home(and they do e-mail and facebook with them), and they know that there will be time for even more friendships to form later, but for now they are 100% content to have only each other as friend and companion. To see them loving each other, laughing, talking, sharing with each other, being best of friends, brings a very warm feeling to my mother heart. To realize how much the 4 of them respect each other, is surely special, very special. Here I must also mention Dawie J specifically. This 9 year old boy is travelling the world with 4 adults and doing a great job! Although we play with him and do things that he likes, we more often do adult things, and he never complains, he just go along with a chunk of clay in his hand, creating sculptures all the way.

They all work very hard. Dawie ( the older one), sets the tempo and the rest follow his lead. We all work in the mornings, but quite often in the afternoons as well. It is only Dawie J that strictly works mornings only. If any one complains, it will be because they do not have enough time to work. I'm the only one asking for more time on the road and exploring all the new places. Yes, I realize now that I am the only one complaining , and that because they work too hard! But let me give this appreciation as well: when I do suggest an outing and it falls inside our budget and time schedule, they go all out in enjoying it.

We are in a different city every 2 or 3 weeks. That means that Dawie must drive on strange and new roads every 2 or 3 weeks and also with a different car. Together with that, I must add, is the fact that he always have 4 back seat drivers(one is sitting in the front), who all give advice and directions and shout warnings. He does not complain, he just concentrate and drive. I think that he has learnt to only listen to Angie, our GPS and respond on our voices only if there is a certain urgency in our tone. We have always reached our destination on time and safely. A safe and confident driver, a good navigation team and lots and lots of Grace have helped us so far. Yesterday we were many kilometers from our house in Marseille, not knowing where we were or where our house were, not having a map or a GPS, but with those 3 components we managed to return home, without ever worrying or stressing, only laughing and encouraging each other. So with this I guess, I say that I appreciate my husbands driving skills and willingness to drive and the family working together as a team.

Another thing that I truly appreciate, is that they eat and like my food. I heard Charlie answering a question some one asked about how we eat and whether they like the new and strange places and food, in this way: "My parents buy whatever is on special in a shop. Sometimes it is strange food, but we like it. Most of the time we eat carrots and potatoes, because they are the cheapest everywhere. But you know what, my mother always manage to make something new out of them, and we like that." We almost never eat out, even if we are on the road all day. It is simply too expensive and our budget won't last. I make picnic food at home and we carry that with us, we find a spot underneath a tree, and we have a feast. What I appreciate is that they never complain, they never ask to go to a restaurant and they always say how much they enjoy the picnic. Here are still more appreciation on the eating and on how they have adapted: At home there is always food and snacks in the cupboard AND Grandma is there who is always more than willing to feed them. It is different on tour. Our food is planned and measured out, even the snacks – if there is any. The meals are so that everyone can only eat the amount that was planned per person. If they want to eat in times between meals, they must ask if there is something available and quite often the answer will be:"There is some water". They do not complain, but love it when there is a snack available. We do have a system in place the past 5 months:- when we go buy food, each one of the boys may pick one treat(with an amount attached to it) to spoil them with . They have become so wise with this, that they team up, and each will buy a packet of snacks which they can all share and with planning it will last long enough until the next grocery shopping expedition. In summary, I appreciate their sincere enjoyment of each meal, their appreciation of any type of snack(even if it is some baking experiment of mine), their creativity in planning, the fact that they never moan or take food without asking and how they took ownership of the food budget and feel the victory with me when we end up within our budget each month.

Yes, the whole budget thing is also something that they have adapted too so well. They understand it so good and together we all strive to live within our budget. I have never heard any one complaining if we could not do something or buy something because it was too expensive or will put pressure on the budget. I appreciate it how every one, Dawie J included, are such good stewards of what we have. I appreciate Dawie, the father, who keeps book of every expense in detail, and discusses our finances with the whole family on a monthly base. The boys have spoken their appreciation about this and admitted how much they have learnt from this.

I appreciate the fact that the boys respect and honor and obey Dawie and me. It is wonderful that they listen, ask good questions and allow us to teach them about life and all it's choices. I also appreciate it that they teach us to "practice what we preach", that they challenge us and even say when they do not agree with us. Although it is tough to hear, I appreciate it when they tell me when I am wrong and that they always forgive in abundance. I love it when they admit and agree that I am right.

I appreciate all of them taking on extra responsibilities on this tour. There is no help around the house(oh, how I appreciate Isabella and Katrina back home!), but all 4 men pull their weight. I appreciate that the men takes care of the evening meal and Old Dawie often also help with the main meal at lunch time. They are all responsible to help with the cleaning of the house when it is time to leave. Boy oh boy, do we operate as a well oiled team then. Our aim is always to leave the house cleaner than what we have received it and we go all out to accomplish that. I also appreciate them for the other type of responsibilities they took on. Tinus, always ready to serve in whatever way we need him, mostly on the technical side. Charlie takes extra evening meal shifts and plays with Dawie J quite often. Dawie J does whatever chore we give him to do. Dawie, the father,lead by example in sharing responsibilities. He spend individual alone time with each of the boys to speak into their lives like only a dad can, he helps in the kitchen, he always had to find the "right" church to visit(and he did an excellent job), he keeps me very happy. Yes, I do appreciate them for helping where ever there is a need, and always with a good attitude , never complaining.

There is definitely more things that I do appreciate, but for now, this is a mouthful. Needless to say, is that I appreciate God for giving me these men whom I can appreciate so much. I say thank you to my men and I give Glory to God. Dawie, Tinus, Charlie and Dawie J: Your lives surely glorify God! May He continue to bless you in abundance. Thank you for spilling those blessings all over me.