Sunday, October 12, 2008

SAFARI

I went on my first African safari this weekend. Paul, Chris, Kami, and I headed about three hours north of Nairobi to visit two parks, which lead us into the northern hemisphere and a stop at the equator. It was my first time in the northern hemisphere in three months!

Here I am at 0 degrees latitude...


Despite what people think, water does not swirl in the opposite direction when going down a drain or toilet in the southern hemisphere. It's the same whether you're in the north or south. They had funnels to test it at the equator. I've also tested it in Brazil. Same results - no difference.

The lodge we stayed at sat near the base of Mt. Kenya. Each morning I woke up at 6 am to see a beautiful sunrise as I had quiet time with God on the balcony. Here was the view from our room...We saw three of Africa's "big five" (buffalo, rhinos, and elephants). If you can't see, those are rhinoceroses behind me. I still need to see leopards and lions to see all five of Africa's famous beasts. I'd like to see a cheetah too. Although we didn't see the "cats", we saw a lot of beautiful herbivores.We ended a full day of safari with a beautiful sunset as we hoped and waited for lions to come out. Although the lions didn't expose themselves, we did watch vultures eat a zebra carcass with the setting sun behind them. Overall, I'd say my first safari was a great success.

Being out in the beautiful expanse of Africa, seeing all the variety of animals, and driving through jungles and savanna... I love it. Friends here have said to me, "It's cool to see all the animals," but for me it was more than that. I can't completely explain it, but I know God has brought me here for reasons beyond teaching at Rosslyn for three years. It's exciting to think and anticipate what He has planned. All of this probably sounds cheesy, but I feel like these three months in Africa are the beginning of something bigger. Who knew that elephants and giraffes could have such an impact! :)

6 comments:

  1. It is SO beautiful! I am glad you are so happy there. Miss ya and Love ya!
    ~Taralah

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  2. Sounds like great fun. Beautiful pictures. Lets try to talk soon.

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  3. oooh! I can't WAIT to go on safari with you! Looks incredible. We want to hear more. We'll try to skype sometime soon.

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  4. What a great adventure!
    Hey if someone was wanting to send you a package/envelope...what address would they need to send it to?

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  5. Hi,

    I have just visit your blog and it has realy impressed me. My names are Solomon from Kenya. I work with a charitable organisation called Wildlife Clubs of Kenya. I have a good project of upgrading Nairobi slums. For more infromation my email address is curtis@operamail.com

    ReplyDelete