June 21, 2005 - Lions and T . . . Elephants, Oh My!
What an incredible day and a beautiful end to our two weeks here in South Africa. 4:30 am came awfully early, but once on the road many on the team were able to catch some extra sleep. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful red, African sunrise and a gorgeous drive to Pilanesburg, an inactive volcano crater which is now home to thousands of animals. For most of us, this was our first safari and for those who have been on one before, they
reported that the park was one of the best, animals from hippos, zebras, and ostriches to elephants, rhinos, and giraffes came out all day long. Overall, the day was a wonderful time to spend together in the combie.
Once the heat of the day peaked out, we left the park and made our way to our lodgings where we rested for a couples hours, saw a one-armed monkey, watched the guys jump in a cold pool in the middle of the winter (not too cold for some Coloradans), and headed off to the Lion Park where everyone was able to hold a lion cub, see around 40 other lions that have been raised there, and then enjoy one last braii around the camp fire. After a delicious meal serenaded by a herd of roaring, but well fed, lions, we spent a couple hours reflecting on this missions trip in South Africa and then enjoyed sweet fellowship with our Savior in a time of prayer together.
Certainly it was a day of fun and rest and for this team it was beautiful way to end South Africa 2005, or at least our time in Africa. The journey continues on and ministry is always at our door. Thank you for your prayers for us. Our fellowship was sweet and our lives were in the Master's hands (even protecting us from a herd of angry elephants). Your prayers continue to be answered. Thank you.
God's Grace to you all,
