Africa

Africa

“Today is another day”

July 8, 2016

          Today mom, dad, and I flew to Africa to join Frank.  We met in South Africa and stayed at a game lodge.  On the first day in Africa we heard a song with the words “Justice before peace” in it and we joke by singing that line.

July 9, 2016

          Nice!  We just saw four white rhinos on the side of the highway.  Earlier, where we spent the night, we saw ostriches, gemsbok, and blesbock. 

The African words that I, at least have written down, have learned are:

·         Sabona—good morning, good afternoon, and hello

·         Malini—how much

·         Osali—Goodbye

·         Rafikiu—friend

·         Amanzi—water

·         Howsit—how are you

·         Futhi—and

·         Lafo—when

·         Kefi--where

We just saw some big carp.  We passed a zebra.  We are driving among the Drakesburg Mountains.  Haha, you drive on the left here, which we know how to do due to visiting left-hand drive countries before.  However, when we entered the first roundabout of Africa, we entered the wrong way and made the loop a couple of times.  –fun

Left hand drive “No yellow line driving”

July 10, 2016

     Today, at 5:45 we met Jean for a wildlife safari.  Joining us were two people from Holland.  On the safari we saw:

·         White rhinos

·         Springboks

·         Lions

·         Elephants

·         Giraffes

·         Water buffalos

·         Hippopotamus

·         Plains zebra

·         Warthogs

·         Blue wildebeest

·         Impalas

·         Waterbucks

·         Nyala

·         Common duiker

·         Kudu

·         Cape glossy starling

·         Helmetted guineafowl

·         Lilac-breasted stork

·         African jacama

·         Getaway bird

·         Crocodiles

Crocodile

Water buffalo

Impala

Elephant

African fish eagle

Plains zebra

July 11, 2016

     Today we were on our own and saw:

·         Slender mongoose

·         Doiker

·         Tree squirrel

·         Kudus

·         Green birds

·         Hyena

·         Water buffalo

·         Hippopotamus

·         Impala

·         Rhino

·         Bustard

·         Go away birds

·         Baboons

·         (Frank saw) vervet monkey

·         Warthogs

The night drive included:

·         Fruit bats

·         Pocupine

·         Black baked jackal

·         Civet cat

·         Steenbok

·         Klipspringer

Hippopotamus

Impala

Warthog

Baboon

July 12, 2016

We got an early start today going to Johannesburg.  Haha, the car beeps loudly if anyone unbuckles—it is kind of annoying.  First we drive to Nelspruit.  We are taking backroads to get there and the scenery is beautiful—It kind of reminds my dad of New Mexico.

God, everything You create is beautiful from places to people.  Thank You for giving humanity the choice of whether or not to have a relationship with You—I know what choice You desire for us to make and I praise You.  I pray I don’t harm creation or other humans which are created in Your image.  Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.”  1 Corinthians 11:7 “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is in the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of the man.”

Left to right: Frank, Tina, Bones, G

More African:

·         Asante—thank you

·         Caribe—your welcome

In South Africa gas stations there are employees waiting by the gas pumps. When you pull up to the pump they fill your car with gas and clean the windshield.  It is cool.

We just made a stop. It was a short hike and view of a canyon.  We ate our packed lunch looking at the canyon.  We just saw, at 2:05 p.m., babboons run across the road.

We just made another stop—the scenery consists of a valley that was pretty awesome.  The scenery makes me think of that in Arizona and New Mexico.  We stayed the night at the game lodge.

Victoria Falls 

Lilac breasted roller

July 13, 2016

This morning,  post desayunar, we left to return the car and get on a train.  I am very excited about the train ride as this will be my first!

As I sit I ponder.  Potentially every day we wake could be our last so we should live with no regrets; there is nothing we can do to change what has happened.  Don’t live in your past—live for today.

I’m not saying to not plan for the future.  Go to school, get a job, pursue relationships, make every day count.  We want to be prepared for tomorrow.  We need to just keep an open mind because, really, we have no idea of what could happen in the next second!

The ground we are passing over is mostly flat with very gentle hills.  There is a lot of dust in the air—two year drought.  It is a decently smooth ride.

The scenery is red dirt—like a baseball field, there is a mixture of straw colored grass, evergreen trees, shrubs, deciduous trees, and surprisingly a couple lakes.

A young boy who is also riding the train has a toy. It is made of oil cans, the two on top are cut and the one below is whole (the wheel), it is attached to a stick with which one can roll it along.

That was cool! I just saw a peacock on the corner of a roof. J

Okay, the train has broken down several times.

Etosha salt plain

Warthog

July 14, 2016

Mornings in Africa are plain compared to Texas.

We are, our train, is going to arrive in Cape Town (destination) six or more hours later than expected.  The experience, which I could easily see as sttrssful, is not that bad since we are in a different country/on a different continent. New experiences are very cool!

The scenery in tis part of South Africa is called karoo (rocky desert and shrubs).  Okay, so there are some random palm trees out here.

“Looking at humanity as a whole, I’d say that much of our psychological and spiritual energy is stuck.  It is blocked by old habits and images of conflict, separation, and violence.  Our fears limit our imagination.  They cripple our will to change. . .” Blessing by Spangler, D. p. 69

I believe Buddhist have it right when a person who has achieved enlightenment stays in the world to serve other and empower their quests for enlightenment.

--Back to my trip, the scenery we are traveling through has more hills than before.  Still, it is largely flat with a few gentle slopes.

People are really beautiful creations.  The steps of blessing, Spangler articulates, are: Identification, Opening, Synthesis, and Blessing.

Life feels simpler here, in Africa.  It’s not that there are more places to buy stuff to “make life easier” it is the contrary.  There are many more open plats of land with not a man-made light for mile.  Life feels simpler here because there is less clutter like billboards, malls, chain stores, man-made lawns.  This place seems to be less individualistic to me.

    

July 15,2016

          I’ll start with lunch today, I and mom had hot soup, Frank had a hot pasta dish, and dad had spicy green curry.  The meal was so good!

          In the beginning of the day we drove—go figure, through a decent sized city.  There have been several pedestrian bridges over the highway; these would have great views!  Another part of each city we pass through is a low—no income section.  I am reminded of just how blessed I am to live in a country, and with a family, that is able to support itself.  Thank You God.  As I see these areas I am bothered and feel I should and need to do something to fix or rectify this.  As I work, I can help start or increase the volume of programs to help people support themselves in every area of life again—shelter, food, clothing, transportation, education, to name a few.  Help me, God, to live a life that You approve of.

          Today I decided it would be pretty cool to live in a place with mountains.

Scenery from train in South Africa

          As we drove though some whale-watching country we heard four whale jokes on the radio.  Another thing that was on the radio, which I liked and made me smile, was ‘Treasure’ by Bruno Mars.  This song brings me warm feelings and a smile because I remembered it being played at Haley’s wedding where I thought I had made a really good friend, though I was incorrect.

          We passed the world of strawberries—interesting.  There were several huge statues of strawberries to help market the product, I imagine.

          There is a mountain range that runs to the ocean here.  We drive to the mountains.  There is a rainbow up with the peaks that is very pretty.  We walked along the coastline, which was nice, but we turned around when it started raining.

          Lastly, one place we stopped at had some metal bars that kind of resembled what I imagine a staircase to heaven would look like.

July 16, 2016

          Buenas dias Africa!

          We can see table mountain this morning.  The Cape of Good Hope is our first destination today.  The coast we are driving past is nice.  There are boats in a landing by the coast.  African penguins!  Dad spotted the whales first and then the rest of us saw whales around 4:25.

          I took a hike with Frank on the beach and spoke to him of the man I met at Haley’s wedding.  Frank helped me sort things out, for which I am very thankful.  At the hotel there was wifi.  I messaged the guy and stated the facts.  I finally feel free (as a single person should) to live the life that God has blessed me with and impact all the people that He puts in my life.  All praise to my Father God!

          In the morning we leave for camping.

July 17,2016

          Today we start camping.  We received a camping briefing and began our tour. J  Cape Town reminds me of Houston because there are many tall glass buildings.  The natural scenery reminds me of Arizona or New Mexico.

Sophie, Frank L., Gordon, Mikah, Peter, Milan, Demi, Claire, Birgita, Alleah, Janis, Franz, Annie, Abby, Anthea, Dings, Remson

We are camping out of a large buslike truck thing named “Jimi”.  We are led by Rimson and Dings.  The family from Germany is Hans (dad), Birgita (mom), Janis (son), and Sophie (daughter).  Claire (Aussie), Tim (German doctor), Alleah (Morocco), Annie (Taiwan—USA), and Trina (Denmark).  Mikah (mom), Peter (dad), Milan (son), and Demi (daughter) from Holland.  Wilhelm (dad), Gus (Dutch), and Frank (Dutch).  Along with my family, that constitutes the group “family” in Jimi.

          There are many eucalyptus trees here, like Australia.  To our right, before the mountains, there are light and dark green fields.  The fields are very beautiful and could be a king’s carpet.  The earth is God’s footstool and He, alone, is king.

          Awesome, some mountains we are passing on our right are just sheer rock, it appears.  Beautiful, God <3 o:p="">

July 18, 2016

          We left camp at 7:20 a.m..  For breakfast I helped Janis cut fruit for the fruit salad.  The scenery is rolling plains to the left with small mountains to the right.  The scenery is red dirt with scattered shrubs.  Thank You God.  On the drive I wrote Taylor a postcard; hopefully I can mail it soon so it reaches her before we are in the states again.

          Thank You God for allowing me to find inner peace, as illustrated in Blessing page 160-169.

          I think we just entered Namibia.  We drive alongside a mountain.  I can see its rocky foothills to the left.  Hot dogs for lunch.

          African snow balls are good. J Claire, I just learned, is a pediatric nurse.

          The moon is full tonight.  I was wrong earlier, we enter Namibia tomorrow.  The evening light is beautiful.  If I look across the river I look into Namibia.

          The bar / restaurant I’m sitting outside at has music playing and I have enjoyed the songs—the rhythms and words are very calming.  You are good, God.

          Thank You, Father, for having the people come who did. Everyone is easy to get along with (both male and female).  May Your Name be praised, Father God.  You, God, are what I need, not a man.  I know You will bring me and the man You are preparing for me together when the time is right.  Right now in my life I need to finish college with a degree and get a job before I let my eyes wander.  Thank You God.

July 19, 2016   

           Today we entered Namibia around 1:15 p.m..  We are in desert.  It is very dusty, probably due to the two year drought. 

          About half of “the family” went on a canoe ride down the Orange River today.  Haha, it was my mom and brother together in a canoe and my dad and I in another.  –I got a good arm and shoulder workout because my dad often would just be “dead” weight in the boat (not help paddle).

          At sunset we got to Fish River canyon.  Fish river canyon is the second biggest in the world, the grand canyon is the biggest. 

          Tonight Rimson cooked some pap (white substance that is similar to grits) for us, sausage, lamb, roasted potatoes and vegetables, and some butternut squash—delicioso!

         

Kovo, pap, meat cuttings

July 20, 2016

Wildebeast

__________

July 21, 2016

The “family’s” reflection at Sesserium Canyon.

          We (the “family”) rested in the coastal town of Swakopmund.

          On Thursday we watched the sunrise from the top of Dune 45, it was a little work to mount that dune due to it being sand and not a solid surface to walk upon but those who did try and climb it made it to the top. 

          We took a hike to Deadulei oasis; the oasis used to be an active source of water for animals but is dry because there is a two-year drought. 

          The evening’s activity was a game drive.  We had a great guide who told us much about the way of the Bushman.  He showed us tracks of various animals—a snake, some invertebrates, and (I and Thim were not fans) where a trap door spider lives.

          That night the stars were so great.  You could even see the Milky Way!  Some of the sounds of the night were jackals and mountain zebra.

July 22, 2016

­­­­­Gemsbok

         

Lesser and greater flamingos

July 23, 2016

          Janis and I had a good talk tonight at dinner.  I would very much like to visit Germany again.  Supper tonight, though it was one of the groups fend for yourself nights, was eaten together.  –So much food—

          My right wrist area hurts if I move my hand in any direction.  At dinner tonight, Claire (Aussie nurse) and (Dr.) Tim were sitting next to each other.  Tim, after I showed him my arm and described symptoms said that (most likely) it is simply tendonitis because when you feel my arm you do not feel any broken bones.

Left to right: Janis, Sophie, Franz, Mikah, Claire, Milan, Peter, Tim, Annie, Trina, (seated) Birgita, Demi, Alya

July 24, 2016

Lilac breasted roller

          We arrived in Spitzkip, Bushman country, today.  Their dwelling places are small mud or cloth covered tepees.  A native guide took us to see some rock paintings; it is truly awesome to get to see how the “early” people kept track of things.  This guide taught us to make some click sounds, which is their language. 

          In the evening, some awesome stars overhead, Rims and Dings told us about how local marriage and family traditions.  –I would be fine to just accept a devoted heart and not worry about receiving the five cows.  The families are very close but largely male dominated. 

The Herero women wear such elaborate hats, it does not seem a practical thing to do; however, we next stopped at a Himba village.  Only the women and children were present because the men were away tending to the cattle.  The women were covered in ocher (mud-like substance) and wore no shirts.  Their hair resembled dreadlocks that had many layers of mud surrounding each one.  Polygamy is still a thing.

         

July 25 2016

          Today we left camp at 7:30 a.m..  The scenery is desert with gentle hills to flat desert.  We saw a warthog running on the side of the road.  We visited a Himba village.  The women wore skirts but no shirts.  We were guided by a male Himba.  He told us their diet consists of what they get hunting, seasonal vegetables, fruit, and pap.  Oh, before the village we stopped at a roadside market to shop and or just look.  I bought George (customer at Brookshire Brothers) a chain-type thing, when at the Himba village I bought Taylor a bracelet.  Now we drive to our campsite for tonight.  At the Himba village our guide reminded me that I have worth simply by touching my arm.  Thank You God.

          Mom and I just had a great down-to-earth talk about some friends and people I know.  Thank You God.  We are at the campsite near Etosh National Park and tomorrow we do a game drive.  My mom really wants to see a cheetah.

          Thim spoke to me at the campsite about how it touches him to see someone recover so well after a brain injury.  His brother had a BI.  Thank You God.

July 26, 2016

          Jimi was cold this morning.  The night was -1 or -2 degrees Celsius.

          Haha, it’s cold so we try and keep all windows closed.  Janis and Thim’s window was sliding open so they fixed it and all of us gave a cheer. =)

          We are in Etosha.  Most of Etosha is a salt plain so you would not think to find much life here, and you are correct except at the watering holes. 

          On the game drive today we saw two antelope fighting.  We saw a male lion, kudus, warthogs, blue wildebeest, elephants, and a hornbill.

          We had lunch at 1 p.m. and are heading to the game drive now.

Giraffe and baby

Steenbok

Kori Bustard

Black Korhan

Black rhino

Aardwolf

Zebras and baby zebra

Porcupine

Red hortebeast

Double banded sandgrouse

Zebra

Black rhinocerous

July 27, 2016

          Dik diks, Springbok, Blue gnu, Impala, Ostrich, M. lion, Giraffe, Red hardebeast, Kori bustard

After an early breakfast we went on a game drive.  Thim is very easy to talk with.  The landscape is flat, barren desert and we stopped and took some photos.

“You are the one real thing no matter what my future brings You are the one real thing” – ‘One Real Thing’ –Skillet

Giraffe

More giraffes

July 28, 2016

          Today we boated then 4x4ed to the Okabunga Delta.  We went to Windhoek.  We had to part with Alya and Trina yesterday—they return to Sweden to finish their PhD work.  They are both very enjoyable people to have around—and Trina is adventurous and rode camels with me!

Jerry leads us when we are on land.

Rims is cooking for us and resting. Dings stayed with Jimi.

          We had a new group of people join us, though you could never replace Trina and Alya.  The new group is a Swiss family—some called them “the Robinsons”.  Their names are Andreas (dad), Catrin (mom), Alex (son), Joe (son), Solame (daughter).  Later on in Windhoek a Dutch family joined us, William (dad), Frank (son), and Gus (son).

July 29, 2016

          The habitat we are passing is mostly scrub savannah.  At night I sat with (Dutch) Frank, Gus, and William.  We spoke of bands and music.  Friends are good things.

          Interesting fact: I think today is the day that I fainted.  I remember it happened at a border crossing.  I felt privileged when the first face that I saw aftert I awoke was Thim’s.  Haha, not a bad thing to “wake” to see. =)

July 30, 2016

          I had to rise several times to relieve myself in the night.  We had lunch that Rims and Dings had prepared.  Before lunch Janis looked very flushed, he was wearing a jacket and pants so that is probably why.  He was able to cool down, which is good.

          Today we entered Botswana.  I purpose to not encourage romantic feelings while in Africa.

July 31, 2016

          This morning after I awoke I heard a very strange guttural sound.  I did not freak out because TIA (this is Africa).  At breakfast I learned that the sound was hippos.

Hippo

August 1, 2016

Elephant

August 2, 2016

          We boated back to the mainland today.  I sat next to Gus on the ride back to the boat.  On the mainland we met up and loaded into Jimi.  Somewhere around 12 p.m. we entered Namibia.

          This has been bugging me.  We are called to go into the world and preach so we need to “go”.  Is it not also said that before one can help others that his home should be in order? 

August 3, 2016

We saw a roan antelope

          Today we crossed back into Namibia.  I helped Peter prepare fruit salad this morning—glad to do so again. =)  Haha, at the border crossing Frank joked with Janis about being able to make it through. 

          For dinner we had a traditional African meal.  Rims and Dings spoke to us about growing up here in Africa.  I’m really going to miss this “family.”  Making fruit salad every morning with Peter, setting up the tent every night with Frank, mom, or dad.

Janis posing for a photograph in the desert.

August 4, 2016

          Today was a very sad day because our “family” had its last meal together.  I will always value and remember these beautiful people.  I ask God to guide and bless each one.  Annie and I formed a team helping each other recall things.  Peter and I prepared fruit salad each morning, I’m going to miss that.  Janis and I have been great friends.  We had great conversations of what we each hope and aim to accomplish.  Sophie and I are good friends and accomplished things together.  One thing that we accomplished together was drying their clothes, which they had washed in a bathtub. =) Milan and I are friends. Demi and I are friends. Gus, Frank, and Wilhelm and I became very good friends after I ate dinner with them one evening.  Claire and I are friends. Tim and I are friends and got even closer after I fainted at a border crossing.  These are the people I feel I connected with.  Thank You God

Valley picture

Evening light photograph of “the family”.

Rest from a climbight:. Left to r with Janis, Sophie, Frans, Mikah, Birgita is seated, Demi seated, Alleah seated, Milan, Peter, Tim, Alleah, and Trina.

August 5, 2016

          Today, even though we woke in clean beds, was sad.  The reasons it was sad are the the camping tour with Rims and Dings is over, Peter and I did not prepare fruit salad, and mainly because we had to say a final goodbye to our friends.  I am thankful because my brother, Sophie, Janis, and I were able to get a picture together—now I have something tangible to remember them by.  #miss’em

          We fly to Harari today, even though it would be a shorter drive than to Nacogdoches—maybe because we don’t have a car over here.  Our 4:30 flight was moved to 7:00, at least it is still today.  I’ll keep you posted.  It just turned 6:00 and is looking like our 7:00 departure should be correct. 

Philippians 2:6-7 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing     by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.

August 6, 2016

          It was nice, and more sanitary, to have slept in a loadge last night.  I do miss sleeping on the ground in a tent though.  While it is great to be with some church family I really miss the “family” that we camped with.  Haha, I miss the “mom” and dad (Rimson and Dings). 

          This morning on the drive we have seen no wildlife, only some goats and cows.  The land is flat and has some sickly(?) looking trees and brown grass.

Those who we just joined my family in Africa are Tammy DeShazo, Emma, Howard, and Ethan Myers, Les and Lane Thompson, Tina Gearhart, Josh Keith, and Sawyer Wheelis.

August 7, 2016

Today we took a lion walk.

I only have my devotional written for today, but that works.  My devotional was on being content and having self-control.  The Lord will provide all of your needs.  The Lord has given each of us talents according to His purpose. 

Thank You God for the insight you give.

The song that was in my head today was “Come be the fire inside of me. Come be the flame upon my heart. Come be the fire inside of me. Until You and I are one.”

August 8, 2016

Today, with the church group, we went to help build the Woodlands Church.  Haha, two of the Africans that were also building the church that I was helping lay brick and mortar (jachina with daka), were young men.  Tinashe and Prince are their names; we became great friends.  Haha, they both gave me a lot of attention and ensuring that I knew how to “correctly” lay the bricks and mortar.  They both instructed me on what to do, at different times. 

I left the worksite early to ride elephants with Josh, Sawyer, and Ethan.  That was a lot of fun!

In the photo are elephant, Raja, Abby, and Josh

August 9, 2016

          Today was very enjoyable.  We helped build the church some more.  I worked most closely with Tina(she) and Prince.  We finished laying the bricks for one wall.  Thank You God!

          Lunch, we ate with the other volunteers, was pap, meat cuttings, and kovo.  African food is so good!

          We are making smores tonight—they should be very yummy!

          I have made a point of naming everyone that was on the camping trip every day to help me remember all of their names.  I always smile when I remember scenarios with some “family” members.  I love them all and pray for them every day.

August 10, 2016

          When we tried to pick up the irrigation system to install it we learned that it costs more than was budgeted for it.  Les said an American expression for this situation is “Are there any dishes I can do?”  *explanation: Les and Pastor Noah are good friends and have known each other for longer than we have so they joke around.

          Today was good. My family, Sawyer, and Josh volunteered at Noah’s Farm.  We planted seedlings and installed a watering system.  Our day did not start as planned because the person bringing the watering system got lost.  He got it to us later.

          Thank You God that Tameka opened up to me.  Daddy, I pray that she doesn’t leave You.  Be near her and solidify her faith in You.  Be with her family and friends.

Greens growing on the farm.

August 11, 2016

          To the farm again this morning.  We finished planting and arranging the water system today for the next section.

--Africa highlights from devotion time—

*Being spiritually fed by being here

*Seeing water drip from pipes

          Playing Uno with Josh, Sawyer, Frank, and Tina (Les and Lanes) was very fun.

August 12, 2016

          I awoke this morning to the sound of lions.  It is pretty awesome getting to be here in Africa.  Yesterday I did not get a sunset picture.—I try to take a sunset picture each day while in Africa—

August 13, 2016

          Wonderful. Beautiful. Awesome God.  That is Who You are.  We ate breakfast at the lodge.  Next we went to the church.  The church ladies fed us a very good lunch—pap, meat, and kovo.  After eating this we just hung out with all the people who had also been on the construction crew.  We all took many photographs.

         

I palled around with the guys.  There was music playing at the park where we went for lunch and to just hang out with the Africans.  Some of the guys, to include my favorites (Tina and Prince) started dancing to the music, so I joined.  They asked me to show them American dances, which I did.  They also showed me some African dances.

Prince, Givemore, Abby

          We had dinner at the park, also.  The food was good, but the day started getting very sad as Pastor Noah spoke to the group thanking us all for working on the church.  I really enjoyed building the church and getting to work with Tina and Prince.  We spoke of many things, to include our favorite types of music and bands.  Tina’s favorite genre is pop.

August 14, 2016

          Wow, this has been a great trip.  I have had one song stuck in my head the whole time, “You only miss the light when it’s burning low, you only miss the sun when it starts to snow, you only miss your lover when you let ‘em go.” 

          The church service at the Woodlands church was very good, though I am sad because neither Tina or Prince were there, I guess I should’ve known that they would go back to their churches.  Shoot, Prince plays drums at his church so I really should’ve known that they would not be there.  When I get to internet I’m friending them on facebook and downloading WhatsApp on my tablet to keep in touch. 

          At the park one of the things there was a swingset.  (Not featured in the photograph) I swang and Tina pushed me. <3 abby="" and="" both="" enjoyed="" i="" in="" is="" it.="" nbsp="" o:p="" photograph="" prince.="" the="" think="" we="">

          We went by the church where Prince plays drums so I took a closer look at the drumsticks Prince plays with.  The sticks surprised me when they were nothing more than short, hard plastic tubes.

August 15, 2016

          When Pastor Noah pi8cked us up this morning the trailer we used to haul our suitcases was missing a tire. –the back right one.  This was a problem because we needed to transport all of our bags again.  We just had the suitcases inside the van with us.

          I got to say goodbye to Prince again today (I wish Tina was there but he was not).  Prince reminded me to download WhatsApp and I will.

          ‘Believe’ by the Newsboys, yes Lord

          We just stopped at Noah’s mom’s house and saw the cows.

          When we were helping build a church I told Tina that I was jealous of his black skin because he did not have to worry about sunburning.  I told him that I will get darker to a certain degree but will burn meaning get red after a while.  That is very uncomfortable.  He seemed interested in this fact.

          We dropped Tammy at the airport to catch her 12:50 flight.  Seeing Tammy leave early made me a little sad.

          At lunch we were totally blessed.  A random man, who we learned was or had just finished leading a church group, paid for our lunch.  Wow, thank You God!  Bless that man in all he does, I pray.

          Memaw died this morning, I just found out. =(  I also just found out that WhatsApp is not compatible with my voyager.  If my device is still under warranty when I return I will return it and see if my android can download WhatsApp.  If not then I will purchase something that can handle WhatsApp at home.

August 16, 2016

          Maybe the iphone that Frank will give me can download WhatsApp. . .  I successfully bargained for a necklace and bracelet today.  Pulling a Rimson, today was a good day. =)

          We had breakfast at the hotel.  Josh and Sawyer sat together—they have spent a lot of time together this trip and Josh dated Savannah (Sawyer’s sister) for a while, so they know each other well.  Sawyer finished eating first and left, leaving Josh sitting all by his lonesome.  Somebody jokingly asked Joshy where his “wife” (Sawyer) was. =D

          We crossed the Bosnian border today (I stayed conscious) =).  I think of and pray for Tina and Prince a lot and Prince told me via facebook that they missed having them lay bricks.  When Prince told me that it could easily just be a kind thing to say, but I think (hope) that it is sincere.  –I need to remember to share 7^th Nation Army with them on facebook--

August 17, 2016

          Today we drive.  We stopped at Victoria Falls to get photographs.  Josh and Sawyer dove with crocodiles and I cannot wait to see the video!  Sawyer will put together a slideshow with some of the pictures from Africa. =)

          At the falls I walked with Tina (Les’ daughter).  We spoke and I learned that she is really afraid of heights, though plane rides don’t bother her.

Part of Victoria Falls

          After the falls we walked through a streetside market.  Haha, several times I was able to “getaway” from them because I had no money.

          When I was able to see the falls again I was really just awestruck that the God who created such magnificent and powerful falls loves and seeks to have an individual relationship with each of us.  Glory to God!

          At the falls we walked through desert and shrubland and then nearer the falls, due to a higher level of water, there was jungle.  I took more photos, even though we had been there before with less fog. 

          When we were stopped at the falls I was touched when Pastor Noah walked up beside me and took my hand.  That act reassured me and meant a lot to me, even though I didn’t know I needed it.  Thank You God.

          When we drove, the vehicle I was in was stopped.  I think it was stopped due to the heavy tinting on the windows.  Pastor Noah, Dad, Frank, Sawyer, Ethan, and I are riding together.  Sawyer and Ethan are talking of video games.

          The man who was at the last post that stopped us reminded me of Prince.  It was probably the cheeckbones.  Tinashe should be entering school in January, so I need to remember to be praying for a smooth transition and education. 

Theo, Tinashe, Prince

August 18,2016

          When I awoke this morning my heart had mixed emotions.  Part of me says I need to go “home” and finish schooling and be with Taylor but another part of me wants to stay here in Africa.  I want to return to Africa, the next time I come I plan to stay in Africa.  I would need to work on my “need to be busy” but I would be fine to just live in Africa, preferably in Zimbabbwe near the churches we attended and helped build.  Wow, just thinking of my brothers and sisters in Christ that I spent time with and am leaving almost made me cry.  I love them all.

          I have been asking God for direction.  One morning after making this request to God in a prayer Tinashe Moyo told me that I should stay with him and his grandma.  Coincidence?   

Left to right: Theo, pink shirt, (hat) Mr. Office, purple shirt, Tammy, Abby, Tinashe

“This is a short race,

This is a short life,

Let’s run not walk,

Through this beautiful life”

Words from Echosmith “Talking Dreams”

Many individuals contributed to these photos.

On this trip lifelong friends were made.