Tuesday, Dec 4, 2018

No words.  That is what comes to me as I sit down to try to describe today.  From beginning to end it was unbelievable.  I can’t even believe we are in Africa, let alone just feet from a huge elephant!  

We started our first day of safari this morning with a short stop at a local orphanage.  Many of the kids we saw have lost their parents due to HIV.  Their reaction to the simple gifts we brought them (including Jim’s little cars) was priceless!  Before the kids even received the gifts they went around and shook everyone hands wishing us good morning. They were so excited to see us.  They performed a few songs for us, and then the excitement of them receiving gifts bubbled over!  It was humbling to see how happy they were with our little gifts, when in reality we have so much more that we keep for ourselves.  As we drove away, the kids were all standing by the building singing “May God put his blessing on you” over and over.  It still resonates in my head.

 

We soon left paved roads in exchange  for rutted dirt roads and arrived at the Tarangeti National Park.  Within an hour we had seen water buffalo, giraffes, lions, elephants, zebra, and so much more.  To see those animals in their natural habitat is mind boggling.  Our guide lifted the roof of the Jeep so we could see far in all directions.  Our guide, Martin, is treasure trove of information.  

We returned to the Sopa Tarangeti Lodge where we checked into our hotel rooms, and had a lovely outdoor buffet.  Then it was back in our jeeps for another safari drive.  Jim was happy to add many new birds to his bird list as well as a trove of other animals we saw.

We arrived back at the lodge around 7:00 PM and had a lovely dinner in a beautiful facility.  As we
 were finishing up dinner the entire wait staff came out of the kitchen in a dancing line weaving 
through the tables.  Their singing and dancing was so joyful and I grabbed my iPad to record some of it.  I soon realized however, that the candlelit lighting would not make for a good video.  Just as I set my iPad down, the dancing and singing line of waiters, chef and other staff was headed down towards us carrying a beautiful cake that said, “Happy 50th Anniversary” and they lit a sparkling torch which was on top of the cake.  We were totally surprised!  Dear Lynn and Beth arranged for this to happe.  I, of course, was crying.  It was all so joyful and so special.  What a way to celebrate the blessing our our 50 years!  I hope I can eventually collect some of the video people from our group were sharing.  

We were just ready for bed when Beth knocked on our door telling us to go out on our patio.  There, about 60 feet from our patio, stood two elephants munching on grass.  What a way to end this night!

Unfortunately I won’t be able to post these blogs until we return home.  The wifi here is weak, and slow.  But I am recording the days happenings every day because I want to remember these beautiful moments,

So as I prepare to close my eyes, I say “Lala salama”. Goodnight.