Revelation 4:11

Although there were a lot of disappointments associated with the safari (for me), it was totally incredible to see the extreme variety of creatures God made. His creativity was evident and enjoyed by all. We actually got to see, in the wild mind you, lions with cubs, warthogs with babies, kudu, storks, monkeys, a hippo, civets, impala, puku, vultures, and I know I am forgetting some.

And on a side note, if you ever get the opportunity to go on a safari be sure to invite Dianna - she is the queen of animal spotting!! Thanks Dianna!

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:11

Tracking...

One of the team activities we were able to do was to go on a safari drive - actually two of them. We went on one at night (I was so hoping to see some hyenas, but no luck) and saw several civets. Our guides told us that it was unusual to see civets, especially so many on one drive. But to be honest, they looked similar to raccoons but with different markings.

We were able to stop several times to track footprints. That was a very interesting part of the drive. The guide would see tracks as we were driving and then we would stop and get out to look - well, as the photo shows, we didn't all get out. Tee Hee! But we all had a great time - tsetse flies and all!

Hello Hippo!

While at the lodge we had the incredible opportunity to see a hippopotamus.... close up! It was eating grass and didn't seem bothered by us. In fact, it actually entered the main lodge/dining/relaxing area! And it fell asleep at the bottom of the stairs while we were up playing pictionary!! It slept there for a very long time and the only thing separating us from the hippopotamus was a little wicker couch - that the hippo could have totally moved! It was amazing to simply be in the presence of this creature!

Baobob Tree

While in Zambia we saw some incredible trees - baobob trees. (Again, my spelling my be a bit off but....) Because there had been no rain for months, the trees didn't have any leaves. But the trees themselves, the bare trees, were truly pieces of art. They were like statues - designed and crafted by God Himself. Amazing! Each and every one caught my eye. And the remarkable thing is that when we arrived back home, Randy found an article about the trees in the most recent National Geographic. The article told how the fruit of the African baobob tree is extremely healthy - more calcium than milk, more vitamin C than citrus, and just full of vitamins and minerals. It also shared how a company is working at exporting the fruit and importing it into our neighborhood grocery stores - after first processing it and using it as an ingredient. So be sure to keep your ears open for news of baobob fruit - the next big thing. And know that it comes from a beautiful piece of art!

Team Time

It really wasn't until Tuesday of our second week that we were actually able to be together as a team to process, discuss and take a break. Because we 'hit the ground running' when we arrived in Lusaka we were all ready to have a bit of time to relax, connect with Africa and with each other. I was so glad we had met so many times prior to the trip in order to get to know each other - but actually being on the field is a whole different ball game. We took two days and spent time as a team at a lodge near Kafue National Park - a few hours west of Lusaka. We had no agenda and no work. The lodge prepared all of our meals - that in and of itself was a treat! The lodge looked out over the Kafue River so we spent time simply sipping sodas and soaking in the view. Our stay included two safari rides and so we went together on a night drive and a day drive. Some of us also played pictionary - and you must know - there actually is a difference between diary and dairy!!

This was time for our team to relax and get refreshed - because our busiest day was yet to come.

UP theology

I believe that ordinary things can draw us closer to God and I believe that God communicates to us through a variety of ways. He uses His Word, people, nature, dreams, writings, etc.. And these beliefs were confirmed a few weeks ago when we had the privilege of spending time with people from across the country who have a passion for Jesus Christ. The individuals and couples we met were all beginning the process of becoming missionaries - some short-term and others long. And the conversations we had were amazing! (Not to mention the games we played!!)

One afternoon we were talking with a group about what it was that brought them to that point - the point to actually do something about their desire to serve the Lord in missions and not simply to think, pray, dream or find excuses. All the answers were interesting but Robert Oliver's answer was out of the box. He and his wife, Amber, are beginning the journey to serve on the field in South America. And what pushed them into the 'do something' stage? The movie UP. Yes, that is right, a Disney movie. Robert shared how in the movie the man and his wife had a dream, or a goal, and yet the wife died before they ever did anything about it - causing the man to became grumpy and regretful. Robert said that he and Amber needed to do something now - if one has a dream or goal or leading one needs to act upon it now - or what good is it? He does not want to end up old and grumpy with the weight of a house (the would have, could have, should haves) on his shoulders. So they decided to do something about it - now. It was then that Ray Hutchison coined the term ' UP theology.' Pretty right on, don't you think? So you see, God even uses animated movies for His glory.

Is there something God is leading you to do? May we be open to His will, see Him everywhere and use every moment to honor Him - now. And may we never have to pull a house around by balloons.

Gotta love 'em!!

I just had to share this photo - it is one of my favorites!! We wanted to get a picture of Riley and Hayley in Kafue National Park in Zambia. Just look how happy they are! And, wouldn't you know, they both had the same 'rabbit ears' idea - but they didn't know the other one was doing it to them.... I couldn't stop smiling! Riley and Hayley - thanks for the smiles - you two are super special!! I love you!