Safari Njema

Posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 11:28

Africa is definitely a land of diversity. When we left Mom’s we were amazed by the changes we saw in climate, fauna, lifestyle and houses. Heavy rains had turned the Mekete Mountain Region lush and green. Even Kibidula had undergone changes in the few weeks since our previous visit. Rain has begun to fall there, too, so the wild flowers and little creatures have begun to come out in abundance.

Once again we noticed a huge difference in climate and landscape as we journeyed towards Ruaha National Park.

Our game park adventure was a total success. We felt blessed and privileged beyond words for this unique opportunity. It was worth every penny and we were actually amazed at how little it did cost us. We couldn’t have gone to Yellow Stone for that!

The beautiful Riverside campground where we stayed in large tents with nice cots rented us two trucks and two drivers for our expedition. One truck was a Land Rover with room for 8. It was enclosed, but the roof had removable panels for better wildlife viewing. We stood up through the roof and could see everywhere. Vanessa was terribly sick with a fever (still is) so we chose to ride in that vehicle to protect her from the wind and elements on the first part of the long drive to the park. I really enjoyed the open roof feature, plus our guide was a super good spotter!

The other truck was also a Land Rover, I believe. It was open with a canvas canopy and had 4 rows of seats to hold 9 or so. (This morning we easily got 11 into it.)  Each row of seats was higher than the first so that it was tiered. It was exactly what Jonah had seen in a magazine and had dreamed of going on safari in, so everyone was happy.

I made Christina our little statistician and she made tally marks for each animal seen in our vehicle. She gave up on impala after 50 tally marks in the first hour. She never even got started on the baboons and monkeys as it’s hard to count them as they are scampering all over and raining down from trees. So here is what she managed.

Giraffes:  47

Elephants: 15 (three main groups of them and two in one group were little babies)

Crocodiles: 13

Bat eared fox: 1

Jackals: 6

Waterbucks: 22

Hippos: 24 ( plus a big ol dead one that jackals and eagles were feasting on)

Zebra: 37

Kudu: 17

Lilac breasted rollers: 7 (these birds counted because they are my all time favorites)

Grey crowned cranes: 4

Wart hogs: 4

Dikdiks: 2

 Yup!! No lions!

I am still working on compiling my list of birds, ducks, storks, etc…. I have to say it is an incredible experience an I don’t even know how to begin to describe it. The kids had a great time!!! All of them did, even poor sick Vanessa. She sometimes had to lay down in the truck and sleep, but she wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

The guide finally took us to a picnic site on a safe riverbank at 2 pm.  We ate in a banda and were thankful for the thatched roof because the insects were so loud we couldn’t think. But the thatch muffled some of the sound. We took care of that last jar of nutella Jeanne sent us in a hurry.

Leila had a major diaper problem… so bad her mom threw away her clothes. We traded vehicles at this point because those of us standing in the open were beyond sun burn and about ready for heat stroke. Having been used to the open view we were not so impressed with the other truck. However, it was more comfortable and we were getting a little tired of standing and balancing on the rough roads. I had sore back muscles that I didn’t even know existed.  Our guides finished up our tour around 5:30 and we headed back for camp. We no sooner left the park when we hit the rain storm I had been photographing from a distance. It drenched half the people in our truck and that included Leila and Teresa. There was already a deficit in the clothing department… but now it was time for the ride home in the wind and the later it got the colder it got.  They were very cold by the time we arrived at camp at 8:15.

I think Brianna and I took about 400 photos using her camera. Right now I consider the photos more valuable than the camera!! I can’t wait to download them.  I even have some good pics of some exotic birds.

It’s hard to describe the day and all we did, but there were funny moments… like when Jonah asked for some TP and I happened to have a nice new roll of white, soft TP that reminded us of home. Kristen gave it to me before she left and I had saved it for tripping around and was hogging it a little. I would give out pieces… but when Jonah asked for some I thought, “Ah, I’ll give him the whole roll, surely he won’t be too extravagant with it.” So I handed him the zip lock. Five minutes later he comes out with the roll still in the bag and sidles up to his mom and whispers, “I dropped the roll in the toilet!”  His mother didn’t whisper…. “YOU WHAT??!!!  HOW DOES A BIG BOY LIKE YOU DROP A WHOLE ROLL IN THE TOILET…AND NO, SHE DOESN”T WANT IT BACK!”  You would have to be here to understand just what that kind of TP means to this gang.

Like I said we left the game park at 5:30 but didn’t roll into camp until about 8:15, so, naturally we drove part way in the dark. Mister!!! We had some close calls! It is very dangerous to drive at night and believe me we have had quite enough of it.  We were barreling down a big hill and at the bottom a truck was stopped in the middle of the road with nothing to warn us. The driver saw it and tried to brake. He slid…braked – slid, braked slid… and pretty soon we were within feet and the thought crossed my mind to get in the brace position, but just as quickly I realized that should we hit- all my children were on the outside seats of the open vehicle and would go flying. I had little reason to protect myself when I couldn’t do a thing to save the kids. At the last second our driver made a sharp turn and barely squeezed through. If the guy lying under the truck had had his feet out any farther he would be missing them today. There was one more close call… similar, yet different, but I won’t bore you with the details. We sang Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow when we at last turned into the campground.

We were quite tired and hungry but the campground had a good hot meal waiting for us. They only serve vegetarian meals at this campground, I am sure it is not for health reasons or the owner’s wife would not be such a smoker. Whatever, it served our purpose quite well.  We ate in the thatched outside dining room. It was lovely. The campground is also a Swahili language school. You can go and live there for a week or 4 months, or whatever you want.

We arrived back here at Kibidula this evening and we are ready to leave for Lake Malawi at 5 in the morning. I have no idea what the internet connection will be like there, so I am writing this while everyone is asleep. I kind of feel like you all depend on me to keep you updated J .  There is more to tell. We have a few bus stories and shopping experiences to tell that would interest you, I am sure. I will keep it for later. Suffice to say we are all still here and mostly fine. Jason tested Vanessa for malaria this evening, but seems it’s just a bad fever that won’t go away. Poor kid was blue with the chills this morning and this evening is not much better. The Kirbys pretty much do their own thing – plan their own transportation and come and go as they please. They eat with us sometimes, but we never really know what to expect from day to day. I think we are a bit too frugal for their liking (okay – call it cheap or whatever. We practically didn’t eat until we got back to Kibidula today.  We are trying to make the money last or else we are too dumb to figure out how to get food to feed this gang. Teresa and I tried to buy bananas on Tuesday and we couldn’t even figure out how to do that. They see those masoongoos coming and jack the price up way out of sight! )   The Talls and the Fords stick together much like glue. We are in this together and we are thankful to share the experiences and friendship.  Pierre, as Steve has been permanently tagged, is joking that when we get home we would like to spend the weekend at the Tall’s house and then the next weekend they are to stay with us. LOL!

Game Park Adventure

Posted by Jeanne on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 12:40 - Link

Wow, sounds like you all had quite the adventure. Oh, Jeff and I can remember the excitement of safari in the parks. We remember camping at night, seeing lions and hearing them roar, and having an elephant come up close while having lunch on the tailgate of the pick-up. I cant wait to see all the pictures, especially of the birds...like the Lilac Brested Rollers. They used to be one of my favorites.

Oh my dear Vanessa, you need to get well. It is no fun being sick, with so much fun stuff to do. Drink plenty of water, and Auntie Jeanne will be praying for you. :)

I am glad to hear that know one else seems to be sick. Try and stay well, cause you all get to come home soon. Yeah!!!

Last night I tried a new recipe for blackberry cobbler. Oh, was it ever good. You start the berries cooking in a cast iron skillet then add little balls of dumpling dough and pop the whole thing into a hot oven for 20 minutes. The dumplings swell and brown and soon you have a yummy treat. Even though it was late, we all had a little taste of it before going to bed. You should have seen our "blue teeth, tongues, and lips". Even after much brushing and a bunch of toothpaste, we couldnt get rid of all the "blue". So this morning for breakfast we finished it all up inspite of the "blue".

Today, we are enjoying sunshine. There has been an inversion layer for a couple of days, but it seems to be clearing now. It hasnt been all that cold because of it. I think that all the leaves have fallen off the tree's, at least in our yard.

Yesterday Emily and Hannah made a fort out of leaves. They had a kitchen with a sink, an oven and a fireplace, and beds in the tree somehow. Squeekers kept messing up their leaves so Emily had to try and keep her out of the fort. But that didnt work. She is so full of play. She loves to skamper around the cement wall while Em & Han ride their scooters in circles, even Jimmie gets excited about it all.

Well, Bethany it wont be long till you come home. We are all looking forward to seeing you again. I am counting the days. Only 12 more days.

Love to all,

Jeanne

Our Week

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 04:35 - Link

It sounds like you all had a fun time on the Safari. I am anxious to see your pictures of all the birds and animals.
Sunday we went to Costco to get a few necessary items such as tp and peanut butter. I think dad was really missing his peanut butter because he kept putting it on the list.
We did a little shopping but didn't find any bargains that I was interested in.
We came home and decided to put up our Christmas tree.
I am helping Aunt Emma with her Christmas letter. She told me what she wanted to write and I am typing it for her. I took a picture of her and will put it on the letter then make copies on my printer.
We went for a walk this afternoon with the dogs to the back forty. It sure is nice that hunting season is over so we can walk in the woods again.
Tonight at 5:00 Cody has a basketball game and then at 7:00 we will go to another "In The Beginning" meeting.
Gas is $1.78. We filled the car up for $20.00. That hasn't happened for along time.
Have a wonderfull weekend at Malawi Lake.
We are praying for each one.
We love you!
Yvonne

we still miss you!!!!

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 04:40 - Link

Hey Africa family!!
It's so cool to read your blog. It makes us feel like we are still there. WHICH, by the way we have decided that we wish we were still there. It's too crazy here. Every day something will happen and dave will say, "I wish we were still in Africa, even in Mago." He has even said that after his year contract with the hospital that we may be looking for somewhere else to go. Anyways, I think you all chose wisely to go for as long as you did. Although at times it may not have felt like that was a wise choice, when you get back you will be glad that you went for as long as you did.
The safari sounded awesome! Did I miss it or did you not see any lions? That would have been very cool!
So glad you have each other! There will definitely be a bond there that will be forever and will forever make you feel more like family than just friends. What a blessing! We miss you all - - real family and otherwise.
SO, sorry to hear about Vanessa. Hope she is feeling better. I finally got worn down enough that I ended up with that nasty strep throat thing this last weekend. Started myself on a Z pak and am finally feeling better just today.
Had my first days back at work this week and on the first morning drive home I couldn't make it. Had to have Dave come pick me up and drive me the rest of the way. Gave my notice that I will be cutting back after the first of the year. That will be a relief!
OK, well gotta go. Ady is crying. Love you all. TTYL

Kristen

Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 07:20 - Link

Hi Everyone,

Sounds like lots of fun. Can't wait to see the pictures. Natalie is anxious to hear all about the birds.

Vanessa, I hope you feel better soon. That fever thing is so inconvienient. I had my comfortable bed to lie around in, I can't imagine bumping around all day in the hot and cold. We will be praying for your quick recovery.

I just picked up a ton of pictures that I had printed up at Costco from the trip. It is so fun to see them. The kids are having fun working on their scrapbooks. We really miss you all and miss being over there. Can't wait for you to come home.

Lots of Love,

The Kahlers

Safari sojourners

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 09:28 - Link

Sounds like great fun on your safari! Ronnie says she wishes she could have gone too. Me too. We prayed for Vanessa to get over her fever during Prayer Meeting this evening. Hope you are doing better Vanessa.

Mel and Fay went with us Sunday afternoon to get Christmas trees up on Blewett Pass. Went to the top of the pass, then up farther on dirt road. No snow. Nice trees! Also hung lights on outside of house. Now let it snow. But weatherman says no snow in sight. It hasn't even been freezing at night lately. But is suppose to get down in the low to mid 20's tonight.

Jon, I finished pruning the young trees at North Road. Now I'm back over to Moubrays'. The guys are more than half done at North Road. Guille leaves for Mexico one week from today. Jose one week later. (he bought a car to drive there and back) Guillermo leaves in about a month. If you were here we could rake and mow North Road. The Anjou packout on the 135 bins from home was 94.78%. They ran another 300 bins last Tuesday. They looked good.

Guillermo brought in one of the puppies this evening. They all look like Snoopy. They are growing fast. Matt and Anna are getting one of the males.

No more news so will go. Remember, Jesus is coming! Soon!! Love and Prayers to and for all. Hurry home.

Eldon (Dad, Grandpa)

Hi from Ellen

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 10:41 - Link

Angela,
It was great to read your blog this evening. I need to get in touch with your mother about the Waggoner's return to the USA. I tried her cell phone to no avail and e-mail. Does she check her e-mail? Also Jason has a new e-mail that I don't have either for some reason. Thanks for passing this message on when you can. You all are in our prayers. God bless,
Ellen Butler

Hi Beth

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 04:59 - Link

Dear Bethany,

Can't wait for you to come home and I am keeping you in my prayers.
Love,
Kendall

Airplane meals

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 03:22 - Link

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I talked with Ellen at Butler travel about your meals for the return trip.
She said they are and have been ordered from this end, the problem is with Ethiopian air. You may want to try calling them from there and making sure they have your names on their list. If you wait until the day before they will say it is too late, so try calling fairly soon.
We had a wonderful Sabbath service. Alex Hines spoke and it was really good. We are really missing you, church just isn't right with you gone.
Hope you are having a wonderful time at the Lake.
We are going to look for a Christmas tree tomorrow. It still doesn't seem like almost Christmas. It doesn't help the mood at all with no snow yet.
See you soon,
Cindy

Coming Home

Posted by Jeanne on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 12:57 - Link

Hello Everyone,

Just checking on flight schedules and luggage counts.
We are still planning on meeting you in Seattle at 3:25pm, Monday the 15th, on United flight 197.

One thing we were wondering is, have you pared down the luggage count, or should we expect the same amount as when you left?

We are bringing a extra person with us to meet all of you, so that is one reason why we want to know the luggage count.
We will have Steve's suburban, and Eldon's minivan and our minivan. That should seat all of us, with one of the Tall kids riding with either Ford's or Stafford's. If we need to, we can bring our suburban instead of the minivan.

I am hoping that you will update your blog soon. It has been way to many days since we have heard from you. It is getting harder and harder for this mommy not to hear how thing are going?

We had a wonderful Sabbath with the church family and caroling Sabbath night. We also enjoyed sharing pictures, fellowship, and good food with Dave and Kristen.

Hurry and reply,

Jeanne

Untitled Comment

Posted by Grandma Wallace on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 10:01 - Link

Hello to all you world travelers,Bethany,Vanessa, Brianna and christina.
Hope all of you are doing just fine and having lots of fun. Brianna , I hope you are studying all the birds so you can draw good pictures.
Bethany did you get to see any Bush babies? I listened to the Cuddle and Chuckles tape and then I had to find a picture of them. Kendall and Lacey ordered some story tapes and Cuddles Chuckles was sent to them. I also sent them a picture of a Bush Baby. They are such cute little animals.
Brianna it was cold today, so I had to get my pretty pink and black neck scarf out to wear on my walk. It was so nice and warm. Thank you very much.
Holly is so funny. She barks and cries when she thinks its time for a walk.
It was too icy to walk on the road today, so I walked in the woods and by the little stream below the house. It was lots of fun to brake the ice on the stream.
Your mission trip is just about over. I hope it was a blessing to each of you and I hope you were a blessing to the others every day.
Love Grandma and Grandpa Wallace

See You Monday

Posted by Delores on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 11:56 - Link

We are all getting to excited to see all of you again. It was announced Sabbath "just one more Sabbath then they will be back." It seems so long!

Steve, Jeanne or Jeff will have a gift for you. If they forget just ask them for it.

Vanessa, we hope you are feeling better. The last we heard you were sick with a fever.

The forcast for today is 49 degrees and partly sunny. Maybe you'll get to see that first snow yet, although the forcast for Friday and Sabbath is rain or snow showers possible. Burrrrr!, I just checked the extended forcast for Monday and the high is for 16 degrees. You might be returning on our coldest day yet. But... I trust Talls and Staffords will give you the warmest welcome possible.

We keep praying for you each day. See you on Monday.
Delores

For Teresa

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 08:17 - Link

Teresa I thought you would like to know that LeEllen Hughes Battaglia passed away Sunday afternoon. Please pray for her husband Jeff and her little boys Peter and Alex. She had been in the hospital for a couple weeks. Peter's birthday is tomorrow the 9th but LeEllen wanted to celebrate his birthday early. They also took a family picture on Friday in the hospital in front of the Christmas tree.
On a brighter note Debby Godman McCarver had her baby girl sometime over the weekend. 8 pounds 13 ounces.
I sure have missed hearing what everyone is doing the last few days.
Only a few more days and you'll be home.
Love and prayers
Mom