Well, just had an amazing weekend!. Our hosts took us to a massive game park called Malalangwe for the last few days. Its down south about four hours, and one of the top ten in the world. It was quality. We went on loads of game drives, in these dodgy big 4x4 Toyota things, which had a canvas top, but no sides or anything! We were pretty exposed to the nice little kitties.
The basic gist was to drive around the huge place 9about 100,000 acres or something), looking out for whatever wildlife you could see. We had a pretty big list of species in the end, including Elephants, giraffe, wilder beast, Rhinos, wart hogs, hippos, crocodiles (scary stuff), impala, antelope, zebra, these amazing turquoise colored birds, buffalo. They were amazing, seeing as you could get so close up, literally a couple of meters. Marc and Gwyn know the guy who runs the place, so he took us on ‘special’ trips, a little more extreme than your usual tourist would endure! We nearly got rammed by some elephants though which was fun. We came upon a small heard on a tight track, with mountain rocks either side. We came to a stop, and took all our photos and stuff. But then realized that no one was moving, i.e. we couldn’t get through. So we started to edge forward slowly, we were pretty close ( but a safe distance) when the big daddy prepared to charge (apparently one knee slightly bent and an edge back indicates an intention to charge!) so our guide quickly slammed into reverse and flew back a few meters, when he chilled out and backed off. They took a few minutes to clear off but it was soon safe and we went on by. It was such a good time though, just being able to be so close to those animals, quite an experience. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see and lions, which was a bit of a bummer, but we’ll have another opportunity for that in December.
We also did a boat trip, and saw loads of hippos and crocs. That was quality.
Was an excellent weekend, but really knackering, didn’t get much sleep. We’ve been trying to catch up these last few days but our programme is pretty hectic so still walking around a bit dead! I’ll have an early one tonight though.
On Monday we spent longer than usual at Farifield orphanage, just trying to get as much as the painting done as possible. Someone donated us some red paint, so the place doesn’t look so clinical now, which is good. Although it does look like ive had an unfortunate hemorrhage due to the spillage of the paint tin over my foot. Mmmm, turps is needed I think.
On the way back we got pulled over by the police. We had been warned previously that this involves the police looking round your car, trying to find something wrong so they can fine you, which immediately goes into their pocket. It’s a real money making scheme unfortunately. So we were a bit apprehensive when he flagged us down, but luckily, we had Ellios in our car, the guy from Sakubva who does all our translating. The policeman questioned us about our missing wing mirror (which we had been told that it was not illegal to have one missing, its illegal if its there and broken, which is actually true). So we said what we had been told but he wasn’t having any of it. He had Vicki’s driving license, and was saying that if we didn’t pay the fine then she wouldn’t get her license back. Ellios was arguing with him, agreeing that it wasn’t illegal to not have a wing mirror. If Ellios wasn’t in the car, then we definitely would have been stuck, we didn’t have any money on us, so would have been a right procedure to sort out the situ. But eventually, they gave in after realizing that we weren’t naïve, and actually had someone with us who wasn’t going to let them take us for a ride. Its really unfortunate, but they home in on white girls, who they think will just give in and pay the money, but all was okay in the end, vic got her license and we didn’t have to pay anything. Nice little experience.
Monday afternoon we went to the downs syndrome school as usual, which was great. Although there weren’t as many kids as some had already gone home, seeing as we were later there than usual because of our painting escapades in the morning. But it was good to see who was actual left to board every day. It’s sad because school finishes at 1 for them, and after that they really don’t have a lot of attention. Sometimes I wish we could spend more time there. It’s going to be sad to leave.
Today was a really long day also. We spent the whole day with scripture union and visited three really rural schools up in the mountains. The views were absolutely stunning, really hot up there though. Jennifer pretty much got third degree burns on her ears! Nice.
We are doing a programme called ‘Adventure Unlimited’ with these school, where we go in and teach about various issues, and make the bible relevant to them at their particular age group. It’s a brilliant opportunity and the kids are really responsive. Its interesting to know that the schools, even the rural ones, have a real problem with drugs, smoking and sex. Guess it happens everywhere.
So, that’s what I’ve been up to for the last few days. Hope everyone back home is well. Missing all you guys as usual. Thanks for those emails and texts that have been coming through, it’s so exciting to get them. How sad is that!
Well missing thinking and praying for you all as always,
Much love
Bec
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