Thursday

Today was another crazy, busy and fun day.  We began the morning with breakfast provided by the fantastic ladies in Skogheim and then went straight to Lake Eland, a game reserve we toured in bakis (or Jeeps without tops or windows).  We were able to see lots of zebra, impala, springbok, wildebeest, warthog babies, eland and other wild animals.  The rolling hills and gorgeous green landscape were a constant reminder of what a wonderful Creator our God is.  I especially enjoyed our time on our ride with hilarious conversation provided by Wes and JP, one of our South African drivers for the week.  We were trading American and Afrikaans slang, and I’m working on developing my South African accent, I don’t think it’s going well.  One of the great things about our team is that we are always ready for a good laugh; and we have definitely laughed a lot on this trip.  

Halfway through our safari we stopped at the Oribi Gorge and walked across a massive suspension bridge.  A few jokesters had to shake the bridge while some of the scaredy cats were crossing, but we are happy to announce there are no casualties to report.  After making a pit stop at the “Loo with a View” we completed our safari and went to eat lunch at Leopard Rock.  We sat on the porch of a restaurant that overlooked the beautiful gorge, and ate chicken or meat burgers and “chips”.

After lunch we went on to Amahlubi Creche to play with and minister to the children and workers that care for them daily.  They were a little apprehensive at first, this is an area that does not often see white people, so the children were not so sure about us.  But it didn’t take long to win them over when we started playing, coloring, blowing bubbles, and having snacks.  And after some of them realized that the giant white men were only trying to play a friendly game of chase, all was well.  After about 30 minutes, half of our group went on to the Assissi Orphanage to care for the children and nuns, doing the same activities we were doing at the creche.  

We headed back to Skogheim for dinner and then met with a very special, brave and godly young woman named Debbie.  At the age of 16 she was kidnapped walking down the street on her way to the market, and trained to be an assassin while also being raped by the men that were forcing her into this training.  She was able to escape and is now living as a refugee and an amazing example of God’s healing.  Her story was incredibly moving and she is a woman that will be in my heart forever.  

During our team meeting, we were greeted by a furry visitor that has made himself at home in our house.  He has eaten some of our food and enjoyed a snack in Caroline’s bed, and the last 2 nights he has decided to make an appearance in our team meetings to go back to his hiding place in the piano.  I’ve been waking up the last couple of nights now, hoping I don’t see him walking down the hall or into my room.  

Well, it’s late and we have an early day tomorrow with the people in Khula.  Thank you for reading and please continue to pray for us!  Our trip has been awesome and we want to finish strong in these next couple of days. :)

Love from Africa,

~ Kristi Sikes