Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Video of Lower Zambezi Trip - Part One
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Yee-haw!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Kiambi Safari Lodge
Some friends from Siavonga told us about this lodge right on the Zambezi River. We opted for the tented chalets, and they were better than what we expected. The food was the best part for Kelsey (as usual), and all of us enjoyed the 7 hour game cruise. Getting there was bit of an adventure. Once we came to the border of Zimbabwe, we were supposed to take a gravel road to the left, but we could not find the correct road. After asking for help, we were pointed in the right direction. This road took us to the river crossing, where we drove onto a ferry which carried us across the Zambezi River. That was fun!
We didn't go into the Lower Zambezi National Park, but we drove the boat all the way to its border, about 60km down river from Kiambi. We could say we were inside Zimbabwe, since the middle of the river is the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was such a beautiful boat cruise and we saw lots and lots of hippos, crocs, elephants, and the occasional water buck and impala. The most exciting part of our game cruise was finally seeing the buffalo. Now we have seen 4 out of the Big 5. Just the leopard remains to be seen.
Once we got to the Park and turned around, we found a shady place to park the boat and eat our lunch. I think the lodge thought we were eating for 10 by the amount of food they packed for us. Once we began our trek back up river, we were warmed by the sun and the kids fell asleep on the boat. This was such a neat experience to see the animals in the water and on the banks of the river, and be so close to them in their natural environment.
We stopped off at a fishing village camp on the way back and were able to talk with the people in this village. They come to the river's edge and camp for about 2 weeks while they fish. They then go back to their village or to the city and sell their fish. They had make-shift huts and dug-out canoes along the bank of the river. There were about 30 families living in this village, and the head man told us that the nearest church was about 12 hours away (by foot, of course). As Ricky was talking to them, they thought we were coming there to build a church for them. We found out they live just nearby in a small village, but there's no church there. We encouraged him that we have missionaries working in that area, and hopefully, one day they will have a church.
I began talking with some of the ladies while Ricky was talking with the men. I found out that 2 of the ladies, Matilda and Rhoda, were from Lusaka. They sell their fish in the city market and just come to this village because they have family here. I told them I would try to come see them one day at the market. While I was talking, Kelsey interrupted me to tell me she had to go to the bathroom. I carried her into the bushes, and as she was doing her business, an elephant came just near us. I was saying, "Hurry up, Kelsey, there's an elephant right there!" The men were chasing the elephant away from the village, but we could see him through the bushes.
Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Just click on the slide show above to see all our photos from the trip. Hope you enjoyed reading about our adventure to the Lower Zambezi. We have great video too that I hope to blog later.
Get-away to Lower Zambezi
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Birthdays and Celebrations
And today we also celebrated "Father's Day". Coby and Kelsey helped me prepare omlets this morning for Ricky. We would like to let our fathers know how much we appreciate them for who they are, and for the example they have been in our lives. We love you, Dads!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Soccer Champions
Today was the semifinals and finals of the Saturday Soccer League. Coby's team was in 3rd place in the regular season. Their first game ended in no score, so they had to settle the win by penalty shots. They won the semifinal with a score of 3-1. Then, Coby's team faced the #4 team in the finals, and again this game ended in no score. It was a nail-biting ending, but Coby's team finished 3-2 for the champions in their division. Usually, Coby plays in the goalie position, but his coach moved him into offense during both games. He did a great job, and was very excited to win the championship. Each player received a medal and the winners and runner-ups received trophys. Congratulations to Coby's team - Wilderness Safari Team!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
True Love Waits
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Graduation Day
Favorite Subject: Reading
Favorite Book you read: Sis & Bif
Hardest thing to do in Math: Counting money
Favorite After-School Activity: Funky Movers dance
What you are looking forward to about next school year: Reading more books
Favorite Subject: science
Favorite Book you read: The Legend of William Tell
Hardest thing to do in Math: Division
Favorite After-School Activity: Karate
What you are looking forward to about next school year: Reading
Favorite Subject: Science
Hardest thing to do in Math: Fractions
Favorite After-School Activity: Chess
What you are looking forward to about next school year: going to a new school