“If we see buffalo, don’t make any sudden movements. Buffalo have been known to kill men that did
not even see them coming.” Jan gave us
instructions as we entered a new section of the game park this morning. He decided to take us on one last game drive
before we left Shikaru Game Park. We
rounded the first bend and standing in the middle of the road was a buffalo
staring back at us. The buffalo trotted
off into the felt (grass and shrubs) along with a buddy and did not seem to pay
much attention to us. We have seen all
of Africa’s Big Five except for the leopard, which is rarely seen during the
day. I really appreciate the way the
Shikaru staff have taken care of us over the past few days. They were very thankful for the work we did,
but I cannot express how peaceful and life-giving our time at Shikaru was.
We arrived back at the shelter this afternoon, so I went to
check in on the kids. Last week I had
spent time trying to get one of the toddlers to take some steps. She had been able to take two or three wobbly
steps then would plop down on her diaper.
When I entered the shelter I saw the same little girl taking half a
dozen steps speeding around the room.
The older kids were slow to warm up, but it was not long before they
were crawling all over me and turning my hair into dreadlocks as they played
with it. Many of the boys had received haircuts
and it took me a little while to recognize them.
Clinton (the squad leader) arrived at the shelter this
evening to check in on my team for a few days. I was excited to catch up with
Clinton, but I was also excited because, with him he brought a bag of mail for
me. I got 18 letters and 4 packages. It was like Christmas day. Many World Racer’s are jealous. I laughed out loud, smiled, and was cheered
up as I read every word. I really
appreciate the support I am receiving from friends and family through prayers,
comments, letters, etc. Keep it
coming.
