Late last night a semi-truck pulled into the game lodge; it
had been filled by an organization called Kids Against Hunger.
The organization had put 1,240 boxes of food
on the container to be shipped from the US to South Africa. Six of us were there to help unload the boxes
weighing a total of over two tons into the warehouse.
Four hours of lifting and moving was hard
work, but our spirits were joyful the whole time we unloaded. We talked of the time, money, and
organization such a large amount of food would require. Five boxes buried in the middle of the
container contained pictures and messages in crayon from the kids that had
helped to raise money and pack the boxes.
We wished that the kids that did the work could come to South Africa to
help distribute the food. Each box
contained 36 bags of chicken-flavored rice casserole that produces 6-7
portions.
The food that we unloaded will
feed around 300,000 people. I love
getting to do work like unloading boxes.
I am so grateful for the people that get involved with their time,
money, or talent to change the lives of people around the world. I am also thankful that the staff at Shikaru
allowed us to get involved in their ministry and stay for the past few
days.
When truck was emptied, our backs
were aching and our muscles were fatigued, so we grabbed a pouch of chicken-flavored
rice casserole.
We decided to test out
the food that soon will be distributed. By just adding water the dry mix was turned
into a tasty and filling meal. Many
orphans and families will also be grateful for the time, money, and talent that
went into that container.
This afternoon I worked on painting then was rewarded with
another game drive. This time we saw wildebeest,
giraffe, erland (huge deer), and a heard of zebra as the sun set over the
African landscape. This evening we
enjoyed a delicious dinner with the Shikaru staff, curry and rice. We added chutney, coconut, and banana to give
it an amazing flavor.
