Our journey began on Tuesday. I said goodbye to my friends in Arusha and one last teary snuggle with Milo. Leaving my home in Arusha and Milo behind was difficult. I was ready to begin this next season but those two things made the first steps very difficult. We arrived in Karatu to spend the night in good time. We enjoyed a game of dominos while we waited for the sun to set so we good get a good nights rest for the next big day of travel.
Our second day of travel began early. We reached the Ngorongoro Crater in good time and enjoyed the sites going through the area. Giraffe were all around to welcome us to the area. I continue to be amazed at our God who is the Great Creator! We saw the first of many baby animals of the day. We saw baby giraffe, elephant, hippo, monkey, wildebeest, wart hog, muskrat and, zebra. Fun sites indeed!
But, the most amazing was to be in the middle of the great wildebeest migration. It is said that over 2 million wildebeest make the trek south from the Serengeti to the Crater and Terengeri. There were
wildebeest as far as the eye could see. I wish that my camera could capture this but with the distance they merely look like ants. They were grazing while we made our way through the Ngorongoro Area towards the Serengeti but they spread for miles and miles! Even through my camera does not due it justice I can also say that National Geographic is unable to picture the magnitude of something like this. You just have to see it!
The Serengeti did not disappoint in its sites as well. We continued on our journey picnicking in the car for most of our meals. During the heat of
day the lion rested in a tree. The way her belly was sagging on the tree made us think that she looked pregnant. We also had some amazing views of the elephants along the bumpy road. They were crossing the road at one point. The grasses are taller than usual and all of a sudden we saw a baby elephant as it came through the grass onto the road. The grass covered the top of its head and wasn't too much time and he was hidden again just as quick as he appeared! I felt like I was in the movie Lion King! The way the eland (white bird) circles the backs of the water buffalo heard as typical African scenery is breath taking.
Later in the day is when we found one obstacle on top of another. The roads are rough and we encountered our first flat tire. As Ron changed the tire we three girls were around the car watching for animals. That is when this picture of me in the Serengeti was taken. Otherwise it is not recommended to EVER be out of your vehicle. It was also difficult to make sure we were heading in the right direction. Signs never mark directions or place and sometimes when they do they are not always accurate! However, Bwana Romanee (manee for short) which means Sir Map is the name given to my trusty GPS that was given to me as a gift. He did not let me down and helped
find our way. This is when it really gets tricky cause we then had another flat tire. My vehicle only has one spare. So, yes, major problem when you have already had one and no place to repair it yet. We barley had time to worry when a car of my same model came along. This was quite a blessing because the passing of cars are few let alone for it to be the same model! We explained our trouble. We used their spare tire and began to follow them to where they were staying for the night. We hoped they would be able to have someone to help fix both of our tires. Once again not far down the road the outer rubber began falling off of our friend's car ahead of us. We tried to detach it with my mchettee but it didn't come a part. Then, we gave them back their spare tire. Then went on ahead of us back to where they were staying carrying our spare tire to try to fix then return to help us. It is important to be out of the park by 6:30pm or at a place to stay for the night. We it became that hour and we were neither. This is when we began to really feel the presence of your prayers. We were in the middle of the Serengeti watching the beautiful sunset but yes pretty much stuck. We didn't panic. The tire was opposite for us so we placed the rubber flapping tire on our car and began inching towards the lodge. I have to take a break to explain the additional thing that is happening during this time. Tinsi Flies are terrible little creatures that I will ask God why about later. But, they are flies found where the animals are and they are the worst things that you have every encountered. I even saw a green mamba (I was in the car) and will still say these flies are the worst EVER! They have a mean bite and circled us as we got out to change the tires. Our car was moving slow and they would cover the car sides just waiting for an opening. We had welt spots all over from these mean little things. It was like a clip of a scary movie. I think Tinsi Flies could over take the world if they wanted! Back to the car covered with tinsi flies inched slowly for two hours to the lodge. We watched the sun go down and kept praying for safety as darkness fell over the land. Not many people can say they had a night drive in the Serengeti. I am finding my experiences to be more and more in that category. We made it to the lodge and there were people there who helped us with a place to stay. The next morning we found people who could fix our tires and refuel. Then, we were on our way again. We reached Lake Victoria a day late but we were relieved when we arrived. However, the term Lake does not do it justice. I can not begin to truly paint for you what traveling in this country is like. I am amazed at the sites but it is very stressful. Currency that is taken places, an exchange rate that changes every day, animals, not knowing healthy places to eat, restful places to sleep are not always around, clean places to shower, drinking water, and the list goes on. It is always an adventure but not always an easy one! But, I have safely made it to school and grateful for the well wishes and prayers along the way. I have arrived!
Prayer Points~
- I am grateful to God for being with us as we traveled.
- Praise to a God who is a magnificent Creator!
- providing when there was nothing around
- Please pray as I continue getting settled into my language home. Another transition!
- Pray for my study and my mind to be open to the rules of Kiswahili
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