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Saying “Good-bye” to my African hosts was a special moment. My guides have been teasing me all day. We poked fun at each other and exclaimed, “It will make easier to say Good-bye!
The hospitality of Harry and Jolane has been world-class. Looking through their guest book signatures are from all around the world. Even though the homes of their guests ring the globe, their comments are very similar. People gush over the thrill of being here in the African bush with the amazing hospitality of this special couple.
Harry greeted everyone in our party by their first name the first time that he met us. All during our stay he addressed us personally. There’s something special about hearing someone use your name.
Jolane’s hospitality shone throughout the day. Their lodge which doubled as their home was immaculate and decorated with the African motif. Colors, shapes, designs and accents made me feel that I was surrounded by the African experience.
Add to the decor was the delicious dinner that she prepared each night. Harry beat the drum when dinner was served. Once inside the table was coordinated with matching table cloth, dinner ware and Jolane was dressed to match. Each night of our stay there was a different table setting theme. Rotating colors, dishes and accents caught the attention of even all of the male guests.
Harry toasted all of us with a personal welcome. In the morning we were invited to a self-serve breakfast bar. Once we set out for a day of exploring with our guide and tracker, we were sent out with a cooler of beverages, a bag full of snacks and a cooler filled with specialty sandwiches, fruit and finger foods. I was blown away by the detail of their daily care for us.
In the evening when we returned, our rooms had been completely refreshed. Linens were changed, bed coverings were rotated and our laundry was washed, pressed, folded and laid out on our beds … every day! Of course fresh towels were replaced and color coordinated … again, every day.
Harry and Jolane’s kind spirit and welcoming hearts touched me deeply. They expressed their constant gratitude for our coming to stay. I don’t know if I will ever get the chance to visit again but if you are looking for an outstanding African experience, I would highly recommend the lodge of Harry and Jolane Claassen (www.harryclaassenssafaris.com). Enough pampering for me. It’s time to go home.
Last night after a full day of hiking through the bush, great fellowship around the campfire, amazing friendship-building at supper everyone began to retire for the night. It was the perfect time to wander away from the camp a few yards and take in a very special vista. Night had settled into the bush but the show was just beginning.
Now it was no longer time to look into the eyes of new friends. Nor was it time to pitch in and move gear, help sort out equipment or exchange contact informtion. This was a special moment of soiltude.
I had dreamed of this moment. When I put together a very short list of things to do while here in the bush, this was one of them. My past evenings were filled with activity so I had to put off this special moment.
On my second to last night here in the bush I wanted to say Good-bye to Africa and to thank the Lord for this special journey. My friend Stephen was God’s instrument to make this trip possible. God’s generosity in my life was channelled through this special servant of His.
My eyes turned upward. Darkenees filled up the land that occupied my days. Now the spectacular view was above. I looked up and gathered in the expanse of a night sky filled with countless stars.
The constellations were not familiar to me. I could see the clear patterns but had no knowledge of their names. However, the countless numbers of stars was breathtaking. I felt engulfed by the speckles of sparkling celestial bodies.
Decorating God’s created astronomical skyscape was the Milky Way. I know. Those who live in the city think that I’m talking about a candy bar. But, for those who paid attention in fifth grade science, that band of glittering lights natually broadened my smile.
I have no statistics of what others consider when they gaze on such a sight. All I know is that when I take all of this in I know that my God created it all and did so that I could stand amazed at His greatness and power. This wonderful and almighty Creator is my Heavenly Father who loves me completely.
As I leave Africa, I bring so much of my experience home with me. The richness of new friends, deep touches from my Lord and great memoreies in the bush are locked in my heart forever. Good-bye, Africa!
/>Having no expectations of what I will see South Africa, has left me with the best strategy on approaching each new day. Instead, I let the day unfold at the recommendation of my very capable guide and tracker. They have some amazing talents.
Off we drove at the crack of dawn. The air was very cool. I had every piece of my four layer system thought out and applied. My hat was pulled down tightly over my head. Lastly, as we headed north in the shadow of a new and spectacular sunrise, I pulled on my gloves.
After an hour, we arrived at a local rancher’s private preserve. There’s always time for a neighborly greeting in this country. Then, we headed through his cattle corral and sped down a two-track dirt road.
I almost spilled out of my seat when our guide quickly brought the vehicle to a halt and whispered loudly to me, “Steinsbuck!” This amazing creature is like a small deer. How small? It has the body size of a Deutschund but with longer legs. Its ears are as long as its face and it has two small horns that are as long as its ears. It raced across the road, then it posed long enough for me to capture a permanent moment.
Then our Guide pointed over the hill. We climbed out of the truck, quietly walked up to the rise, hid behind a tree. We were admiring at a small herd of grazing Springbuck. These animals are acrobatic leapers.
Next, my guide who is always quite calm turned and called out to me with excitement, “Red Hartebeast!” On a ridge to our right, this creature with a beautiful red coat and horns that they looked like a direct design from Dr. Seuss peared down at our little party. He stayed there long enough for my guide and tracker to inform me that this was one of the largest of this species that he has seen in a long time.
We had only gotten started on the road again when we stopped. No words were used this time. Instead, just a steady point off to our right. There waiting to pose for pictures were a family of giraffes. They were grazing on the leaves of tall grove of trees.
God is such an artist! When He designed creation, He gave us so much variety just to remind us of how remarkable He is. Have you taken in a little bit of His creation lately? It will make you marvel at HIm.
Pictures of the grand sights of Africa are easily accessible. I read several books on this continent. In addition I also surfed the web which gave me an education of what to expect in this amazing country. But, pictures, DVD’s and books never replace personal experience.
Today was a busy day. I was up at five. My bunkhouse was about 30 feet from the shower room. I wanted to to get there before everyone else crowded in for this morning ritual.
Next, I collected all of the gear that I would use for the day. My clothing was planned for layers. My camera bag held just the right equipment. My camera tripod would get a workout in the field today.
After an hour drive we pulled into the private reserve of a rancher. He welcomed us with that now very familiar sound of his Afrikaans language and a genuinely warm smile. My guide exchanged greetings and reviewed a strategy for the day.
Off we drove in our 4×4 down a dusty road, flanked by cattle fences and amazing vistas. The morning sun was starting to warm our day. It was only a matter of time when the tracker whispered, “Kudu.”
This was one of the animals that I wanted to see with my own eyes. Many who have travelled here personally identify this majestic creature as the King of the Antelope family. A mature bull stands at five feet tall at its shoulder. The markings on its hide are unique and gallant. It’s head it held high with large ears to tell of coming dangers. But, it’s horns are grand. They spiral upwards spanning nearly 50inches in length.
The bull disappeared into the brush. But while its body was out of sight, its horns danced on top of the native flora. Our tracker motioned us off of the truck. Into the woods we walked. With diliberate movements and circular advances, our tracker paused and pointed to the outstanding Kudo standing a mere 165 yards away between two trees. It took my breath away.
On top of that you should have seen the sunset. The sky darken, the horizon transfored into splashes of gold, orange, reds and yellows. It sillouettes the trees with stunning contrast. You may have seen pictures. You may even see some of my pictures soon. But, pictures don’t take your breath away. Seeing all of this yourself does.
One of my travelling friends asked me if I knew how long we had been on this journey. I told him that we had been on our third plane for about an hour and we had another thirty minutes to go. He laughed. “No, I meant, how long have we been travelling in order to get to our final destination.” We both laughed and then agreed that we had been en route for two solid days!
To get from SE Michigan to the camp in north central South Africa required quite a journey. Our plane from Detroit to Amersterdam was eight hours. Then, we had a three hour lay over in that city reclaimed from the sea. After an unexpected four-hour maintenance problem and the ten hour flight to South Africa our travel time was really starting to pile up.
Of all things our late arrival to the city put us into our hotel very late. Although our reservations had been made three months earlier and confirmed just days ealier, there were no rooms available once we arrived. The management waited on us tirelessly until we got everyone settle into a room. We got to bed at 4AM.
A short night of rest recharged our batteries. I even wrote a blog that same day! Now our little party took an hour drive by shuttle buses north to Pretoria. There we jumped on to two twelve-passenger single-prop planes. This plane ride was about 90 minutes long but put us safely down on a gravel landing strip far to the Northeast of this vast continent. One hour later in other shuttle vans, we had safely arrived at our final diestination.
Settled in I grabbed my gear and went our to meet my guide. We discussed our strategy and took off into the dessert-like plains and brush of the South African wilderness. Now, my adventure had really begun!
I was taking the new scenery all in with every sense that God had created in each of us. It was breath-taking. The vast sky, the endless desert and the signs of animal life made me think that a mammal convention was once here.
Our tracker and guide brought our 4×4 to a slow halt. He motioned to me without words. I grabbed my camera and followed right behind him. My face was dressed in a smile. There was my first shot to photograph Africa’s amazing wildlife. It was the beginning of a great adventure.
My alarm clock chirped at 5:30AM. Both of my eyes popped open and my mind was already racing. My to-do-list for this special Sunday was long. It wasn’t a nuisance. Nothing could discourage me today. Afterall, I was on my way to a great adventure.
First, if I was going to enjoy my great adventure to South Africa I had to finish packing. Second, I wanted to finish off the last few household chores on my list. Third, I wanted to study for my preaching at a local church that very morning.
This Sunday I didn’t want to forget anything. Forgetting something important on this trip of a lifetime would be a sour memory. Or if I messed up my preaching, then eternity would be scarred. Either or both would be a bad feeling that I wanted to avoid at all costs.
I checked off my daily chores. All of the housekeeping necessities were complete. That was great! Then, I was on time as the visiting speaker of a local church. It was a great morning speaking to a very receptive and friendly audience. Finally, after completing everything on all of my lists it was time to go to the airport and catch my plane.
There were no mishaps on the first leg of my trip to South Africa. Once I was in the Netherlands a few glitches cropped up. Some of my equipment in my checked luggage alerted authorities. Two armed police officers found me on the plane and notified me that I didn’t have the proper permit for the transportation of these items. I could either file for a permit or pay a stiff fine. I opted for the former, let them keep what they took and wondered how to replace those specialty items that would forever find a home in Holland.
Safely on the KLM flight for Johannesburg I thought that the trip was still going to be fantastic. But, my opportunity to enjoy that anticipation expanded itself. Our jet had an ignition problem in engine #3. We had to taxi to a repair area for a quick 30 minute manual override. That turned into a longer one hour delay, which ultimately took over four hours to complete.
It didn’t matter. I was my way to a great adventure. The little stuff didn’t even put a dent into my enthusiasm. To be quite frank, that’s a great way to approach all of life. Are you game? Let’s do that together!
There is a corner in my home office that has a pile of stuff that is growing larger and larger. Today I catch a plane for my first trip to South Africa. This is a trip of a lifetime.
I have read three books about Africa as a part of my preparation. Regularly I have been surfing internet sites for helpful information. Everything is being planned to avoid problems and have a fabulous trip. No one on an adventure wants any problems!
Getting ready for such an overseas adventure calls for a lot of advanced preparation. I am thinking through what I need to bring: camera gear, appropriate clothing and electronics. Also, I am trying to figure out a plan for my blogging.
Yes, you, my faithful readership are a part of my overseas planning. Unfortunately, my South African hosts may not be able to help me log on to the internet. But, no worries, right?
The good-ol’-college-try spirit inside of me is optimistic. If at all possbile, I will be in touch with you as this amazing experience unfolds or at the very least a recounting after it is completed. Many dream of a trip like this but are never able to make it. I know that I am blessed and I am very grateful that God has made this possibility happen.
It also comes at a good time. My heart is full but my spirit is weary. A break is a good thing for me right now.
Maybe in the gorgeous mornings of a spectacular sunrise or in the mystery of the coming nights, I will get closer to that peace that only He can give. My plate has been full. More gets piled on than gets moved off. Yet, my determination is intact and I am ready to face anything.
Africa will be an infusion of refreshment. Close to His creation I’ll talk openly to Him about my heart issues. Surrounded by zebra, kudu, impala, sable, wildebeasts, warthogs and oryx I’ll marvel at the beasts of the field. It will be a reminder that He can do anything.
It started out as an adventure. Now, it is turning into a personal retreat. I’ve been needing a break to sort out the essentials of my life and figure out how His peace fits into it all. I hope to connect with you from the dark continent in a day or two. Hakunamata!
God has never consulted with me about how life should be ordered. If He called on me to chat, then I would instantly be ready with a list to help Him design His plans. Maybe as I write this blog He will take note and give me a nod.
I know that He seemingly has not been giving attention to my life because I have been experiencing so many problems. In my line of work there are constant demands for problem-solving. Doesn’t God know my schedule has NO time for these intrusions, especially since I did not choose them?
Every day problems visit me like the unwelcomed flu. They greet my life at all hours of the day. They always demand a lot of attention and drain away a lot of energy.
That’s when I abruptly inform them that they don’t have an appointment and should not take up so much time. Once in a while, I attempt to will them away. That is I try to ignore them for a moment and hope that they’ll disappear on their own.
I don’t implement that technique for very long. They have a nasty habit of multiplying when you avoid them. Left on their own they also become more complicated and tangled.
Certainly I never asked for the challenges that test my mind and tear at my heart. Those kinds of emotionally taxing experiences in life aren’t ones that I would choose for myself. Who would ever deliberately plan heartache into their own lives?
I would certainly get a lot more accomplished if I could just do what I need to do without any distractions or intrusions. These problems of mind and heart are so exhausting. Maybe God would at the very least be open to a moratorium on problems, say for a lifetime, maybe two?
But, I digress. If God would give me one chance to help Him adjust His plans, I would just remove the hurt of a broken heart, put a cap on the agony that comes from failed hope and remove the pain that comes from unfulfilled passions. I would be all for stopping dreams that have no chance of becoming reality.
Dashed hopes and surprise disappointments are a bummer. Show me the picture of what is to come, let’s get it done and move on to the next project. Shattered dreams cut ragged gashes in my soul and really hurt.
Well there you have it. That’s my blueprint to counsel the Almighty. Hmmm…do you think He will call?
The announcement that it was time to board my Michigan-bound plane was a welcome one. I gathered my belongings and stood to join the crowd. That’s when I witnessed the ugly formation of racial prejudice begin to take shape.
An Asian man was struggling with his carry-on luggage while juggling his briefcase and trying to retrieve his boarding pass. By now the crowd had become tight around the jetway entrance. Next to me was an anxious Asian woman.
The Asian man turns around and shouts loudly in Mandarin. He is calling his wife to hurry up and join him. She couldn’t see a way through the people to get to him. He turns to the crowd and orders bruskly that she is with him and to let her through.
It startled the people who were near. Several rolled their eyes. One muttered that there was no reason to be rude. I could sense the beginnings human prejudice forming. It was a feeling that I hated.
Once on the plane this man was across the aisle from me, one row back. Again he was loud and obnoxious. He whined arbitrarily in broken English that someone had taken up his overhead space so he now had to take someone else’s. At that the man sitting behind me, jumped up grabbed his bag from that overhead bin and angrily shoved it under the seat.
The grumpy Asian man was abrupt with the Attendant who tried to assist. It was annoying to watch this scenario unfold. I wanted to get involved.
Once we were airborn, I delibertely engaged the attendant in a delightful conversation. We talked about the plane, sunsets and airline luggage rules. We laughed with a lot of spirit. She was smiling.
Next, I complemented the man sittng across the aisle. He was one of those who was startled by the Asian man’s brash orders. Now, he smiled cheerfully.
Once we landed I noticed a company logo on the shirt of the man who was sitting behind me. I asked him about one of the products that his company sold. That is when I was careful to pass on a genuine compliment about that product. He smiled too.
It took an entire flight to give those offended people a positive encounter with a different Asian man. I was intentional. But, I also believe that that is exactly what the LORD wanted me to do.
Starting out my day with a brisk bicycle ride invigorates me. I’ll spend an hour working on my computer, then, put on my riding gear and wheel out my mount into the cool morning air. Once I start peddaling, my mind starts racing too.
My route is adventuresome. It will zig zag through my neighborhood and then up and down and around some modest hills. During my escapade I’m watching for cars in a hurry to get to work, pedestrians lost in lala land and the feisty pair of geese who want to claim all routes as their territory.
After five plus miles I reach the point of no return. I turn around and head back for home. That’s when I am converted from a cyclist into a meteorologist.
Weather personnel are cool, calm and collected about advancing weather fronts. They have a steady matter-of-fact approach to looming storms. After all, they are indoors.
This tranquil persona of a weather reporter might be enough to disqualify me from the profession. After I made my 180 degree turn and was headed home all I could say was, “Yipes!” The morning sky was no longer turning light and bright with the coming sunrise.
Thunder was rolling deeper and louder with each stroke of my pedals. The wind was formerly carrying me along, so I didn’t notice it. Lost in prayer while peddaling and only noticing the ensuing sunrise, I paid no attention to what was behind me.
I had four miles left to go. There was no way that I was going to make it home before this storm hit. Just as that prophetic thought materialized in my mind, huge drops of rain pelted my face.
A torrent of rain gushed from the sky and I was enveloped in a wall of water. There was one chance close by and I took it. A school building with a covered entrance welcomed me under its protection.
I stood there dripping with rain. Yet, God’s signature symbol of promise streaked across the blackened sky. The sunrise painted a rainbow on the western sky.
The gathering clouds moved quickly East and covered the sun in minutes. But, before it was blocked out, its last rays pierced the sky as Jacob’s Ladder emerged in several directions for a spectacular view. Even in the face of a powerful storm God’s divine fingerprint that “this too shall pass” was a stroke of beauty.
