Getting Ready

well ill be in Zambia in just under two weeks! Its tough trying to get everything ready atthe moment. Its one thing organising all the practical things... travel insurance, malaria tablets, tents etc, but its more difficult preparing my spirit and mind for what lies ahead in the next couple of months

Usually, I have to admit, I strt to think about these things when im sat on the plane, but as im going to be in Africa for 6 weeks, slightly longer than in the past, im trying to prepare more in advance this time. I've really been challenged to up the ante on my devotional with time with God, studying the Word and in prayer. The obvious benefit is simply knowing God, what he wants me in Zambia for and how hes going to use me. I certainly feel like im being challenged anyway, financially and in my walk with God. I definately feel like im stepping out at the moment

me

No going back now

My flights to Zambia have been booked today...awesome...and my funds are coming in to pay for them...even better. I finally recieved written confirmation from work that my 6 weeks leave have been authorised as well. ....Praise the Lord!!! I will be flying out on the 4th August and won't touch UK soil again until September 16th.

Please keep praying as well for the detoriating situation in Zimbabwe. Zambia does border Zimbabwe, and the Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa has come out recently to say that the siutation there is an embarassment to Africa. He has been one of the few African leaders to publicly speak out against Mugabe and his henchmen. Scary I know! Please keep praying

A-MAZ-ING

A few weeks ago we took a brief overnight trip to Kidepo National Park. We went on one game drive & though the elephants & giraffes were scarce this time, we were lucky to come upon a rare family.
Looks like a normal, everyday spot of shrubs & rocks, doesn't it?

Yet upon closer examination, we happened upon these guys:

This is the first time I've seen a grown male lion, with the full mane, in the wild! Absolutely stunning! In comparison to the pretty large lion cub below him, he is massive!

She is the mother, the lioness! She is the most dangerous of all the lions - the male who looks so fierce is actually quite lazy. The lioness is the one who does all the hunting for the pride. Here she is climbing to the highest rock & proceeded to keep watch on a herd of buffalo about 5km away to stake out their dinner that night.

This is me pointing from our vehicle to the rocks where we're watching the lions you see zoomed in below - unbelievable! In total there were 7 lions in the pride.

Mufasa & Simba perhaps?

And the serene view the other direction - I feel acutely blessed to be here & experiencing these rare treasures! Wish you were all here as well!