Received Mon July 9 8:53am.
Report # 6 - Relaxing at the end of our trip - Ruaha, Arusha and Points Beyond
On Tuesday, July 3 we finished up some details in Iringa (when we do this again we’ll add one or two days in Iringa - the trip was so full we didn’t have enough time in Iringa.) We left Iringa about noon for a 3 ½ hour bus ride to Ruaha National Park. The road was as slow and bumpy as we remember it from previous years. (Actually this is a good deal, because it means few tourists frequent Ruaha and it’s a better representation of the way the country is without human encroachment.) But the time went quickly and we arrive at the Park about 3:30 pm. We got settled in our Bandas and arranged for a Safari through the Park at about 4:30. We had heard from several missionaries that the animals were less plentiful than previous years so we were anxious to get out and see for ourselves. Our fears were quickly put to rest as we saw a large variety of animals in significant quantity. During our three days at Ruaha we saw giraffe, zebra, elephants, warthogs, greater kudu, dik diks, many heards of impala and fifteen lions - the lions are always special. Here are a few photos of some of our sightings.
The time at Ruaha was relaxing and enjoyable. It was a good time to unwind, talk and relax. After three days we caught a Missionary Aviation Fellowship flight from Ruaha to Arusha International Airport. There we were taken to Ngurdoto Lodge to regroup before everyone headed in different directions. On Saturday morning we sent on Safari through Arusha National Park. It’s a delightful little park with massive amounts of giraffe, elephants, cape buffalo, zebras and other animals, along with a diverse terrain that ranges from savanna to mountain forests and mounatin tops. Mt. Meru is within the Park and is the second higest mountain next to Kilimanjaro (60 miles away.) Once again we enjoyed the herds, even saw a minor stampede as some firsky zebras stirred up everyone.
Saturday Teresa and Pastor Jim headed back to the states ( a journey that ought to have taken 24 hours, but lasts 38 hours) Teresa arrived in Chicago about 2:30 p.m., Pastor Jim arrived home at 11:30 pm Sunday. Ken, Karen Courtney and Caitlin (who joined them in Arusha are beginning a five day walking hike in Terengarie National Park, and Betsy and Martha are beginning a five day visit of Parks in northern Tanznaia, including Ngoro ngoro Crater. Please continue to remember these folks in prayer as they complete their trip.
Thanks to everyone who was a Prayer Partner with us during the Mission Trip. We immensely appreciated your support, encouragement and prayers. This trip has been a wonderful journey where we’ve seen the impact a small group of individuals and one congregation can make in the lives of many people.
Bwana Asifiwe! (Praise the Lord!)
