March 10-11: The Beautiful Kingdom of Swaziland

As we crossed the border from South Africa in Swaziland we were immediately aware of huge change. Cows lined the narrow tar road. People greeted us with friendly gestures. The road began to gain altitude as we climbed to the top of Pigg's Peak.

Swaziland is one of three "kingdoms" in Africa. The King and Queen rule with great pomp and authority. Everyone speaks highly of their position and the unique status of the people. The land is owned by the King for the sake of his subjects. The money claims that "God is our Source" and people are not shy about their faith. Swazi has a high concentration of Christian influence with many missionaries and churches. The poverty level is unbelievable with over 50% unemployed and HIV rampant.

Our highlight was taking a tubing trip down some rapids in a secluded gorge. We had to take a bus, a land rover, and then walk to the entry site. Cindy was not too sure about this adventure. In total we had ten guides helping us with the tubes, the travel and the lodging atop the mountain at the end of the ride. It was a total blast. I must have spent as much time under the water as above the water. It was not the Apple River with some class 3 rapids (at one point only Cindy made it through the "washing machine" without tipping over - "Yebo, Cindy!"). As I reflect on the adventure, it was not entirely safe nor wise. At times I was pushed beyond any level of comfort. God was gracious to protect us and to provide for us. The guides became close friends. We were brought together as a family. The exhilaration was amazing - only to be followed by a mountain hike that left us exhausted. We stayed overnight at the top of the mountain in a community lodge that had been carved out of the rock. We were in a semi-cave and semi-tree house for the evening with our guides. They cooked us one of the best meals I have ever shared - a Swazi bbq and I choose to climb to the top of our "stone castle" and sleep on the outside with Andy under the stars and the "Southern Cross". I will have photos to show, but the images will forever remain in my heart. God's beauty, majesty, magnitude and glory cannot be covered when we stop to gaze upon His handiwork. From the smallest details - to the greatest creatures. He is the Creator of All.

March 4-9: Kruger National Park

What an amazing trip into the wild kingdom. From the moment we arrived at Kruger National Park until now we have been in awe. On arrival we were greeted by elephants, zebras, giraffes, and even an lion lying in the bush. At our first rest stop in Letaba we were able to stand in the front of our guest house and view an elephant grazing, hippos hopping and a crocodile sun bathing. Sometimes I feel as though we have stepped into the movie Jurasic Park as we move from real to surreal. We have have seen the big five - again and again - elephants, buffalo, leopards (only 2), lions and rhino. Andy's sharp eye caught a huge male lion eating a dead hippo surrounded with vultures. Quite impressive. Our encounters have been usually quite safe and serene - but ask us to share about our adventures with the elephants on our morning walk or sunset drive. Susan is still shaking from the trumpet sound and angry charging elephants. The accommodations have been unique as we have been staying in guest houses and safari tents. The views outstanding, the smells unforgettable, the food delicious, and the animals breathtaking.

I have been wondering how in the world did God and Noah get all of these creatures aboard the ark. It must have been quite an adventure to see them all together - without eating each other. The beauty and the beast come out as you pause to reflect on the circle of life.

As we leave the park today, Cindy and I were on a sunrise drive (yes - I have been getting up with the sun) when we came across four male lions walking on the road. I was face to face with a lion - Daniel in the Lion's Path. We both survived. We will post another message on the other side of Swaziland.

March 2-3: The Journey Begins...

Sometimes a trip starts in a bit of panic. We had to pick up Andy at his house in Minneapolis and the traffic was terrible. As we were creeping along the "cross town" we were becoming cross with each other. BUT GOD SHOWED UP allowing us to slip by the road blocks and making it to the airport with plenty of time to spare.

The trip continued with panic as we arrived in Milwaukee (yes, it is cheaper to fly to South Africa via Wisconsin :) discovering that all Atlanta flights were delayed due to a severe snow storm. Frozen precipitation can cause fearful palpitations. How could we ever make our connection in time? BUT GOD SHOWED UP with a Delta shuttle and delivered us to Atlanta just in time to sip a Starbucks as we waited in line. And since the weather was so bad, most of the other passenger didn't show up and we were able to stretch out across entire rows of empty chairs on the overnight flight. Yahoo! God! for modified First Class.

But what was really worrying me was the car. Would all of us fit with our luggage in this tiny compact car? Would I be forced to tie our hockey bag (yes - an Olympic Gold Medal bag) to the roof? What if it rained? What if someone decided to borrow the bag while I waited at a stop light? How will I ever be able to drive safely worrying about a bag on the roof, the cars on the right and learning how to shift with my left hand? BUT GOD SHOWED UP giving us just enough room for both passenger and parcel. And guess what... I was able to deliver us all safely to Pretoria for our first night at the ThreeBees Guesthouse (Big South African Macs for supper). Wow!

What am I learning on my trip? It is not that God merely shows up, but that God is already here - there - everywhere! God is bigger and better than I imagine - than I can imagine! And God is with me always - in a Minneapolis traffic jam, on the Milwaukee tarmac, and in a little South African Avis compact. Let's see were God ALREADY IS and will take us tommorrow.