We are back in Ottawa after a series of long, long flights.  I thought I would provide some safari highlights while I am awake.

Son Trevor asked what the coolest animal was.  The epitome of cool for me is the big cats. We were warned that we may not see any as they are hiding these days but we were fortunate enough to see two males sleeping in a ditch about ten feet away and another languishing in the shade under a tree.  He was waiting on Mama Lion to catch something for him to eat.  She was a few hundred feet away under another tree.  I think the safari trucks scared away a gazelle she was tracking and a family of wart hogs that passed virtually right under her nose didn’t seem to interest her.  Another female came sauntering over to the safari trucks and curled up against one for some shade. As one truck moved, she just sought shade under another.  Very cool indeed. We also saw a black leopard and a cheetah.  Both are part of the Big 5.

The animals that it is hard to stop staring at though are the ones that weigh more than the truck we were in.  That would include elephants, hippos and rhinos.  Elephants come right to the side of the road so there is a clear view as they tower over everything.  I guess being able to tip over the truck on a moment’s notice gives them a certain amount of confidence.  The hippos were all submerged until the last day when we saw some out of the water, including a baby hippo.  The rhinos kept their distance so the pictures are fuzzy at best.  Then there is the elegant giraffe.  They were plentiful and close!  Zebras are plentiful and not too timid.  We saw one that had obviously escaped a lion’s clutches and bore the fresh wound to prove it.

We are back in civilization now in Arusha so I will expand a bit on what we have seen.  First and foremost, when we entered the new classroom, there was the Canadian flag that Chris and I carried to Kili’s peak hanging beside the Tanzanian flag.  That was a proud moment.  The ceremony beforehand was amazing with songs of thanks and a reading from one of the students. There was also a sign of thanks hanging in the classroom.  There were a number of government officials in attendance and speeches from nearly all the adults in attendance!

There has been a tremendous change in the atmosphere at the school.  The teachers are considerably more confidant than they were two years ago.  One acted as Master of Ceremonies and I just don’t think we would have seen that when we were there last time.  

Our church youth group, Barrhaven United, prepared 12 letters to the students at the school.  We are carrying 12 responses back, well written and translated. We planted three trees at the primary school.

At the preschool we had a great time with the students and met with the water committee who will be in charge of maintaining the well.  They are a serious and dedicated group.  The well will be in good hands.

There is much more to say and it will be difficult not to make the Epilogue the longest chapter of the book!  However, I am running out of internet time so I will continue this later.  Next stops – Dar, Amsterdam. Detroit, Home!  We should be semi functional by the afternoon of the 10th.

Finally, we are off to Tanzania to see the classroom and well we have helped to fund.  Looking forward to meeting the kids and planting a tree at the new classroom.  I will also meet with Plan Tanazania about the new project. 

I will provide updates as and when internet access is available.  When we return, I will write the Epilogue for Kilimanjaro and Beyond and off it goes to publishing.  It seems like it has been a long time coming!

This just in from Helen Osler, Australian author of Cameras of Kilimanjaro:

“Kilimanjaro and Beyond” is a testament to all of us that dreams can come true with a little grit and determination. If you’re the kind of person who can usually find any excuse to talk yourself out of a great idea this book is the inspiration you need to get out of your comfort zone and make things happen. Kilimanjaro and Beyond is a very honest and detailed account of the trials and tribulations experienced while climbing Africa’s highest peak. The most amazing part of this journey is that it wasn’t just a selfish mission to stand at lofty heights but one which resulted in bringing clean water and education to hundreds of Tanzanian children. An inspiring read.”

Check out Helen’s website at:

http://www.porterphotoproject.com/

In less than two weeks we will be on our way to Tanzania. The itinerary is being finalized but it involves attending to ceremony at the classrooms we helped to fund to watch the Canadian flag that we carried to Kili’s peak being raised. A second part of the trip will be to meet with a family that is benefitting from the well we funded. Finally, we will discuss the next project with Plan Tanzania. It is all very exciting and very satisfying.

The Epilogue will be written when we return. By the way, Shannon Sungh, Development Coordinator for Plan Canada had this to say about the manuscript:

“The book is a really warm and inspiring story, and I think highlights perfectly how a couple of regular people can really accomplish something amazing.”

Thank you Shannon!