Thursday morning, May 31st by Jerry

Just as it is at home, the kitchen has been the congregating place in the house.  The good cheer that happens is a way of feeling very connected to those things familiar for the La Casa family. 

The mood was broken when it came to light that there had been a kidnapping of a stuffed bunny belonging to one, Melody Gartrell-Sherman.  Rumor had it that Pastor Jeff was principally responsible although there were a number of accomplices.  A ransom note from the previous night was discovered and a reward was then posted.  Eventually the bunny was returned with only minor trauma inflicted. 

Thursday afternoon, May 31st by Laurie

This afternoon began with a trip to Top Village to meet with the Headman - Mr. Tau, his deputy – Mr. Monere and the village elders.  As we entered the church, the elder woman of the village began to ululate (check your dictionary).  Then we went to greet Mr. Tau, Mr. Monere and the elders with the traditional handshake and a greeting of “Dumela” (Doo-MEY-lah).  Speeches were given by Pastor Victor (Top Village), Mr. Monere, Mr. Tau, Pastor Jeff, Pastor Mike Tessendorf and a closing prayer by Pastor Victor (Ramoga Village ... yes, there are two Pastor Victors!). Pastor Betty translated for us. 

Thursday afternoon, May 31st by Deb

I was privileged today to help fit 33 children for new shoes. 

They were led in to me one by one.  Each one came with a look of excitement as I motioned to each to sit on the chair in front of me.  I was on the floor kneeling amongst the boxes of shoes – one of each size for girls, and one of each size for boys.  Some would sit on the floor next to me, obviously, a bit uncomfortable with someone else waiting on them.  Each child came with his or her unspoken story.

 

Friday morning, June 1st by Melody and "the Bunny"

Today we left our home in Mafikeng and traveled to the safari lodge at Pilansberg National Park.  Our original tour bus broke so we had a minibus to take us and we hired a U-Haul type trailer for the luggage.

Friday afternoon , June 1st by Patsy

  Shortly after our arrival to Kwa Maritane Resort (Kwah Mar-ee-TAH-nay - The Place of the Rock), we sat down to lunch.  I could not believe my eyes as I watched zebras in the distance.  It was amazing to actually witness a baby zebra nursing.  We settled into our rooms after lunch and shortly after that we set off for the safari.  We climbed in the large jeep and we were on our way (I could have used a step stool).  I don’t think any of us knew what to expect.

Saturday morning, June 2nd by Deb

Open my eyes that I may see and my ears that I may hear …

We awoke to a cool, overcast day; just another day in paradise!   Our surroundings are in such contrast to our home for the past week – lush green plantings, a veranda overlooking a meadow as a wildebeest saunters by.