This morning I woke up in Africa for the last time. I am so sad to leave Africa, but am excited to come back to Atlanta to share this wonderful place with friends and family. I wonder how words and pictures could possibly come close to showing the heart of Africa. I cannot capture in words Legho Village's charm, worshipping with people from all over the world, the genuine love that is given, the hearts of the YL leaders, the servant hearts encountered, the way it feels to hug a child in poverty or without parents, the view from a peak, the majesty of a lion pride, or the things God revealed.
See you all soon!
Elizabeth
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Kili team back in Arusha
Just got a phone call from Mark. He said to let everyone know that the Kili climbers all made it safely down the mountain and are at the hotel in Arusha anxiously awaiting showers! He said they were all doing well, were in good spirits and had many stories to tell. They are going to dinner after showering - I believe they are reunited with the Safari team - and then all are looking forward to a night's sleep in a bed!
Friday, August 7, 2009
The summit
15 people set out at midnight to go to the summit and all 15 made it to the top! Everyone is fine but exhausted. That was the hardest thing I ever tried and your kids and husbands all came through. We still have more hiking today, but wanted to pass on the good news. Congrats to my daughter Kathleen on her 2nd summit in 2 years! Don't know if anyone wants to try again! One more night in the tents!
Mark Block
Mark Block
Thursday, August 6, 2009
United in Love
Yesterday we flew back to Arusha from the Serengeti. The Serengeti airport is smack in the middle of the Serengeti plains and consisted of a small hut and a dirt runway. Our plane sat 12 not including the pilots. The flight back was spectacular; adding another once in a lifetime experience to our mounting list. We saw aerial views of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the surrounding mountains.
Arusha is homey and comfortable. We spent the afternoon resting and settling back in. Last night we had dinner with Jackie and David. It was wonderful to be reunited with both of them!
Last night I also talked to Drew from Kili. They were all preparing to take their naps before summit. He was very upbeat and said that spirits were high. They continually need prayers for good weather and health. He didn't really want to talk about the hike; he was most excited about telling me about the worshipping on the side of the mountain with over 100 people in many different languages the night before. He said that people from surrounding camps joined their worship creating awesome joint praise! Imagine the scene: 100+ people from all over the world at 15,000 ft on Kili, all exhausted from climbing, worshipping as one body as the sunsets. That is the Body of Christ!
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:1-3
Love,
Elizabeth
Arusha is homey and comfortable. We spent the afternoon resting and settling back in. Last night we had dinner with Jackie and David. It was wonderful to be reunited with both of them!
Last night I also talked to Drew from Kili. They were all preparing to take their naps before summit. He was very upbeat and said that spirits were high. They continually need prayers for good weather and health. He didn't really want to talk about the hike; he was most excited about telling me about the worshipping on the side of the mountain with over 100 people in many different languages the night before. He said that people from surrounding camps joined their worship creating awesome joint praise! Imagine the scene: 100+ people from all over the world at 15,000 ft on Kili, all exhausted from climbing, worshipping as one body as the sunsets. That is the Body of Christ!
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:1-3
Love,
Elizabeth
A bit of news from Kili
Hi everyone, I just received an email from Mark:
"Tell the blog that everyone has made it safely to the camp at 15,000 and we will be leaving here in about 11 hours for the summit! Everyone is excited and a bit nervous. I can tell by the fact that there is not much talking on the trail. Batteries are getting low, so I will make it short."
I know we are all praying for the climbers and the safari - thank you and please keep 'em coming'.
"Tell the blog that everyone has made it safely to the camp at 15,000 and we will be leaving here in about 11 hours for the summit! Everyone is excited and a bit nervous. I can tell by the fact that there is not much talking on the trail. Batteries are getting low, so I will make it short."
I know we are all praying for the climbers and the safari - thank you and please keep 'em coming'.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Khaki Memo
Apparently we missed the memo that says that when on a safari you must wear khaki. Everyone around here is wearing head-to-toe khaki; cargo pockets and zip off pants are also very popular.
Today we completed our "Big Five" and saw a leopard. We even saw two of them; one was carrying its "kill" to the top of a tree. We also saw two male lions about 5 feet from our car. Two males together are rare. They only stay together when full grown if they are family. Yesterday we saw an entire pride of lions, include 3 females, 1 male, and 24 cubs. It was a once in a lifetime experience! We got so close to the male that he roared! Pretty sure William broke a bunch of park rules. William has been an outstanding guide. He said that what we have seen in three days is more than most see in a week! Thank you for your prayers-- the Lord has given us gift after gift on the safari.
Our lodge here on the Serengeti is just as wonderful as the one from the crater. It still is a strange juxtaposition to Legho. Last night the cooks and servers all gathered and sang and danced for the whole hotel in Swahili. While there performance was great, it wasn't a representation of the Africa I have experienced. It occurred to me that most people come here and do not have an authentic African experience. They closest they come is African-style hotel uniforms, contrived singing, and cocktail "huts." I couldn't help but be saddened by this reality. I would choose to go back to bucket showers in Legho or passing bricks while singing with YL Arusha leaders anytime over going on a safari. Most people miss the heart of this place, even if they see the "Big Five" or wear khaki.
Love,
Elizabeth
Today we completed our "Big Five" and saw a leopard. We even saw two of them; one was carrying its "kill" to the top of a tree. We also saw two male lions about 5 feet from our car. Two males together are rare. They only stay together when full grown if they are family. Yesterday we saw an entire pride of lions, include 3 females, 1 male, and 24 cubs. It was a once in a lifetime experience! We got so close to the male that he roared! Pretty sure William broke a bunch of park rules. William has been an outstanding guide. He said that what we have seen in three days is more than most see in a week! Thank you for your prayers-- the Lord has given us gift after gift on the safari.
Our lodge here on the Serengeti is just as wonderful as the one from the crater. It still is a strange juxtaposition to Legho. Last night the cooks and servers all gathered and sang and danced for the whole hotel in Swahili. While there performance was great, it wasn't a representation of the Africa I have experienced. It occurred to me that most people come here and do not have an authentic African experience. They closest they come is African-style hotel uniforms, contrived singing, and cocktail "huts." I couldn't help but be saddened by this reality. I would choose to go back to bucket showers in Legho or passing bricks while singing with YL Arusha leaders anytime over going on a safari. Most people miss the heart of this place, even if they see the "Big Five" or wear khaki.
Love,
Elizabeth
Kili day 4
Greetings from Karanga Camp.....elevation approx 13,100 feet.......all is well !! all 14 of us are in good relatively good shape....only minor issues w altitude... so far..!!.....we r in camp already for the rest for the day........
You ought to see this setting....... We are in the middle of the alpine desert, which basically looks like pictures on the moon.....Kili is towering right behind us w bright blue sky as a back drop.....the clouds are beginning to set in around us ......then you add the 100 or so tents scattered w in a 100 yard radius that looks sort of like a refugee camp.......words can not describe but it is pretty awesome!!
Tomorrow we have about a 5 hour hike in the morning.....will rest all afternoon.....have early dinner then try to sleep 4 or 5 hours.....then we shoot for the summit at around midnight our time which is 5 in the aft Thursday Atl time....so by midnight or 1 a.m. Your time we all hope to have made it....it will be a major challenge but I think the group is up for it!
James D. Shelton
You ought to see this setting....... We are in the middle of the alpine desert, which basically looks like pictures on the moon.....Kili is towering right behind us w bright blue sky as a back drop.....the clouds are beginning to set in around us ......then you add the 100 or so tents scattered w in a 100 yard radius that looks sort of like a refugee camp.......words can not describe but it is pretty awesome!!
Tomorrow we have about a 5 hour hike in the morning.....will rest all afternoon.....have early dinner then try to sleep 4 or 5 hours.....then we shoot for the summit at around midnight our time which is 5 in the aft Thursday Atl time....so by midnight or 1 a.m. Your time we all hope to have made it....it will be a major challenge but I think the group is up for it!
James D. Shelton
Kilimanjaro update
Greetings from the mountain! We are camped around 13,000 feet. Weather is nice, although I suspect it will drop to 20 or so tonight. Makes those evening toilet runs a lot of fun! Everyone is here and doing well. Yesterday was a long hike up to over 15,000 and then down to camp at about 13,000. I think the down part was harder then the morning climb. This morning was a short day, but up a pretty steep (and crowded) wall. Lots of folks on the trail- probably 300 or so including all the porters. All the kids and the old guys seem to be doing well. Of course, we have not seen a mirror in 8 days, so I am sure we just look great. Taking lots of pictures which we will share when we return. Food has been great- and plenty of it! I do not think that anyone has lost a pound since we arrived in Africa. Everyone is tired at night so worship has been short-and quiet. Again, everyone is doing well. The ocassional headache or tummy issue, but the guides have been watching everyone and making sure we get what we need. This has really been a fantastic group and a fantastic trip! We appreciate all the prayers from home. Tomorrow is a tough day as we climb to about 15,000 feet, sleep a few hours and then head up towards the summit about midnight. Will keep you posted as soon as I can. Hope the safari folks are enjoying warm showers, soft beds and seeing lots of animals!
Mark Block
Mark Block
That...I have Never Seen Before
What an unbelievable time we have had! Today we completed The Big Five on the safari! The Big Five is elephants, lions, buffalos, rhinos and leopards. Between Monday and Tuesday, we saw all except a leopard and today we saw two! The second was in a tree carrying a gazelle up for its lunch. It is truly a different world here. Our guide, William, knows the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti like the back of his hand and he takes us to the best spots to see the animals! We have been lucky enough to have seen almost every animal in a large group. Yesterday we saw twenty-six lions on a small hill and William says that seeing one is rare! As if we weren't already blessed enough on the trip, we saw two male lions today resting under a tree. William informed us that when two males are together it means they are brothers. Every time we see rare occurances, such as the lions, William reminds us how lucky we are. I am so thankful to have him as our guide because he is a constant reminder to me of how blessed we are. Most people go on a safari for a week or so and do not see all the animals we have. We have been here for three days and have seen everything! It is a complete dream come true for me and we are all having a wonderful time. Today we saw a group of hundreds of buffalo and as we were all snapping pictures, Conley enlightened us with her vast knowledge of the animal saying, "Guys...we eat these." Referring to buffalo wings! We quickly pointed out to her that buffalos do not have wings, so don't worry Mr and Mrs Fendler! Also, Elizabeth has made the wise observation that hippos are the Serengeti's pigs and they are a mix between pigs, cows and fish. I wish all of you back home could see this because it really is amazing. I hope all is well in Atlanta (and Idaho and North Carolina) and I'm looking forward to sharing our stories with everyone!
Much Love,
Carolyn
P.S. Safari Moms-our plane is tomorrow morning at 9, I think.
Much Love,
Carolyn
P.S. Safari Moms-our plane is tomorrow morning at 9, I think.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Safari Day 1
Today was an incredible day! We left Arusha around 8 am with our guide, William, who has served YL groups before. We arrived at the Ngorongoro Crater around noon and checked into our hotel. Talk about a change from Legho; this place is awesome! The hotel in situated on the edge of the crater and has beautiful views at all angles. Our rooms are in little hut buildings on the side of the cliff with equally wonderful views. After lunch, we headed out to the floor of the crater in our topless Land Rover. We saw 4 of the "Big Five:" lion, buffalo, rhino, and elephant. Hopefully tomorrow we can complete the "Five" and see a leopard. There are only 17 rhino in the 260 square kilometers of the crater, so to see it was a great treat! It was also wonderful to see a beautiful female lion resting in the evening sun. We also saw hippos, zebras, gazelles, warthogs, and jackals. I feel like today was a dream! We truly received a great gift to be able to see all these wonderful creatures!
On another note, I talked to Drew and the Kili team is doing great!! All have made it to the second camp. Please pray big for tomorrow. They will climb in altitude a lot, so it is a big day! Pray for good health and weather!
Love,
Elizabeth
On another note, I talked to Drew and the Kili team is doing great!! All have made it to the second camp. Please pray big for tomorrow. They will climb in altitude a lot, so it is a big day! Pray for good health and weather!
Love,
Elizabeth
Prayer
Waking up this morning in Arusha was very strange. I already miss Alexis, Jackie, Leban, Papa Dao, Mama Irene, other Africa YL leaders, and the other members of our team. My day feels incomplete without being able to walk out on to the point in Legho to be still and get ready for the day.
The end of our time in Legho was wonderful! On our last night, we had an early dinner and all went out to the point for fireside worship and share time. The setting was truly unbelievable and picturesque; Kilimanjaro's silhouette visible with the sun setting beside her creating a pink reflection on the glaciers at the peak, fire blazing, and everyone together. As we worshipped, children from nearby houses gathered with us. It was a perfectly African gathering with people of all ages, races, backgrounds, and languages. Every represented group expressed gratitude and appreciation for everyone else. We took time to pray for YL in Tanzania and NW Atlanta. We prayed for all of those who have served us on the trip through driving, cooking, carrying water, and more. We prayed for family and friends at home. We also prayed for each other. Prayer is the foundation for all things in Africa. Prayer is how they start and finish everything. It has made me think a lot about our approach to life in Atlanta. Why are we not more prayerful? Is it our pride, our disbelief, our ego, our fear, or our inhibitions?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Love,
Elizabeth
The end of our time in Legho was wonderful! On our last night, we had an early dinner and all went out to the point for fireside worship and share time. The setting was truly unbelievable and picturesque; Kilimanjaro's silhouette visible with the sun setting beside her creating a pink reflection on the glaciers at the peak, fire blazing, and everyone together. As we worshipped, children from nearby houses gathered with us. It was a perfectly African gathering with people of all ages, races, backgrounds, and languages. Every represented group expressed gratitude and appreciation for everyone else. We took time to pray for YL in Tanzania and NW Atlanta. We prayed for all of those who have served us on the trip through driving, cooking, carrying water, and more. We prayed for family and friends at home. We also prayed for each other. Prayer is the foundation for all things in Africa. Prayer is how they start and finish everything. It has made me think a lot about our approach to life in Atlanta. Why are we not more prayerful? Is it our pride, our disbelief, our ego, our fear, or our inhibitions?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Love,
Elizabeth
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Kili Day 2
Good morning from Machame Hut camp.......we are beginning day 2 of the Kili odyssey....we went about 12 (pretty steep) miles yesterday and 4000 vertical feet thru a lush green mossy rain forest.......and are now at an elevation of about 10.3k sf.......it is about 40 degrees ( and rising)the sky is a spectacular bright blue .....we are above the clouds covering the valley below and we can see the top of Kili towering above. ..wow!!!.....all is well.....spirits are high and no one has altitude symptoms. ......today we go 7 miles and 2500 more vertical feet thru the heather zone, which is one of the transition areas from rain forest to moon scape.......the altitude and acclimitization games will begin.....supposedly cell service is hit or miss from here out so we may or may not be on the grid......hakuna matata!!
Ps Christin wants her mom and dad to know that her ankle is doing fine.!!! ...( She is a trooper!)
James D. Shelton
Ps Christin wants her mom and dad to know that her ankle is doing fine.!!! ...( She is a trooper!)
James D. Shelton
Quick Update
Today we all departed Legho to head to Kili and Arusha. All of the Safari girls are showered and ready to head to the crater in the morning. I have received an update that the whole Kili team made it to the first camp safely and are doing fine. Christin is climbing! Such an answered prayer!!
Please pray for our travels and for the climb tomorrow! I will write a longer update in the morning (night-time for you).
Love,
Elizabeth
News from the Kili climb...
Hi Everyone, I got an email from Mark and he wanted me to let you know about their first day. Here is what he said:
"We are at 10,000 feet camping on Kili. Good day, but lots of climbing. About 9 miles and climbed 4,000 feet. Phone does not work and this will likely not work tomorrow. You can tell all that everyone made it through day 1 and we are camped at 10,000 feet. Pretty cold out."
Mark also reported that Kathleen is his tent mate - hope she can survive her dad's snoring!
If I hear anything else, I will pass it on.
Don't forget the prayer meeting at Lou Bailey's house tomorrow (8/3) at 9:00 AM.
Lou's address and phone number is 125 Parc du Chateau Court; 404-256-2629.
"We are at 10,000 feet camping on Kili. Good day, but lots of climbing. About 9 miles and climbed 4,000 feet. Phone does not work and this will likely not work tomorrow. You can tell all that everyone made it through day 1 and we are camped at 10,000 feet. Pretty cold out."
Mark also reported that Kathleen is his tent mate - hope she can survive her dad's snoring!
If I hear anything else, I will pass it on.
Don't forget the prayer meeting at Lou Bailey's house tomorrow (8/3) at 9:00 AM.
Lou's address and phone number is 125 Parc du Chateau Court; 404-256-2629.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Countdown to Kili
Woke up to another beautiful morning in Legho. Except this morning seemed a little more meloncoly than the rest, seeing as it is our last full day with our whole crew together. After a quiet breakfast, Papa Deo prayed for our day and the journeys ahead of us. After the prayer, Deo wanted us to have one more quiet time except this time instead of going out to the peak, we all walked an hour to the Legho waterfalls(except Christin, who rode in the car to the falls, because we're trying to save her for Kili). The walk was tiring but enjoyable for me as I got to know Conley and the twins a little better. Everyone on this trip by the way has been so welcoming to me and I feel as though I've been friends with everyone for years. Anyway, once we arrived at the falls we spread out to find places for our quiet time. As everybody was settling in, however, Liz settled into the river! She was alright though and Carolyn cheered her up with a few jolly ranchers. After spending over an hour of silence alone with God, we closed our quiet time by singing How Great is Our God. As we walked back, we reflected on our trip so far and joked about me being the "new kid". After getting back to Papa Deo's, we all scarfed down a delicious pasta lunch made by Mama Irene. And now we our just playing cards and napping waiting to get briefed by our Kili guide at 4. Overall our time here has been so valuable for everyone and we all have found a new appreciation for the simplicity and flexability of Africa.
Andy
Andy
Another thing
When they get home, tell your kids you were thinking of getting a pet rooster and wait for their reaction. The rooster starts crowing outside our room about 4:30 every morning!
Howdy from Africa
It is 2:00 Saturday afternoon here in Legho and the weather is wonderful. No rain yet on the trip. I am sitting out on "the ridge" behind Papa Deo's house which is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Just ask everyone when they get home what life on the ridge was like.
OK, first, everyone is healthy and doing just fine. All the kids are enjoying themselves, eating well and sleeping pretty well. Just a few scratches on some from yesterday's soccer (football) game. This is our last day in Legho. We depart for Kili ans safari in the morning. Today we all took a long hike to see Legho Falls. Took about an hour and a half to get there down some interesting dirt roads and paths. Beautiful place to just sit, relax and think. Liz decided to take a little plunge in the water, but she is fine. Yes, we have it all on film. The only problem with walking down to the falls meant that we had to walk UP to get back! But as we walked back, it was like a parade as all the kids ran out to see the strange white people coming by. The kids here are great. When you take their picture and then show it to them, they bust up laughing.
Yesterday we work a bit on the medical center and then went to the school and played with the kids. It was crazy! We had soccer balls flying, footballs going around, a whiffle ball and bat, and maybe the largest game of hokie pokie ever! All of your kids were great with all the local kids. You would be very proud of them. After a brief break at Deo's, we went back to the school for a little soccer match. Team YL took on some of the older local boys. When we arrived, a trench had been dug right through the field for a very important water line they are trying to run. The school headmaster promptly told the boys to fill in the trench so we could play. Only in Africa. Thanks to our African YL leaders, team YL prevailedn but those local guys are pretty darn good.
Evening ministry with Papa Deo has been wonderful and I hope all of us will take to heart his message about being merciful and less material. All the kids have participated and are getting along. Maria and Andy have really fit right in and we are blessed to have them on this trip. I know if I was their age and was asked about going to Africa with a bunch of strangers, I would have said "are you crazy?". They are brave people and hopefully enjoying the trip
Everyone is anxious for the next step of the journey. Time to go back to the house to meet with the Kili guides to make sure we do things correctly. Then time for one last bucket shower for a week! When I get back, I may just spend a few days doing nothing but taking a shower and laying in my bed!
We have no outside news here, so we hope all is going well back home. Happy anniversary to my wife- I love you. Tomorrow is Jim Shelton's birthday. We will be sure to sing for him. Keep us in your prayers as we go explore more of Africa. Your kids (and husbands) have been lots of fun to be with! See you all soon.
OK, first, everyone is healthy and doing just fine. All the kids are enjoying themselves, eating well and sleeping pretty well. Just a few scratches on some from yesterday's soccer (football) game. This is our last day in Legho. We depart for Kili ans safari in the morning. Today we all took a long hike to see Legho Falls. Took about an hour and a half to get there down some interesting dirt roads and paths. Beautiful place to just sit, relax and think. Liz decided to take a little plunge in the water, but she is fine. Yes, we have it all on film. The only problem with walking down to the falls meant that we had to walk UP to get back! But as we walked back, it was like a parade as all the kids ran out to see the strange white people coming by. The kids here are great. When you take their picture and then show it to them, they bust up laughing.
Yesterday we work a bit on the medical center and then went to the school and played with the kids. It was crazy! We had soccer balls flying, footballs going around, a whiffle ball and bat, and maybe the largest game of hokie pokie ever! All of your kids were great with all the local kids. You would be very proud of them. After a brief break at Deo's, we went back to the school for a little soccer match. Team YL took on some of the older local boys. When we arrived, a trench had been dug right through the field for a very important water line they are trying to run. The school headmaster promptly told the boys to fill in the trench so we could play. Only in Africa. Thanks to our African YL leaders, team YL prevailedn but those local guys are pretty darn good.
Evening ministry with Papa Deo has been wonderful and I hope all of us will take to heart his message about being merciful and less material. All the kids have participated and are getting along. Maria and Andy have really fit right in and we are blessed to have them on this trip. I know if I was their age and was asked about going to Africa with a bunch of strangers, I would have said "are you crazy?". They are brave people and hopefully enjoying the trip
Everyone is anxious for the next step of the journey. Time to go back to the house to meet with the Kili guides to make sure we do things correctly. Then time for one last bucket shower for a week! When I get back, I may just spend a few days doing nothing but taking a shower and laying in my bed!
We have no outside news here, so we hope all is going well back home. Happy anniversary to my wife- I love you. Tomorrow is Jim Shelton's birthday. We will be sure to sing for him. Keep us in your prayers as we go explore more of Africa. Your kids (and husbands) have been lots of fun to be with! See you all soon.
Mark
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