What is there to do in South Africa?

 

We now have a change of scenery in the large contintent of Africa. Like wildebeest we have migrated to were the green grass grows.

 We are now in South Africa where it is the wet season. Grass is green and everything is full of life, dust is down and there are many experiences ahead.



 

To begin, in South Africa weve been getting familiar with our new territory. South Africa is a multi-cultural country. There are 11 official languages in South Africa. Two being from European origin: English and Africaans. Africaans comes from the Dutch language and settlements in the 1650's throughout South Africa.

 

We heard of a camp an hour outside of Johannesburg where there is a chance to come across a multitude of Lions. The place is called Ukutula, meaning "place of quiet." Ukutula is a camp that specializes in breeding rare white lions. Once we arrived we were able to go on a walk through the woods accompanied by two young lions. The walk consisted of small tricks, playful stocking and tackling the other lion, and a powerful thunder storm. After the walk we were able to be with the baby lions. We were able to hold and play with these darling creatures. It is also interesting to know that Ukutula is owned by a brother. There is a good story on how he came to be breeding white lions.



 

We have been able to drive some of the South African country side. We found the scenery very beautiful and green. At times it has reminded us of Oregon. In the east of the country there are acres and acres of pine tree plantations. There are many mountain peaks to view these from. Waterfalls are also dotted in the landscape, which makes for great site seeing.

 

We journeyed  to the coast line of South Africa to see what this other ocean (the Indian Ocean) is all about. The water is very blue, with much wildlife swimming in it. We have seen penguins, lots of fish including whales. There is a special spot along the South African coast where the dolphins and whales like to come right up to the rocks and breach. We saw countless whales, including babies, breaching just feet away from us.  It was absolutley beautiful.




The congregation we have been staying with is an English congregation not far from bethel.  We have met many who are helping in the area from other countries.  This evening pictured below with quite a few young people was a very encouraging and fun experience!  In the picture there are four locals, two bethelites, two international volunteers, and us!  Some of us spoke English, some spoke Afrikaans, some spoke french, and some spanish.  Even though we couldnt communicate perfectly, we had the time of our lifes!  All of us had something in common, which brought us close together.  The evening was full of laughs trying to piece things together in the few bits of the different languages we knew. 

We've definitley seen on this trip how wonderful Jehovah's organization is.  Anywhere we go we have family!  Its for sure that no other organization or people have a worldwide loving family like ours. One experience that we will always cherish is a day we were on our way to see the whales in a small town called Hermanus, outside Capetown.  We were driving down a one road town, and out of the corner of our eyes spotted a board full of Watchtowers, books, and other publications. We pulled over and chatted with the older witness couple.  This lead to tea and coffee at their house almost immediatley.  After chatting a little more it lead to them insisting that we spend the night with them, join them to a congregation gathering for the evening and then attend meeting the next day.  And to most it would just be strangers on the side of the road, but to us it was an instant connection. 
Jehovah takes such good care of us.

Sad Goodbyes

Hello everyone, we apologize for not being able to post a blog sooner. A lot has been happening this last month. 

Gertrude

Chichi

In September, while attending the convention in Lusaka, Zambia our intention was to extend our visas for a further three months and enjoy the rest of our time in the Petauke Central congregation.  To make a long story a bit shorter, the immigration in Zambia is quite corrupt and we were unable to make the extention of our visas. Because of this, we had to be out of the country the beggining of October.  We had just a few weeks after returning from the convention to turn over our bible studies, and arrange things at our rental house for leaving the country. 



One of the hardest things we've had to do is telling our bible studies that unfortunatley we would be leaving.  We got so attached to them during our months together! 

Although they were saddened by our leaving, they were happy to meet their new teachers and to continue with their studies. We look forward to the time when there will be no borders or immigration offices. The Pictures you see are a few of our bible studies.

Joseph

Paul

Monica and baby Enoch

The Petauke Central Congregation

Livingstones Adventures

This last week we have enjoy a voyage to the mighty Zambezi river. At this location the river free falls 111 meters to the bottom of a canyon and then a series of gorges. This is called "Mosi-O-Tunya" meaning "Smoke that Thunders." Commonly known as Victoria Falls.

We arrived late Monday night to the Tabonina guesthouse, on the north side of Livingstone. There the staff eagerly greeted us and showed us to our room. The guesthouse has only 4 rooms on the property. It's a small quiet place, with the rooms all looking at the pool. There are several mango, guava, and other fruit trees on the site.

On Tuesday we went to the falls. We were suprised at the ammount of Jehovah's Witnesses working with park related activities in Livingstone; from our Taxi driver, to the tourism broad, and even at the front gate to the park. This time of the year is the end of the dry season so the falls are nowhere near there full strength, but you can still see the mightiness of the natural wonder. The mist from the falls still reached us on the other side for a nice cooling effect on the hot hike. Later that evening we enjoyed a river cruise on the upper Zambezi river where we saw many Hippopotami, Water Buffalo, and Crocs.

The following day proved to be a very exciting day. We started by being picked up by a van to go to the Thorn Tree Lodge. At the Lodge they provide an Elephant Back Safari ride. Anyone who knows Micah, knows this had to be booked. There were about 13 of us total who were going on the safari. The keepers served us some tea and coffee and started giving us the safety talk and orientation.  Then they brought in all of the Elephants. The largest bull Elephant came right up to Micah and try to have a sip of his tea. All of the Elephants are refugees from Zimbabwe who were orphaned by their wild parents during a drought.

They also had two young ellies in training. One was a calf from their female that had escaped and been kidnapped by a wild herd and then returned ten months later. The other was an orphan that had wandered into the camp a couple years ago.

As the guides were continuing the safety talk, one of the young ellies backed up into the Matriarch Elephant. The Matriarch did not like this and charged the young calf. Sending the calf with the trainer on his back straight into all of us and making the rest of the herd uneasy. All of us on the ground (including the main guide) had to flee for our lives in a panic. The calf only made it to the first chair and broke it, which no one was sitting in. But the trumpets and rumbles of the rest of the Elephant made it very scary. There was one woman who flipped over her chair in the panic, and hit her head but Micah helped her up. Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt. The trainers quickly got the Elephants back under control. The owners all made sure that we all were ok, and treated the lady who fell. Afterwards the remainder of us hesitantly walked to the loading station, and got onto the Elephants.

The Elephant we got to ride was the mother that had escaped and came back pregnant. On the walk we saw Impala, Ducks, and more crocs. We also crossed the Zambezi river. It was a wonderful peaceful adventure despite the exciting start. The calf was following us for most of the walk. We were able to feel the mother and calf communicating with each other with the rumbles.

After the Elephant rides we made our way back to the guesthouse, our hearts still racing from what just happened. We had to decide what we would do with the afternoon. A swim at the "Devil's pool" was a thought that could maybe calm us down. So we went back to the falls. To get to this swimming pool one must walk across the falls a little over a mile. This time of the year most of the walk was on dry river bed. There were still places that we had to cross slow moving currents. The river bed was very rocky and almost looked like we were crossing the moon with water- made craters through the solid rock bed. When we made it to Livingstone Island we were the only ones on the island-other then the lady who fell down on the Elephant tour. She gave Micah a huge hug and thanked him for the help. After the Island we had to swim a short distance and then made it to our long awaited swimming pool.

This is not a normal pool, this swimming hole is on the edge of the waterfalls. Before the edge of the falls there is a 2 foot section of solid rock preventing you from going over the edge. The pool itself is about 15 feet deep though. The guide helped us to look other the edge and made sure we did nothing unsafe. The view was absolutly wonderful. While swimming in the pool, there were even little "mud-suckers" nibbling on our toes.  Quite the experience of a lifetime we will never forget.

Recent Happenings here in Zambia

Recently we had an exciting and slightly unexpected fun occasion here in Petauke.  Our original contact here in Petauke, Ackson Phiri along with his wife Chishimba are moving to another congregation to help.  The congregation took a vote and decided to have a “farewell party” for our friends.  We were left with two weeks for the party planning process which involved the entire congregation.  Two young brothers were chosen to go around to the different family’s houses with a list of items needed and see what the family was able to contribute for the get together.  Once this was done, the items were collected at a local elder’s house before the day of the party.  Among these items were: 50 lb bag of potatoes, a crate of cabbage, bags of carrots, rice, flour, sugar, butter, 8 crates of soda, among other things such as 12 live chickens. 

The day before the party sisters from the congregation gathered to start preparing food for the next day.  Micah was among the chicken slaughtering and feather plucking committee. Kalila was part of the baking and potato peeling committee.  We didn’t realize how much work it involved when we volunteered to help! However, with the help of many of the brothers and sisters everything got done. We baked about 7 cakes  (mostly done on the floor with just a bowl, spoon, and small cup for measuring), as well as over 100 scones.

The day of the party everyone gathered at the venue (a brother owns a small motel with an area used for events).  The food was served, and some games were played on stage for entertainment.  It was then announced that this was not just a party for the Phiri’s but a welcome party for the Terrell’s!!  Then the congregation called on Ackson and Chishimba to get on stage and give a speech to the congregation regarding their departure, and bidding everyone a farewell. They expressed how much they have enjoyed their stay the last 3 years with the congregation.  Ackson also shared an illustration with the audience.  He said that we are all part of  the same family, we share a large house.  While for some time we may be in a different part of the house, we’ll definitely see each other again.  Everyone was sad, but happy to hear his encouraging words.

 We feared what came next.  “Brother and  Sister Terrell, can you please come up and say some words to the congregation about your stay here?”   Although unexpected, it was a great opportunity for us to express how much appreciation we have for the hospitality here in Petauke.  The brothers and sisters have shown such love in welcoming us to their congregation.   

The next surprise came when they called on us and the Phiri’s to get the dancing started on the dance floor.  We were in a sense “thrown in the deep end” in order to learn the traditional Zambian dance.  We just laughed our way thru it, and hoped no one took pictures.  We will definitely cherish the memory of our first Zambian party here in Petauke.

Also this past weekend we enjoyed the English 2012 district convention in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.  We ventured on a 7 hour bus ride to the city with one of our new friends, Timothy Banda.  The arrangement for the convention accommodation is:  the congregations coming from the villages will compile a list of ones in the congregation needing a place to stay while they are attending the convention.  The list is then sent to the branch and the brothers in Lusaka open up their homes for these ones.  They also provide food for their guests during the stay.  



Brother Finch and His Wife Lynda

We met many new friends at the district convention.  On the second day we enjoyed the baptism of 47 new brothers and sisters, including a 9 year old little girl! The clapping, along with some “wooing” was very exciting and encouraging.  The closing talk on Saturday was given by one of the members of the local branch committee who released the new video.  “Listen, Obey, and be blessed”.  On Sunday, again we enjoyed a discourse by one of the branch committee, Brother Ed Finch who released the video “Walk by Faith not by Sight”.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his powerful talk. 

A Special One Year Celebration

 

This past week we enjoyed celebrating our first year wedding anniversary in one of the best-rated National Parks in Zambia. Needless to say, it was amazing. However that doesn’t mean we didn’t hit any bumps on the way. The park is about 6 hours away from our village. We needed to arrange for transportation thru the common “mini-busses”, which are very well packed vans. Our first “mini-bus” was arranged by one of the local brothers and came and got us early Saturday morning. Thankfully they let us be keepers of the front seats. Throughout the next hour the van became filled with lots of people, chickens, large bags containing charcoal, cotton, potatoes etc. The ride was fairly pleasant and we arrived safely to our first stop, Chipata (The largest city from where we stay, about 200 km).

Next we boarded another “mini-bus” and when Kalila asked “so what time do we leave?” the answer was “When it gets full.” We spent a few hours just waiting for people to board, and finally we were off to the small village of Mfuwe, Zambia. Just outside the National park. This road made us realize how luxury our first ride was to Chipata. The road has been under construction, so the road is extremely uneven ground with lots of large rocks and potholes (and there are no rest stops along the way).

About 4 hours later though we were dropped off at our camp- Flatdogs, just on the border of the park. We were greeted by the managers, and given a safety talk for the camp. The rules are: 1) Do not approach the animals 2) Always have a watchman with you at night when you walk to your tent 3) Do not feed the animals

Sounds pretty simple…

Our lodging consisted of a heavy-duty tent, with a bamboo fenced in outside shower, toilet and sink. We were spoiled with the view of the hippo-infested river just outside our tent.

The first night we decided to enjoy ourselves by the fire. Not five minutes later we were greeted by a larger-than-expected hippo right across the fire from us. That’s when we realized that the safety talk did not include “What to do if you are approached by the wildlife.” Later on that night when we went to bed we were awakened by the Elephants feeding on the trees just above our tent. Like little kids, we were poking our heads out the tent trying to see the Elephant as close as possible.

Over the next few days we did game drives throughout the park early in the morning and in the evening. Some of our highlight sightings included: Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Baboons, Leopards, Impalas, Puku, Kudu, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, African Fish Eagle, Water Buffalo, Civet, Genet, Zebra and even Hyena, among many species of birds.

The Elephants were always impressive. We were able to even drive right up and next to the Elephants. Almost able to reach out and touch them. We saw many of large herds with there calves cross the road right in front of us. This was a daily sighting.

The Giraffes and Impala’s were very beautiful animals. They were often in close quarters with each other along with Puku and Baboons. All of them helped each other stand guard against the carnivores. The park was so full of these animals, was started just driving past them like they weren’t even there. On one occasion we were able to walk towards the Giraffes and appreciate to true size of the animals. Riding in a truck you forgot how small we really were compared to the animals.

We were able to drive right up the pride of Lion resting peacefully in the bush. Many of the Lions were passed out with large bellies full from a kill just a few days earlier. The male Lion gave us quite a show, walking right up to the truck and then resting along side us, with a female rolling in the dirt behind him.

One of our favorite sightings was the Leopard. We came across a young Leopard in a tree with his breakfast with him. He was munching on an Impala, which was killed probably the night before. While watching him we discovered that a Hyena was waiting for anything from the Impala to drop down for an easy meal for himself. The young Leopard’s mother and sibling were not far off and had already had there fill on the Impala. Eventually the Impala fell to the ground and the Hyena quickly dragged it off. Meanwhile the Leopard slowly came down the tree and rested within 10 feet of the vehicle. Soon he was joined by his mother and sibling. While watching the 3, the mother soon saw more Impala walking towards them and quickly went back into hunt mode. Though the Impala noticed her efforts, it was still very exciting to watch.

We enjoyed our stay at Flatdogs camp very much.

People of Petauke

We have been here for a little over a month now. We are starting to know the brothers and sisters, and they are becoming more and more like our family. We have been greatly upbuilt by the attitude and experience of these ones so we're hoping that we can pass on the encouragment!

The Phiri's: Ackson and Chishimba Phiri were our original contacts here in Petauke. Ackson is a MTS graduate and serves as an elder. They've been married for 4 years. They live right on the assembly hall grounds, and here in Petauke for the last 3 and a half years. Both Ackson and Chishimba are regular pioneers. We admire them a lot because they work so hard.  The house they are staying at on the assembly hall grounds is very humble, and does not have running water or electricity.  This calls for added chores such as fetching the water from the nearby well, and cooking everything outside on charcoal.  They are very zealous for the ministry. Come the 1st of September, however, we will be bidding them farewell for they are going to help in a smaller village a few kilometers from our congregation.   

The Banda's: James and Albertina Banda are our neighbors down the street. They have 3 childern, Taonga (which mean Natasha), Abigail, and Barnabas. James is an elder in the congregation. We spend much of our free time with this family, and have enjoyed many meals with them. They are teaching us the Zambian way of life. If we need any help, we can count on this family. James is a hard-working elder in the congregation. Kalila finally fulfilled her commission to teach Albertina how to bake a cake!  This was quite the experience because the cookbook we were using had all the measurements in oz, and grams. Plus- we didnt have any thing to use to measure the ingredients! We managed, and it turned out quite well! All of us, especially the children had a lot of fun. Several in the congregation made a special point to stop by and taste the yummy chocolate creation when we finished.

The Pioneer Boys: Timothy and Godwin Banda are cousins. Both Timothy and Godwin are regular pioneers and Minesterial Servants in our congregation. Timothy is completing his 5th year pioneering, and Godwin is starting his first though still being in the 12th grade.  Godwin has a very zealous spirit towards the ministry, and is a wonderful teacher.  A few nights ago there was a need for substitutes on both #2 and #3 talks in the Theocratic Ministry school.  Godwin not only volunteered to do both of them last minute, but did an exceptional job developing the information. We were really impressed.
Timothy Banda has a great love for bethel, and has always desired to work there. Unfortunatly health circumstances will not allow him to stay at bethel, the branch lovingly allows him to come and visit every year after the convention to stay and enjoy time with the bethel family.  We enjoyed a family study of the watchtower with Timothy just a few nights ago which we thoroughly enjoyed. It is very encouraging coming together with ones we barely know, and talking about spiritual things.  Its amazing that its even possible! Only with our brotherhood...

Top Left to Right: Kalila, Rhoda, Dorothy, and Albertina
Bottom Left to Right: Abigal, Taonga, Barnabas, and Chishimba

The Timbo Family: Justin and Dorothy are a couple in our congregation.  Justin is the one who drove us 200 miles from the branch in Lusaka, Zambia here to Petauke, Zambia. Dorothy, his wife is a pioneer in our congregation.  We have enjoyed getting to know this couple very much. 

The Daka Family: Samuel, Christina, and their two children Sheila, and Jairus.  Samuel is the school overseer in our congregation.  This family has helped us immensely with getting to know the village, and answering any questions we may have.  Sheila is in high school, and Jairus is 11 years old. Both children are such hard workers, and very loving. We enjoyed sharing a lunch on the grass with this family at the recent Chichewa convention held here locally. 

Elita Mwanza:  Elita is a single sister in our congregation who works as a preschool teacher in the area.  She is 24 years old and has a very zealous spirit for the ministry.  The past month she has been on holiday (school break), so Elita and Kalila have enjoyed nearly every day together in the ministry. We admire this sister very much because both of her parents have passed away, and her siblings are not in the truth. She has taken a very strong stand for Jehovah.

Recently Kalila gave her first talk in the Theocratic Ministry School with Elita as her householder.  Kalila and Elita were also asked to do the other school talk because the one assigned was unable to give it.  So they enjoyed giving two talks in a row together in the same meeting! 

A Special Weekend

This last weekend was the Chichewa (The native language spoken here) District Convention. Our village Petauke hosted this event. (If looking at a map Petauke is 400km east of Lusaka, Zambia, and 200 km west of Chipata. Near the Mozambique border). The Convention was held at the local Assembly Hall. A slightly inclined hill outside a Kingdom Hall, with a brick fence to one side and a wooden on the other, with a stage at the bottom. They planted a few trees for shade for during the all day events.
Up to two weeks before the convention started, there was Brothers arriving ahead of their families to make grass shelters in a nearby field. Most consist of 4 walls of grass. 4-5 feet tall; a few brothers have built a grass roof. Others are wood frames with plastic bags or a tarp as shelter. Most families came the Wednesday or Thursday before the program started.

The Wednesday night before the Convention, it had rained and was surprisingly cold-leaving most of the families clothes, blankets, and other packed belongings wet. We couldn't even imagine what it was like to sleep outside during the rain,especially for the ones without roofs!  The uncalled for cold and rain seemed much like home, Oregon weather.


The convention started 8:20am Friday morning.  Brothers bring chairs, reed mats, and blankets to sit on in the grassy area.  The brothers have put up a few shaded areas around the border of the property, for some to sit under.  Many bring umbrellas and other items to shade themselves from the intense sun.

Sunday we made a brief visit to take pictures and see part of the drama. There were over 10,000 in attendance! We are more than anxious to attend our congregation's English convention in Lusaka September 14-16!

For more pictures go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrellmk/