Zambia Part Three

Keri and I caught the free daily ride to Victoria Falls from the backpackers. We were really excited, but didn't know what to expect. As we paid our way and started on the trail leading to the Falls, we kept passing people who were soaking wet and started to get worried as we had dressed completely inappropriately as we both had our cameras and purses with us.

Fortunately, there was a place to rent huge parkas and that was probably our wisest decision of the day as we had to go across this bridge . . .

The experience was so amazing and the Falls were so beautiful that it was completely worth getting soaked!

We then hiked down to the bottom of the Falls called 'The Boiling Pot'. It was quite a climb back up, but totally worth it!

Zambia Part Two

We left the team in the Northern Province of Zambia and 28hrs and two buses later, Keri and I arrived exhausted and smelly in Livingstone, home of the famous Victoria Falls. It was quite an adventurous trip filled with new experiences and irritations, but after stuffing our faces with pizza and collapsing in our beds for a solid 10hrs of sleep we agreed that the journey had been worth it.

Livingstone is quite different from the rest of Zambia. With the constant flow of visitors, it's become quite Western and touristy, but since we were on vacation we enjoyed this very much.

The backpackers we stayed at was really relaxing with lots of places to sit and rest. It was great taking a walk around town for shopping and finding great places to eat!

Stay tuned for pictures from Victoria Falls!

Zambia Part One

Two weeks ago, I left South Africa with the DTS outreach team. After two solid days of travel, we arrived in the Northern Province of Zambia. It was a long journey, but attitudes stayed positive and it was very fun with lots of new experiences. My friend Keri and I stayed with the team for about a week total, then left to travel to other parts of Zambia [stay tuned for those upcoming blogs!]. I had a blast seeing what the team would be focusing on ministry-wise and hanging out with them during down times.

The ministry they are working with is located right on Lake Tanganyika. It was so gorgeous and if I hadn't known better I would have thought I was looking at the ocean. The day before I left we had the chance to swim and the water was perfect though we had to be on guard for snakes and crocodiles!

Zambia!

Just a quick note to say tomorrow morning I leave with the DTS Outreach team for Zambia! So excited to see what God has in store. I'm not staying too long and I'll be back in SA Friday the 23rd after a quick visit to Victoria Falls.

Please pray for us as traveling in Africa can be quite an adventure!

Reflections

As of this week, I've officially lived in South Africa for two years. Lately, I've been thinking over these past few years, marveling at God's grace. I remember when I moved over I thought I'd be here 3 weeks to 3 months max! I never wanted to live in Africa and I never dreamed I'd stay. This hasn't been an easy or comfortable place and I've wanted to pack up and go home countless times, but I'm so grateful for the amazing plans God has had for me and valleys and high places we've traveled together.

I've made relationships that I imagine will last a lifetime, visited strange and beautiful places, and been challenged in ways I never expected. It's been quite an amazing journey.