Safari

We had a Sunday off from our meetings so we went on a safari. We went to the national park because it was the closest place with animals. They hadn't seen a lion there for 2 1/2 months so we had little hopes but still thought it would be fun for the boys. Dawson kept saying all he wanted to see was a lion. We tried to prepare him that this wouldn't happen. Well, the Lord shined on us that day and within five minutes of being at the park, this is what we saw.

They went right by our car.

when they were still a few feet away, Kenan had the window open with his head sticking out, thankfully we quickly closed it as they passed within a foot of that window.

Grandma and Dawson. Margaret is in the background.

I find it slightly funny that he is the king of the jungle. See, it is the women who go and hunt. He just comes at the end for the food. Yet, He is the king. He only comes out to hunt when they are really in need of food. That's what they were doing that day.

She smells zebras (which you could hardly see at this point)

the zebras

On the prowl

You see them just in the bushes watching the zebras who had no idea they were in danger. It really brought to light the verse 1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." The zebras had no idea. Yet three lions were watching their every move waiting for one to linger from the pack so they could pounce. Just one doing what he shouldn't, one straying from his accountability, his protection. I don't know, the image is kind of burned in my head now. Thinking of how Satan really does sit there waiting for me to became slack in my times with the Lord, or watching me in a crazy situation, hoping I will give into anger or pride instead of resting in the Lord's peace.

the day was cloudy which they said was actually good because the lions only hunt in the early morning, when the sun is up, they are done. Yet another interesting connection...everything exposed by the light becomes visible, because it is light that makes everything visible (eph 5)

Silas enjoying the show

the other two got bored and watched a movie. they would pop up anytime we said there was an animal.

Feeding Daddy as we watched the lions try to get their breakfast. We ended up leaving without seeing the kill, one because we didn't think the boys should see it and two, it was taking too long! :) I think they weren't trying because there were too many cars around. We did see them chase a gazelle, though, but for some reason they didn't kill it.

It was Valentine's day. We had to take a picture.

Waving at the zebras.

i love zebras.

trying to feed the giraffe a giraffe animal cracker.

the park is right outside the city. crazy to be watching lions and giraffes and zebras walking around and then there are buildings close by.

We went to the elephant orphanage. Kind of fun. It was slightly crazy. They talked about keeping elephants on life support for several days and such. Umm, could we get that for PEOPLE in Mali? Then people would adopt an elephant for $50 bucks a year. Some were doing 4 at a time. Kind of silly in my opinion, but anyway...

then we got to feed giraffes.

Brett loves these. Me, no.

they graze for food like this.

Kenan started calling a giraffe.

this one. and he actually came. (no pictures of him by Kenan because that is on video)

but there he was leaving.

Kenan pooped out. He is in between the seat and the door. He always falls asleep in crazy places. Often in the car, he just crawls on the floorboard and goes to sleep. (yes, we are in mali and don't have to use car seats all the time).

We saw this on the way to the park. St. Theresa Hospital and Funeral home...just in case the hospital doesn't work for you. I don't know about you, but I want to go somewhere that has a little better guarantee. :)