Going on Safari

We're leaving for Safari, South Luangwa preserve, this morning at 8am. Plenty of time for me to get ready since I woke at 1am. I did fall back asleep a couple of times. The second time I woke, about 1:45, I was sleeping so hard I figured I must have been out for hours. You know that feeling like someone is smashing you into the pillow. I was disappointed I hadn't been sleeping longer but I had manged to create a huge drool puddle puddle.  So I had that going for me!  Anyway, I digress.  I decided to get up and write. I doubt we will have I nternet service at the park in Zambia so thought I would post something before we leave. 

I thought you might like to know a little about the members of our team.  I am amazed at how well we have gelled as a team. Most of us didn't know each other at all before this trip. So being thrown together in some difficult situations (tight living quarters, Rather primative conditions, emotional situations, not feeling well) people can either turn on each other or support each other. This team certainly chose to support each other. I thought you might like to meet the team. 

HOLLY: Holly is our team leader. She is a Regional Director for COTN. This is her second trip to Africa. She is very dedicated to serving needy children throughout the world. She organized the entire trip and all of our in country activities. Despite all of her responsibility to the team, she has shown she knows how to have fun. 

MIKE (AKA: Mookie): Mike, Holly's husband, is a youth pastor on his first trip to Africa. Mike and I have been friends for about three years. Mike is 6'6" tall and full of personality. He is a sensation every where we go because he is so big. Malawians are a realitively small people. Mike keeps everybody laughing. He spontaneously breaks into foreign accents (some real, some made up) or starts singing popular tunes with lyrics he makes up to fit the circumstances. 

MARCO: Marco is Mike's friend and a volunteer working with Mike's youth group in the U.S.  This is Marco's second time in Africa. As a child he lived in Mozambique. Marco is VERY funny and likes to goof around.  In fact I learned yesterday that he was a stand up comic in Los Angeles at one time. He is very insightful and loves the kids in the villages. Apparently they love him too because he always has one or two in his arms with several others clinging to his hands. 

LANA: Lana is a brand new COTN employee on her first trip to Africa. LANA is originally from Australia so we make fun of her accent. Lana in lovely inside and out (learned she was a professional dancer, Seahawks cheerleader and Lakers girl). The children in the villages flock to her. We generally find her sitting or kneeling with a flock of children around her. Apparently she doesn't like bugs. Every evening during devotions she squeals and jumps out of her seat at the sight or sound of any flying bug. Quite entertaining. 

RACHI: Rachi is from a small town in Ohio and is on her first trip to Africa. She is very creative and introspective. Rachi has become the team photographer and takes very creative photos and video. 

TOM: Tom is and independent business man from St. Louis. This is his second trip to Africa. Tom is married with two small children and sponsors three children in Malawi. Tom is bright, funny and listens more than he speaks. He is always willing to help out and is able to connect with the local teens and young adults despite the language barrier. Tom is a genuinely good guy. I like him a lot. 

JOCELYN: Jocelyn is a business woman on her second trip to Africa. She is married to Matthew. Jocelyn has a smile that lights up the room. Her heart for these children is obvious in every village and home we visit. Jocelyn is really fun to talk with. She and Matthew sponsor two children in Malawi. 

MATTHEW: Matthew is married to Jocelyn and they sponsor two children in Malawi (I know I just told you that). This is his first trip to Africa. Matthew works in the computer tech field. Sorry that's as much as I could understand. Matthew is the quiet thinker of the group. He is one of those people who doesn't say much but you'd be wise to pay attention when he does. He is a smart, insightful, funny guy.

RANIE: Ranie is my lovely wife who reluctantly came to Africa as a show of love to me. She really misses her daughters, granddaughter and of course Margaret the bulldog. The lack of internet and cell  phone service the first few days didn't help. Now that issue is worked out and she is feeling much better. Despite her home sickness you can see her heart melt for the village children as they flock to her. Ranie really connects with the teens and young adults. I am so proud of her for overcoming her fears and so blessed to have her as my wife. 

DONALD: Don a ruggedly handsome sinner trying to leave a meaningful legacy. This is my first trip to Africa. Ranie and sponsor one child in Malawi. For now at least.