This year we took a different route. After checking 25 hockey bags full of items donated by our wonderful supporters, we flew from Grand Rapids to Atlanta. Our first hiccup came after boarding for our almost 16 hr flight to Johannesburg South Africa. We left the terminal but sat in the tarmac for hours while a storm passed overhead making our total time on the plane almost 20 hours.
After our 16 hour layover in Johannesburg, we boarded our 3rd and final flight to Livingstone. This is where the second hiccup occurred. The paperwork that would normally give us approval to bring in our bags without duty taxes was unfortunately delayed. The airport agreed to hold our bags until the paperwork was received but we had to open and document the contents of each bag which took a very long time. Fathers Reagan and Bright were waiting for us once we cleared customs with our carryon items. We were very happy to finally arrive at our overnight accommodations.
Livingstone is the location of Victoria Falls and we were lucky enough to be able to visit this national park on Wednesday morning. Along the road to the falls we encountered some wild elephants.
Because the falls are in a national park, the wildlife is protected. We saw several baboons up front and personal.
The falls were spectacular! We thought they were wonderful but we were told that due to a severe drought the water flow was greatly reduced.
In the afternoon we visited the village where the local chief lives. We were able to see him but we did see what would be considered his throne where he normally meets with various dignitaries.
In the evening we took a sunset boat ride on a large boat where we saw several hippos including the huge one taking a nap on the shore.
Thursday was our road travel day from Livingstone to Lukulu which, with a few stops, took us over 14 hours. While passing through Mongu we met with Michael who has been a wonderful friend to our missionaries over the years. Michael is currently a deacon and will be ordained a priest next
Friday started with a meeting to go over our itinerary with members of the nursing school, trade school, regular school, church council, etc. Later we took a drive through Lukulu stopping at the public school where we visited a classroom. In the afternoon we went to the worksite where a house that we are funding is being built. Pictured are the new house a well as the old houses of the new house recipient.
After evening mass and dinner we spent a few hours completely unpacking all of the bags and sorting everything into different groups for easier distribution during our time here.
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