May 30-31
Early Saturday morning a Guide came in a van to take us to Liwonde to the Mvuu Safari Lodge, which is south of Nkhoma on the coast of Lake Malawi. We had to travel by boat for about an hour to reach the Lodge. The dock for boarding was connected to a beautiful restaurant with indoor and outdoor eating areas created with most attractive tiles and incredible landscaping. Lovely water front cottages extended out on each side of the restaurant. We enjoyed refreshments and the beautiful surroundings while we waited for our boat to take us to the Mvuu Lodge. The waterfront approach to the Lodge was most attractive, their service was top notch and the food was delicious. The whole safari experience was very special for all of us. I had been looking forward to the experience every since I arrived in February. Often a long time of looking forward to an experience produces some disappointments - but not this one. Every safari ride by boat or land was captivating and thrilling and all the accommodations were just great and the gourmet meals were graciously served.
After getting settled in our individual cottages, we enjoyed lunch at the Lodge. The Mvuu Safari is famous for its elephants and hippos, which are abundant in the area. The monkey, baboon, impala, deer, rabbit, crocodile, alligatory and many types of birds were among the many, many animals we came in contact with besides the elephants and hippos. We were told that the lions and giraffes are in the more northern parts of Africa. After lunch we were taken on a land cruse and came in very close contact with the elephants and the hippos as well as with many of the smaller animals. All the elephants were busy eating the branches and leaves. At night the elephants came into our lodge area and awaken us with their loud chewing and breaking of branches and twigs off the trees that were right up against our cabin. We stared out the opened windows in awe of them. There was a family with a huge daddy, large mommie, middle-sized and baby elephants eating all around our cabin.
We had an afternoon land cruse to see the animals and birds. We were fascinated at how close the guide would drive up to the animals. We took another land cruise from 4-7pm to see the animals in the sunset and to hunt for nocturnal animals in the dark, twilight is about 5:30pm. One guide was the driver and another guide would sit in a chair mounted to the left front of the vehicle to point out animals and birds and at dark he flashed a big red spot light back and forth to pick up shining eyes of animals. They have just recently discovered that the red light doesn’t bother the animals like the regular bright spotlights did. The animals just kept on doing their thing when the light picked up their shining eyes. Just as the sun was setting over Lake Malawi we stopped at a special area for water and picture taking. The view of the Lake, the mountains and the plains was awesome. Hope we got some good pictures.
The next morning we took a 3 hour boat trip and saw the same kind of animals, but this time we got close to the hippos as they swam and spouted water. We were just off shore when 2 big hippos came rushing out of the brush and ran into the Lake just in front of our boat. That was thrilling as was watching an elephant swim across the big Lake. We taxied along beside the elephant watching him swim.
Well, PWNC experienced some of those black-out nights as we continue sharing our electrical power with our neighbors. The group came to Barbara’s house at least 2 nights due to the electricity outage. It was easier to prepare the food here than it was at the Guesthouse on those nights. It was just great to be so close together and to share so much with the group, especially since Lynne and Stan(daughter and son-in-law were in the group). They left many items of clothing for the Malawians with Seon Hee. She has started three days a week classes where the handicap (mainly blind and/or lame) are teaching each other the skills they have themselves. Sewing classes (Monday), Tin-smith (Tuesday), Art and Music (Friday). Many are taking advantage of the opportunities to learn a trade or just another skill. The participation has been great. The group has come together to have a store in the market to sell their goods or used clothing. The clothes from PWNC group were laid out in front of the 40 member class and the handicapped were told that each person could pick one item that he/she wanted most. Those both lame and blind were the first group to choose items. Then the next severely handicapped chose until everyone had gotten an item. The group was ecstatic over their gifts. I think some of the items may end up in their store at the market. They believe they will make some money to relieve some of the poverty needs of their group as well as maybe being able to help others. It is thrilling to see God at work among this group. They are being led by a beautiful Christian disciple, Seon Hee, who I am sure would love to know you are praying for her as she spreads God’s love among these people. All the missionaries here truly appreciate your prayers. May God bless each of you.