Safari and More

We did go on Safari at the Mikumi Animal Reserve and had a wonderful time! The day we arrived we went on an afternoon animal drive, saw some nocturnal animals while at supper and then went for an early morning drive. Between the two we saw a lot--herds of Impala, Cape Buffalo, Wildebeasts, Zebras, and Elephants, quite a few Warthogs, Reedbucks, Bushbucks, Giraffe, a pond of 8 Hippos that gave us quite a show--bobbing up and down in the water and sometimes opening their mouth and making their grunting noise, some crocodile, 4 female Lions which we got to within about 15 feet of (my heart was racing! We were in an open safari vehicle!!), a Leopard that ran across the road in front of us, a Black-backed Jackal, a Verivert Monkey, whole flock of Crested Guineau Fowl, several different kinds of birds that we thought we identified from our guide and several we didn't, some Eland and the night creatures were Bush Babies (between a squirrel and a monkey), a Honey Badger, a Pot Rat (HUGE rat), and a couple Genet Cats. Our guide said we must be people of God because we saw so much on just two drives and actually got to see a Leopard, which is rare... Art was like an excited kid at the zoo for the first time. (However, a zoo will never be the same for us).  :)  Our quarters couldn't have been more perfect--a huge tent on stilts--complete with wood floors, flush toilet and shower! This was all under a thatched roof with a wrap-around porch that had chairs to sit out and overlook the game park. Now I could camp like this!! :)  Pictures will have to come later as we are having "technical difficulties".  :(
We had about a 5 hr ride from the park to Dodoma where we've spent the rest of the week in the Webb's home.   We have had a blessed time as each day we would go to visit in different pastor's homes and pray for the needs and concerns on their hearts. It was heart-warming to meet these men and women of God, to hear their stories and concerns then to pray with them. They were always so welcoming, gracious, and had encouraging words for all of us. We were humbled and blessed. It was obvious they loved the Webbs too. We also met the students in the TEE (Theological Education by Extension) and were encouraged to see the dedication of these students and hear how they are putting their education into practice. We feel so blessed to have been touched by each person.