6th September 2011

Our trip away was wonderful! We spent a few nights in Bulawayo, we had our friend’s house to ourselves in that time and it was full of sitting in the sun reading! Matt took a day or two to stop thinking about work and unwind but when he did he really did. Our two nights in Hwange were fun. We camped in a campsite just outside of the park and we were fortunate enough to have elephants up close in the evenings. The campsite had its own water hole and the elephants would come to drink there once it was dark. We could stand under one of the lodges and watch as they came in. It felt so close and hearing them drink, every lifting of the trunk and emptying of the water into their stomachs, left me with shivers, such glorious beasts, so quiet in their greatness. Matt was able to do a few posing shots for his blog that he sends to the SAFO (the blue brace that he wears on his foot) company every few months

We didn’t see much game in the park but it was fun to be able to drive around and be in the rugged bush again.

Victoria Falls was awesome as always. The Edwards children had never been there before and they were so impressed with the volume of water, as I am every time I see it. We spent the time mostly by the swimming pool at the lodge we stayed in and again just spent time reading. We took the Edwards to the eating place there called the Boma, a brilliant evening with all kinds of unusual food (warthog, eland and ostrich to name a few), and then my favourite part of the evening when we all get handed a drum and a group of drummers lead us in different beats and bangs. I love how everyone comes out of themselves and beats away at their drum like they have been doing it all their life. Jamie Edwards in particular made me giggle, in fact I was crying with laughter eventually. By this time he had had a bit too much sugar and he beat at his drum intensely, with his tongue moving just as fast sticking out of his mouth. He was not aware of it until he realized we were all watching him and me crying at him.

We spent our last evening at Vic Falls on a sunset cruise. It was perfect! The whole trip was! And in the words of my favourite poet:

"Drawn to the gurgle and growl of the elephant’s evening attendance and cooled by the silky, riverine stillness we watched the Zambezi play in rapids and hippo-shaped hollows – it pooled and shaped palm-shaded white sands, it flowed and invited, unfolding Africa’s Eden of adventure and exploration. The wild steals me to the geography my heart has yearned for and missed. I am not alive in a city." (Matthew Mbanga)

It was a glorious time away!

Today (6^th September) we went to the doctor and had a scan and saw our dear sweet baby kicking! 12 weeks this week and growing strong and well. My heart was overwhelmed with happiness. Our baby is well and growing. Thank you Lord!