June 6th History at Pilgrim's Rest (Jim's Entry)

Jim's Point of View

Today we went to a historical site called Pilgrims Rest, a place made as home, rest stop and trading post for miners during the South African gold rush. We took the same road route from the other day so there wasn’t much new to see.

When we arrived at Pilgrim’s Rest, I was kind of disappointed. The site looked like a typical tourist trap you would find in the states. Pretty much every building was a store, while some claimed to be museums and had some historical objects and information, almost all of them had some type of store. Those that were not stores were hotel annexes so pretty much a room for rent place. It was sad to see that commercialization was everywhere and not just the States. For those of you that complain about people profiting from tourism in the States just know that it is pretty much everywhere now.

As a history junkie, I tried to make the best of the situation by learning as much as I could about the history of the place whether it was trying to read every bit of information I could find about artifacts or general historical facts. I picked up some flyers that provide brief but interesting history and facts about different places in the area.

I thought it was cool to learn more about my Dutch heritage in this place. I knew the Dutch traded and settled in ports of South Africa but I had no idea how far inland they went. I found out that Afrikaans is actually a dialect of the Deutsch language.  I thought that fact was very interesting and it made me proud that I was walking in a part of the history of my Dutch heritage even here.

After we left Pilgrim’s Rest, we went to a nearby Digging Site camp. There I had my fix of history for the day. The site was a preserved Miner’s camp with most of its original equipment and buildings up. Some buildings were restored and some equipment was replaced with similar machines that were used by the miners. We learned a brief history of the camp and Pilgrims Rest. Then we went down to a stream where Becky and I unsuccessfully tried to pan for Gold.

Later, I got to visit my first African grocery store and it was interesting to see all the different things they had there than the states. Overall, the day was quite fun and I think both Becky and I enjoyed the historical sites we got to visit today. I know I did. I don’t know how much we are going to do tomorrow. We are just going relax but we will see what comes up. 

June 5th Sight Seeing (Jim's Entry)

Jim's Point of View

Today we went sightseeing. Our first visit was Mac Mac Falls. It was pretty sweet. On the road, there I admit I was a little nervous. It was amazing how many drop-offs, high hills, mountains and canyons there were along the way. I have to say though, I was impressed with the roads they had. They were a lot better than I thought they would be.

Mac Mac Falls was pretty cool; you had to take a narrow walk way along the cliff to see the falls which had only a very flimsy looking fence on the side. Suffice to say I stayed as far away from the edge as possible. Anyway I enjoyed the sight of the falls and it was worth it.

Our next stop was Blyde River Canyon. On the way there we passed our last stop which was God’s Window. When we made to Blyde River Canyon, I thought I would be okay while we walking to the “Potholes” These potholes were actually very deep crevasses create by running water, I wasn’t expect to have to cross a bridge over these potholes. I didn’t really like that part. I mean the bridges were secure and made of concrete with sturdy railings but I just don’t like crossing over voids especially on foot. But I did enjoy the view at least when I was on solid ground.

Our last stop was God’s Window, which was an amazing view on a very high point of a drop off cliff that allowed you to see almost everything in front of you for miles. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough Rand (money) to get in to see that particular view. So we did the next best thing and that was going to Wonderview which was pretty much the same view as God’s Window but not as high and it didn’t cost anything.  I thought the view was spectacular and I was scared because I made sure I didn’t look down at the ridiculous drop off. 

June 3rd and 4th On the Road and Kruger Park (Jim's entry)

Jim's Point of View

After our first night in Johannesburg, we all left for our holiday. We traveled to a city called Nelsprit not far from Johannesburg. Nelsprit is where Becky lived for two years before they moved that Mozambique. It was nice to get a first taste of a place where she lived even if it was only briefly.  We had lunch at McDonalds and continued on our way.  Becky teased me about sleeping all time, traveling makes me sleepy.

From there we reached our destination, Sabia River Sun in Hazyview, a very nice and comfortable timeshare resort right near Kruger Park. We unpacked our things and made ourselves at home. Outside the back of our place is a river where there are hippos and crocodiles (don’t worry folks, it was fenced in by electric wire) But I thought it was an interesting sight. We had a nice spaghetti dinner and stayed in the night while enjoying a friendly game of Mexican Train Dominoes. It was fun, I almost won.

We decided to go to bed early at 9:00 pm because we were taking off in the morning at 5:30 am. It was alright with me because I was still pretty tired from flying. So the next day we leave at 5:30 for the park. We ended up waiting at the gates for about forty five minutes before we could get in. Of course the people working at the park gates were very friendly and polite. The gates opened and we were on our way through Kruger Park.

Now my ultimate desire in this venture was to see my favorite land mammal, the Cheetah. For those of you that don’t know me, I’m tall and skinny but I can run really fast  so growing up as a child, I’ve always liked the Cheetah because they are pretty much the same in build. They have longer, leaner bodies than those of most big cats and they are the fastest land mammal. Also my favorite snack food happens to be Cheetos but that is just a coincidence.

So with that knowledge we set out determined to spot our favorite animals and everyone was on the lookout for a Cheetah for me. We spotted many animals along the way. We first encountered the Ampalla , which turned out to be our most frequent spotting of the day. Seriously, if deer were this prominent in Michigan as they were here at Kruger Park, hunters would be having a field day. We also spotted quite a few Kudu (which look similar to deer like Ampalla) as well as many herds of Elephants.

Besides our more prominent animals we were treated to many special sights and for me personally. Very early on our trip, we managed to come across a Cheetah, not hiding out in some bushes but right out on the road for us to see and take pictures. It made me happy to see my favorite land animal in the flesh and out in the wild. What made me happier was just how rare this sight was. Apparently there are only 250 Cheetahs recorded in Kruger Park. For how big a place the park is, spotting a Cheetah was the rarest find of all the animals there.  Truly, God answers prayers.

We say many other various animals like a Porcupine, Warthogs, Hippos, Baboons, Monkeys (Becky hated the monkeys) and Giraffes. Becky even got to see her favorite Zebras. Unfortunately we didn’t spot any lions or leopards much to our (especially Becky’s) disappointment. Overall, despite being in the car for 12 hours it was a lot of fun and it was cool to see these animals in the wild and not in a cage.  

June 1st and 2nd Departure-Travel-Arrival (Jim's entry)

Jim's point of view             

This trip has only just started and in the past couple of days, I’ve experienced many new things in my life. It all started with my first flight on a plane.  Even before the day of the flight, I was nervous but it wasn’t till the that inevitable moment getting ready to board that plane, the minute I knew there was no turning back that it got worse. I was shaking uncontrollably like I was standing bare skinned in a winter storm.

I would have lost my mind if it wasn’t for my fiancée, Becky,  who was standing next to me the whole time, looking at me every five seconds with a concerned expression, asking me if I was okay. We boarded the plane, I sat in my chair taking long deep breaths and exhaling slowly under the caring advice of Becky. She asked me if I needed to hold her hand that was defiantly a yes.

As the plane made its way to the take off ramp, it felt like an eternity. I closed my eyes, holding on tightly on to Becky’s hand. Then I felt the lift of the airplane and it was over. I opened my eyes. I couldn’t help but feel silly. That was what I was worried about the whole time? The rest of the flight just felt weird only because it was just so strange thinking I was thousands of miles in the air at that moment.

I thought that the landing was going be scary but it was actually quite fun and it was my favorite part of the flight. In Chicago, I discovered one of the coolest things ever. The bathrooms had toilets with plastic wrap on the seat, you scanned your hand and a device rotated a new plastic wrap. I thought it was really neat. I’ve never seen anything like it before.

 I have to say God is good. My carryon bag ended being a little too heavy and it looked like I was going to have to put it on in luggage. However, after answering questions about our flight, when we mentioned to the bag checking guy that we had a nine hour layover, he surprisingly gave me an exception.

The next flight was easier because the plane was bigger. When we landed in Frankfurt, I got to experience stepping foot in a new country, Germany. We had a nine hour layover. I could tell I was getting jet lag, I was tired, I was hungry and my body was confused. It didn’t help that Becky and I were both grumpy from lack of sleep. We got mad at each other a couple of times but we knew it was because we were grumpy.

Our final flight was the best. The plane seats had tv screens on the back of the seats and overall the feeling of the flight was quite pleasant. It was cool because they had a function that you could see camera views of the plane from outside. It was awesome. I watched the Green Hornet and Rango then tried to get some sleep. I didn’t get much because I let Becky use me as a pillow.

                 We arrived in Johannesburg and Becky had a big grin on her face. We found out luggage and meet her parents who droves us to their house. There we got ourselves comfortable and relaxed. I took a nap. For dinner we had Hungarian Goulash. It was interesting, I liked it. I finally got to taste Becky’s favorite meal. As for the rest of the day, we just chilled.  And as for the rest of the trip, we leave for Holiday tomorrow. I’m interested to see where this trip takes us. God has surely blessed so far on this trip and I can tell that He has a lot to teach us.

Departure-Trip-Arrival

Jim's family at the open house

On Sunday afternoon Jim's mom hosted a "Open House"/ Going away party. It was an opportunity for us to say good bye to some of our loved ones. It was also nice to meet some people that are important him. The day was relaxed and fun, friends from school, friends from camp, and Jim's family were all there. The day included food (always a highlight for me) and good company. Jim and I got one last chance to see those we love.  We lived it up and celebrated our friendships, with good conversations, and games being passed around. Then after the party I had a chance to see some of my friends who I hadn't spent quality time with in years.

Our plane at Sunset Leaving Chicago

Next was the flight on Tuesday, it was Jim's first time flying,  I personally love flying, and was simply anticipating the flight. Nothing went wrong. We started our trip at 7pm on Tuesday, flew to Chicago, waited there for three hours, boarded the next plane to Frankfurt, Germany. When we were in Germany we sad there for about nine hours. We made use of our new travel adapters, and watched movies on our laptops or read books. It was a lazy wait in the airport, but it lead up to our third and final flight. The last flight, I would have to say was the best flight, we had ample leg room and, something I was anticipating, screens for movies in the back of every chair. After watching one movie Jim was kind enough to let me use him as a pillow so I could sleep. He however was not as lucky, (his story of travel to come).

Jim and I at my parents' house in South Africa

We arrived in South Africa on Thursday morning at 9am, South African time, however that was about 3am in Michigan. I was ecstatic to see my parents, and a country that I grow up in. I recognized streets, and buildings from when I five years old. I like to believe that God has blessed me, because I have not suffered from Jet Lag (...Yet). While Jim slept my parents and I went off to meet the pastor of my Parent's church who will be with us on our trip to Mozambique. I am excited to see what God is doing. Tomorrow we go on a 10 day vacation, and during that time we will visit with the principle of the school we will be working with. More updates to come soon, and Jim will be posting the experience from his port of view soon (...I hope)

Conversations!

So last night Jim and I were talking about what we were excited to see this summer. I began to actually think about what I would be doing, and how close to doing I really am.

In just a few short days (5 days to be exact) I will be on a plane going home. Jim talked about how he was excited to experience new things; like going to the game park, and seeing my elementary school. It is so cool for me to think about how he has never seen these things. We were talking about how he has a hard time even comprehending the world I grew up in.

I tend to take my childhood for granted, and the best part of going with someone who hasn't seen it is that it will be like seeing it for the first time though his eyes. A world where think of as common place is going to be a world of excitement for him.

What we will be doing this summer?

So This is the basic out line for the summer, I am super excited to see everyone in South Africa and Mozambique. Things are always changing, but I am excited for this schedule so far. I haven't been "home" in 3 years, so I am excited to go home and see what has changed and what is the same as it has always been.

June 3^rd we head to Sabie River Sun Hazyview, Mpumalanga

We will be there for a week, enjoying Kruger Park and lots of other fun things around there.

We will take a few trips down to Nelspruit.

June 10^th we will be at Nelspruit Primary for the outreach there.

June 13^th we will head back to Jo’burg

The weekend of June 17^th wewill spend the weekend at church getting ready for Bible club.

Then you come home again for the week.

June 26^th  - July 1 we move back to the floor at church for the week, while we lead children club.

July 2 at 3:30 Am we will head to the church. At 4:00 am we will start our trip to Mozambique.

July 11 we will head to Nampula.

July 15^th is a friend’s wedding in Nampula.

The last two weeks of July we will be traveling around northern Mozambique, visiting friends and seeing the beach. 

Near the end of July will be will back in Nampula getting ready for conference.  Conference runs from August 3 – 10.

August 11^th we will start the long trip back to South Africa so that we came it back to catch our flight on August 15^th.