Up Close and Personal

Today was our chance to snuggle with some African creatures! ...well not snuggle really, but it's as close as we've ever been! Our first stop was at The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. And yes, it was as cute as it sounds. If you're interested in learning more about the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and what they're doing to protect and preserve African wildlife, check out the website!

http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

So, back to the orphaned cuties. There are 3 stages in the elephants' lives once they are taken into this program. First they stay in the Nursery in which they are called 'infants'. Then they are known as 'juniors' once they get older. The goal of this orphanage is to reintegrate these intelligent beasts into the wild. They are known as 'ex-orphans' if this process is successful.

The caretakers of the elephants led the first troupe (the nursery elephants) into this rope enclosed space outside, where a large bottle of what looked like milk was awaiting them. The caregivers told the stories of the elephants. Many of them stay in the orphanage because their mothers were killed by poachers. We watched them bury themselves in mud, play soccer (no joke!), and simply fool around. One of the elephants was so MINI. He (or she) was about a third of the size of the other infants! My family and I just gushed over that little one.

The juniors made quite the entrance as they exchanged places with the infants in a full out charge. It was obvious that they had more energy because of their rough-housing and their friendliness with all of the visitors. They are hairy animals, and their eyelashes are so thick and long! But by the time that they wandered over to let us pet them, they were all covered in a layer of mud to shield then from the hot sun, so it wasn't as easy to tell. At one point, at least 5 or so were participating in a doggy pile, or rather 'elephant pile', at the mud hole. Everyone watching thought it was the sweetest thing, until one of the elephants trumpeted out in agony. He was being pushed and trampled on under all of his buddies. It took another shout from him to finally get the rest of the group moving. I guess bullying happens in the animal kingdom too! But it was really intriguing to see how playful and affectionate these elephants were towards each other. They are very community-oriented creatures.

The Giraffe Centre was the next animal destination. We were up in a building of sorts surrounded by a balcony, and with small pellets in our hands we fed the giraffes! Their tongues curl around the treat, licking your hand in the process. One of them wrapped their tongue all the way around my hand in search of the food. Slimy and a dark dark shade of purple, their tongues are probably as long as my forearm.. maybe longer if they tried! These guys were different from the elephants though. They aren't as friendly. Petting them was challenging and they would normally jerk their heads away if someone tried. But when someone had food, oh man, best friend forever... until your food ran out and then they'd make a beeline for the next eager tourist. It was cool to be so up close to them however. Their eyes are enormous!

Now the rest of the day consisted of encounters with human beings! We met with many of the Kenyans working at the SP office here. They were very welcoming and lovable people, catching up with my Dad and smiling alot at my mom, brother, and I. The Kenyans we've met so far are all so kind! After meeting with them, we stopped at a street vendor's fruit and vegetable stand to buy 2 crates full for the missionaries that are hosting us in Korr these next . And how much did all of these fresh groceries cost? About 30 bucks! I'm sorry, but the rollbacks in the grocery aisle at Walmart do not compare! It was interesting to observe the locals that came by for their purchases. Life has a much slower pace here, so the culture seems far more laid back then Canadian culture back home. We haven't had much concept of time and it's been wonderful.

So tomorrow we'll be flying out to Korr (in a 4 or 5 passenger plane) and staying there for 3 nights I believe. We'll visiting the projects that SP is running in that area. I don't know the full extent of our days there, but that's were faith comes in! God is going to lead, which is the best part. Pictures of cute babies are sure to come, but probably not for a few days. I doubt that Internet is the biggest priority out in the desert, haha. Please keep us in your prayers as we leave tomorrow!

Goodnight, or good afternoon to all back home!