Deuteronomy 31:8

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8







Thursday, January 31, 2013

A Tour of Zambian Life


2013 is off to a great start thus far! I spent a month on home leave, which was wonderful! I missed the Minnesota cold and snow and of course my family and friends! Then when I came back I travelled with two of my friends so they could get a taste of Zambian life. We started off their tour of Zambia with a stop at my boyfriend's family's house in Lusaka where they got to meet everyone, make the traditional meal of nshima and see what city life is like!
Riding on the mini bus
Sarah making nshima
Excited for the bus ride up to Kitwe


 Once we arrived at my home in Kitwe, we went and visited the Chimfunshi Chimpanzee Wildlife Orphanage in Chingola, Copperbelt. It was a chance for Anna and Sarah to glimpse at life in the bush and for all of us to get up close with primates. The chimps are rescued from all over the world from circuses, homes, and poachers and are kept at the orphanage. In total there were 125 chimps and we were able to walk with 6 of them...Dominic, Didi, Karla, Kitty, Cindy and one more whose name I have forgotten.After that, we went around with my colleagues to do some school programs, and then we did a tour of SOS Children's Village-Kitwe, which is an orphanage and has a school and clinic as well. 
Playing with the pre-school kids

Dominic and Anna
Our pockets were filled with treats for the chimps to find
Baby Kitty. We weren't allowed to pick up this baby because the mother wouldn't allow it
Me and Didi, who got to be quite heavy. She weighed about 75lbs
These male chimps aren't allowed to walk with people. This one was the leader, and he's only 12 years old.




 After about 5 days in Kitwe we took a 12 hour bus ride down to the Southern Province and stayed in Livingstone, which is home to Victoria Falls. We spent a day exploring the Falls, went on a 2-Day, 1-night safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana, did a lion walk, and watched the sunset at the swanky Royal Livingstone Hotel.


Good morning to you too!

going for a walk

Posing for a pic with Luba, a 2 year old lioness

Simba, the male lion

Victoria Falls

There was so much water coming from the Falls we got soaked!

Relaxing

Preparing ourselves to face baboons for the walk down to the boiling pot
Boiling Pot

All you can eat at the Royal Livingstone

Getting ready for an amazing sunset over Victoria Falls


Sarah is a little nervous about the hippo behind here

I love safari!