Now if you’ve been reading this blawg-o-mine for any length of time, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I am not, by and large, a girl who spends a lot of time outdoors. In fact, I believe I’ve mentioned that nature would be ever-so-much more enjoyable for me if it were air conditioned.
And I still think there’s merit to that idea, by the way.
So you can imagine my apprehension when I found myself climbing into a(n) (un-air conditioned) van around 6:30 IN THE MORNING last Saturday so that I could ride around and look at animals in their natural habitat.
THE IRONY, IT WAS PALPABLE.
Heather was insistent that we ride in the same van, mainly because she wanted to hear me say “OH MY LANDS” over and over again.
For the record, I didn’t say “OH MY LANDS” very much at all.
But I did say “OH MY WORD” about eleventy-four thousand times.
Our guide was a guy named Emmanuel, and I can’t even tell you how comforted I was by the presence of someone whose name translates to “God with us.” Because I don’t know when I’ve ever craved God’s presence more than I did when confronted with, you know, REAL LIVE LIONS.
I’m just sayin’.
Once Heather, Carlos, Shaun, Shannon and I were settled in the van, we headed down some bumpy dirt roads. And I have to confess: I started to warm up to the whole notion of spending the morning in nature when I looked to my right and saw this:
That was pretty cool.
And, you know, this wasn’t so bad, either:
Because whether you’re a nature fan or not, seeing elephants about twenty-five feet from your vehicle really is about seventy-two kinds of awesome.
One of the most surreal parts of our excursion is that the guides talked to each other on their cell phones so that they’d know which animals were where. In all honesty I was a bit jealous about their cell coverage because I would have given anything to be able to send Big Mama a text message that said, “HELLO, I AM LOOKING AT ALL THE NATURE.”
And believe you me: when Emmanuel got word via cell phone that there were lions not too far away, our driver took off down those dusty roads at a rate of speed I have only experienced when I was afraid I wasn’t going to make it to a Popeye’s by closing time.
So what I’m saying is that there was a certain sense of urgency.
Because look! Lions!
And Carlos!
And Shaun! Who can laugh even in the presence of a high-powered rifle!
Our trek lasted about three hours, and I must have taken 150 pictures. But before you look at a picture of me, I feel that I must explain the kerchief atop my ahead.
Or as Carlos called it: my FundanaTM.
There was never any question that I needed to wear some sort of protective covering on my head. But given the baseball cap disaster the day before, I wanted to wear something a bit more sassy and colorful.
However, since I didn’t put on the FundanaTM until I was in the van, I was unaware of how I looked in a FundanaTM until I saw this picture.
Prepare yourselves, people.
Needless to say, I don’t think it’s a look I’ll be repeating.
But FundanaTM or no, that day was one of the highlights of my life.
Because yeah, the animals were were great.
And that large body of water they call the Nile River? Even better.
But these people?
Hands-down. Best part of all.
FABULOUS pictures! Blow them up and decorate your house with them!
Awesome pics! What an adventure!
Bless your heart…you look a little… pensive… in your Fundana!
I like to call the Fundana a Doo Rag. And you sported it quite nicely. Don’t sell yourself short :)
Did that elephant look mad in your picture? That would be very scary.
As for the do-rag? It is a don’t-rag.
But I truly appreciate the picture of it. Now I know I will not try it unless I am on an African safari someday.
You are priceless.
Love,
diane
I am so inexplicably jealous. Will you invite me with you next time?
Wow amazing pictures!
Just amazing! And that fundana thing is fun. And it did the job! You’ll probably start a whole new trend amongst blogging mama’s!
Your Africa trip has been so inspiring!
I just nominated you for the blogger with a purpose award! Check out my blog to see your award!
Wow, that was fantastic!!! I love me some wild animals. I am very impressed that you were able to leave your normal “I like the air conditioning” spirit and embrace the adventurer we all know really abides deep inside of you. You are an inspiration!!!
julie
p.s. I’m a big air condition girl too!
I don’t mind a little nature on my hands or under my feet, I’d trade places with ya!
The Fundana looks like a Survivor Buff. Next time, wear it as a tube top :), then as a skirt, and then a little neck type thing, like they do on Survivor!
Silus in Uganda just got picked up by some sponsors in Michigan. Thought you might like to know….
I said Holy Cow several times while reading this post. :)
You are so stinkin funny! I’ve really enjoyed all your posts on Africa and also lurking on some of the other blogger’s sites that were also on the trip. God is really working on my heart on supporting another child through Compassion and also on adoption. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us…
I’ve always put off going to haiti because I would have to wear skirts and dresses. Now, I have nothing against skirts and dresses, but I do have a problem with the fact that I would have to wear sneakers with them. I have some foot difficulties that would prevent me from wearing sandals or clogs for long periods of time. It would sneakers with orthotics or bust – with a skirt.
Even I, fashion fatality that I am, shudder at the thought.
However, I also have not gone because, truly, God has not yet called me to. When He does – if He does – I will go, and I will wear my sneakers and I will smile.
‘Cause it ain’t about me and my pretty feet. It’sa about HIM!
Giraffes and Elephants and Birds, OH MY!
Simply beautiful, Sophie, and the animals aren’t bad either :)
I’m still very much enjoying your posts about Uganda. On the top of my “life list” is to go on a safari so I loved seeing your pics. WOW!
Have you ever thought about rockin’ the Fundana under a baseball cap. That would give you “all kinds of” coverage. And I know b/c I’m as pale as a ghost.
Hello!
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. My friend directed me here after she learned that I was going to Uganda. I love reading about your experiences and am looking forward to being there myself. I will be working at orphanages and at my friend’s mission base, but if I have any free time I would love to go on a safari. Do you have any suggestions on who I could contact to make arrangements? Thanks again for the great blogs! Blessings, Jenny
I can’t tell you how happy this post makes me. On our Africa trip we are taking a morning and a night safari. I’m crazy excited, but I’ve also been a litte stressed about, ya know, the lions that are out in the open without a deep trench and fence separating us. This will definitely be something I will need you to set my mind at ease about when I see you in Atlanta. :-)