In South Africa

March 4
Our first night in S. Africa was filled with many surprises. Once we stepped off the the plane after the "8500 mile mega flight", we were greeted by several self proclaimed hosts... I really appreciated their entrepreneurial spirit. They were working for no one other than themselves. One fellow was kind enough to offer to just show us where our hotel shuttle could be found and then BAM! "$10 please." This was after walking with us for 3 minutes. Asher had warned us about those who might try to take advantage of us... It was obvious were were traveling through. Hugh and I felt that we should give him something. We scraped together $7 ... A handsome wage after "walking with us" for a couple minutes. While we were digging through our pockets for something to give him, an "associate" as he called himself appeared... And wondered where his $7 was. "I work with him" he said. "We work together". That's when "sweet" Asher took over... We now let her deal with the locals :0)

Our first meal in South Africa was an adventure... For me and Hugh anyway. We ate at The Spur and Hugh and I really wanted to "take it all in"... . So, we got right into the message and ordered Monkey Gland Rump for our entree. And washed it down with some "fuzzy water". Yum! No really, it was delicious! Hugh and I convinced our traveling companions to "at least" try the Rump... they finally did and they loved it. Don't let Asher or Holly tell you anything different. They ate Monkey Rump too and loved it! I sure hope we can find Monkey Rump somewhere in Asheville.

We didn't get finished with dinner until very late and were all anxious to get some real shut eye so we headed back to The Birchwood and realized as we were saying good night that we had no bottled water to hold us over until "whenever".

The "men's room" got plenty of sleep last night. We overslept only by a half hour... But we were sorry to hear that the "lady's room" had some technical difficulties with their alarm systems. The story I got was that Sweet Asher set her phone alarm to go off 2x per day to ensure that certain medication was taken as certain times throughout day. Well, I didn't attempt to do all of the clock math after I heard her story, but apparently alarm #2 went of at 2:00 am and Asher woke up and got herself ready for breakfast which we agreed would be 8:00am. Poor Asher is exhausted! We will be taking her phone away tonight. And will request a courtesy call from the front desk for the "lady's room".

Sorry for the long post my friends. I am writing you while on our 3rd leg of a long journey to Uganda that we began a couple days ago. As many of you can certainly relate, traveling can wipe you out. We are praying for all of you each day while knowing that you are praying for us. Our hearts remain filled with anticipation as we close in on our first mission destination in Uganda... 1hr 10mins til touchdown. May God's will be done both there, and in Zambia.

We covet your prayers,
Patrick