We return to Manyelanong Vulture Preserve

 Endangered Cape Vultures may be ugly close up, but they are magnificent in flight and they captivated our attention for a couple of hours last P-Day. Roosting and nesting on the cliff side or gliding effortlessly on the air current, these large birds are also known as Griffin Vultures.  Only about 70 mating pairs remain in Botswana most of which reside here in this game reserve. Manyelanong means “where vultures deficate” referring to the white guano-covered cliffside. 

                                          

We do wonder, however, why the monkeys aren’t able to easily scale the cliffs and rob the nest. Perhaps game officials keep the monkey numbers at bay? Is that the reason for all the monkey skulls at its base?

Was a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours of vultures watching from our sunny pullout not too deep into the bush of southern Africa.

                  

                  

In other news, our new office is bright and sunny and a delightful place from which to work with the young people we have grown so much to love.

Zone Conference is always a fun and lively event. With almost 100 young missionaries converging for instruction and camaraderie and food every six weeks, it’s one happenin’ event.

The APs (Assistants to the President) drove 360 miles over 12 hours on very rough roads to a city called Maun in northern Botswana. On their return trip and after hitting multiple potholes, the tire of the oversized mission van “exploded,” as they reported it. When I saw said tire, I couldn’t imagine how they were able to safely navigate to a stop. Another car just in front of them encountered the same tire explosion but that car was thrown onto its side. All I can guess is the angels protected our boys. My prayers are answered. 

Aaron learned a new word this week: cathartic. The word has been and can be used to describe the euphoria one experiences at the completion of a monumental task one has been avoiding and procrastinating. After several hours spent moving a tonnage of boxes of heavy books, the storage room is finally inventoried and in order. For several days afterwards, Aaron threw me a knowing smile, nodded, and proud of his expanded vocabulary as well as his organized storage room, mouthed “cathartic.” I share his sentiments. 

Before....

....and after!

Brave and faithful souls are baptized on a cool day in cold water from the tap. Brrr.