Monday, February 5

This year we had a definite purpose when visiting the Great American Outdoor Show at Harrisburg – stop at Bosbok Safaris – where we will be in a few weeks – (we leave the USA in 18 days!)

Cerwin took this shot with his cell phone. A bit of a different angle than mine.

We had many questions for Kate and Phil – standing in the background.

We had fun talking to another couple who were with Bosbok Safaris last year. (He is wearing the red hat and she is in the orange jacket.) In this picture Kate is looking at her photo album and marking pictures that she wants.

They made us even more anxious for the trip, by telling us several interesting stories of their stay with the de Koks.

Phil talking with two hunters.

I gave Kate a list of questions that Cerwin and I and Jere and Kristen had. She is writing her answers.

Cerwin also had some questions for Phil.

Kate and Phi de Kokl. We are so anxious to see their place in Africa.

We visited many South African outfitters at this show last year, and when we came to Phil and Kate – we KNEW this is where we wanted to go.

We didn’t spend a lot of time at the show, but I did stop at this taxidermist who had some amazing samples of his work.

I have wanted to go to Africa since my Uncle and Aunt were missionaries there when I was a young girl. It was not a great desire of Cerwin’s, so I thought I would just enjoy videos and pictures of the African landscape. Never dreaming that I would ever have this opportunity.

Then – about a year ago – Jere and Kristen asked if we would like to go with them and their children when they go to South Africa to see Jana during her term with Youth With A Mission. After talking to YWAM leadership, Jere learned that the best time to see Jana is at the end of her service – so we will be seeing where she trained in Cape Town and spend a few days in that area before flying to Bosbok Safaris near Kruger National Park.

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I can hardly believe that I am actually going to Africa. 

It truly feels that God is giving me the desire of my heart – and I don’t recall that I ever prayed or asked Him to grant this desire to me.

It is a small symbol of God’s faithfulness to me and a fulfilment of my life verse – which has been my scripture theme since my early 20s.