When we first arrived (a year ago; how fast time flies!), there were 70 missionaries in the mission.  We are now up to 100, and we have 70 incoming (and 20 leaving) by the end of the year, so our total complement will be about 150.  Amazing.

Last month, we had 147 baptisms in the mission.  A new record.  Mark was down at the telephone company, arranging for new WiFi routers and more SIM cards for the new flats and companionships we will be having.  At one point, our customer service rep said “Where is the church building?  Why haven’t you invited me?”  The same thing happened when he visited the printer/copier headquarters.  Amazing!

That’s why Southern Africa is on fire, Gospel-wise.

During the day there were Game Drives!  The “Big Five” is a phrase here in Africa that includes the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard.  This term was coined by 19th-century big-game hunters to describe the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.  We saw all of them, although the leopard and buffalo were mere glances.

We saw many other animals, too.  At one point, we watched a pack of hyenas advancing on another packs territory.  The opposing pack took umbrage at their encroachment and rallied back, as the first pack retreated in disgrace.  That brought the attention of a couple lions who came to see if there was any lunch to be had.

The next day was found a pile of cheetahs, resting from the sun.

And while the animals get the headline, the variety of birds is stunning.

Our grandson had taken two photography classes, but had never had the equipment nor the adventure to try out his acquired skills.  This was the perfect opportunity.  It’s harder than you think to use a zoom lens and hold the camera steady enough to not get blurry pictures when you are focused on an incredible colorful bird high up in a tree.