Victoria Falls

On my trip to Zambia, I was lucky enough to spend one afternoon at Victoria Falls. It's absolutely stunning. Based on its width (something like 5600 feet), Vic Falls is the largest. I heard the water was "low" this year, yet, I still managed to get a little wet on the trail from the falls. Just take a look:

We followed the main path around the park, and then took the hike down to the Boiling Pot (this is where the Zambezi turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge). If I remember correctly, the sign said it would take about 15 minutes to get down, and 25 to get back up. I didn't have a watch...or my phone...but I actually think it took me longer to get down than up. I kept stopping to take pictures! I basically just beasted my way back up, only stopping briefly (close to the top) to talk to a couple of people who were asking about how much farther down it was and if the hike up was difficult...and they were already breathing heavy. I also noticed some people trying to go down in dressy clothes... I wouldn't recommend that. 

This is the view of the bridge from the Boiling Pot that people can bungee jump off. I would really like to go back and do that sometime. The rafting also sounds like a blast. I'm hoping I can work that in when I get to go back for the medical mission. 

After I got back up from the Boiling pot, we took a path up to the other side of the falls. This is where people can go out (during the dry season) and jump into what they call "Devil's Pool." It's a natural pool, just at the top of the falls. Wouldn't be my first pick for swimming. 

Bottom line--If you're ever in/near Livingstone, I would say you definitely need to stop by and see Victoria Falls. Try to go with adventurous people!   

 

Where to begin?

Words fail me. I've been meaning to write since I got back from Zambia, but I simply don't know what to say. Anything I say can never do the experience justice. Just like with Mexico and Honduras, there's not a good way to describe it. I can tell you that I had a wonderful time. I can tell you that I met lots of amazing people. I can tell you about the breathtaking sunsets and vast starry skies. I can tell you about the precious children. But it won't come close to experiencing it for yourself. 

My adventure got off to a bit of a rough start. The plane out of OKC was delayed, so I just barely missed the flight from DFW to LHR. There was another flight leaving that night, and, thankfully, I was able to get on it. The plane landed in London around 1330...2 hours after I was hoping to be there. Then, I found out that the ticket I had to get into the city was only good for the Underground/tube...not the Connect (so it took 1.5 hours instead of 30 minutes to get into town). I definitely didn't get to see everything I wanted to! About 48 hours after leaving, I had arrived in Livingstone...without my luggage (which thankfully showed up the next day). Despite it all, I still felt blessed to just be at Namwianga. It was exciting! 

My living quarters at Namwianga. Yeah, that's a thatch roof. Legit. However, it was horrible for my allergies. 

It wasn't long before my heart was captured. 

This sweet little girl attached herself to me after worship on Sunday. Another had written me a note, telling me about herself and family, and asked if I would be her mother. The next day I went to The Havens...so many sweet kiddos...I ended up spending most of my time here. I couldn't help it! I spent a day at the mission's clinic. And another day at Victoria Falls. I'll have to post more about each of these places separately!

I spent my down time getting to know the other people on campus...including a great group of interns from ACU. I wish I could have stayed until they had to leave too! We had a few movie nights with Meagan and her interns. I enjoyed listening to several good stories. I had lots of good laughs. It was a blessed time!

Otherwise, I ate lots of food, drank tons of tea, enjoyed long walks, and even helped neuter a dog. Who would've thought? Really, though. I am quite thankful that our Zambian cook was pretty decent at making American cuisine. I don't think I could've done sheema all the time. Not a big fan. I was surprised by how cold it got at night. I had been warned, but it's hard to mentally grasp the fact that Africa can get that cold. Hence, lots of hot tea. I even went for a hot chocolate every night. Stole blankets from other beds. And slept in fleece.   

My time at Namwianga was far too short. I so wish I could've been there longer. I began to miss everything before leaving. It took everything I had to keep myself together as we drove off. I'm looking forward to when I can go back and be on the medical mission!