Yes, it’s true; I really did hug a rhino.
This past weekend, a few of the Refilwe adults had an awesome opportunity to take our teenagers to bush camp. We drove about two hours north to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and slept outside for two nights. The trip was a sponsorship given to us by two guys who work for the game park. They organized an incredible weekend of game drives, hikes, and more. I think all of the kids will agree that the highlight of our weekend was a
very unique opportunity to watch two rhinos getting notched. The animals in the park are all given names and ID numbers to identify the percentages of animals that have died naturally, and those who have been poached. They are labeled with certain notches in their ears, but in order to do that, a helicopter flies around the park to identify an animal (in this case a rhino) that needs an ID. It is then darted with a tranquilizer, and after about 10 minutes, people will come in to notch the ears. So, as part of an anti-poaching campaign, we were invited to watch and were even allowed to could come close and touch it. Hardly anyone in the entire world will ever have such a rare opportunity to experience that!
All of us slept outside under the stars inside the game reserve. The youth took turns standing night watch and walked around the premises to check for lions and cheetahs and any other threatening animals. At about 4:00 the second morning we heard hyenas!
The Refilwe kids don’t have that many opportunities to go outside the gates of Refilwe, so this was very special for them. It was also really nice for us as adults because we were able to spend quality time with the youth that we don’t often get.
The two guides stayed with us in our camp and educated us about many different things. Over the course of the weekend they wanted to emphasize that this land is our heritage and it is our responsibility to not only take care of it, but to be aware of what is taking place.
To all my non-Safa (non-South African) friends, South Africa is such a beautiful country that is full of adventure and heritage. You really must see it for yourself!
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If you are interested in supporting me financially, checks can be sent to Discovery Church, 5860 Las Positas Road, Livermore, Ca 94551. Checks can be made payable to “Discovery Church” with “Refilwe” in the memo line. Checks can also be made out to “The Stirring” with “South Africa” in the memo line, and sent to 1348 Market St. #201, Redding, Ca 96001
Leah, you are braver than I am. I cannot imagine sleeping
overnight in an animal preserve, and getting close enough to a rhino to touch it (even though it was sedated)! That was quite an experience for the young people, as well!
Take care of yourself. I am praying for your safety, and
for Piet, also.
Very Cool V!! What an amazing opportunity! Are Rhinos dangerous in the first place, is that why they have to give them tranq’s?
Love and miss you!
Wow, Leah. How wonderful. I bet it was a little frightening just due to it’s size. I think the Baby Rhino is the cutest babies God created in the animal kingdom. They are just too cute.
Resting in the bush at night would not be such an easy thing for most non-Safa’s.
I am so thankful that God arranged this night for the teens. I believe bonds were built that won’t be easily broken. God is Glorious to all. Love You and praying for you and Piet.