Monday, October 22, 2007

Update from the african bush

Greetings from Kwa Mbili Lodge! Trent arrived today and is so excited to experience his first safari…hopefully he’ll be able to see some of the same animals that we’ve seen. We only need to see a rhinoceros out of the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). We’re hoping that we’re lucky and that we’ll see that rhinoceros today. Trent didn’t bring any good luck with him...he arrived in Johannesburg on Saturday night but was up all night listening to everyone celebrate South Africa’s victory over England in the Rugby World Cup, slept in, and missed his flight. Instead of joining us today he arrived this afternoon and is so happy to join me in this experience. I had a rough day yesterday moving from one lodge to another. Traveling isn’t the easiest for me especially on these terrible dirt roads. The safaris also include driving on dirt roads but seeing all the sights helps me forget the pain. We are having such a good time. We saw a cheetah and a leopard yesterday. It’s been invigorating to breathe some fresh air and get out to see this beautiful country. Today, I’m doing much better and am looking forward to the rest of this trip! Again, thanks again for all the support, prayers, and comments to my blog. - Levi








26 comments:

Anonymous said...

These latest pics are amazing! What a wonderful experience for all of you, but especially Levi! Homemade rustic Italian sourdough bread and Chef Greg's famous clam chowder await your return! (It's cold here!) You all look great! Ron, sit up on the couch for your next photo! No slouching!!
Love to all, Greg

Anonymous said...

I couldn't wait to open up the blog this AM and see what is going on. I wasn't disappointed! The pictures are great, and I am so glad to see pictures of all of you. Levi, I am so glad you are feeling better today, and that Trent got there safely. I have been wondering, are they feeding you well? Better than China? I am looking forward to more info from you and more pictures. The trip must be fantastic! Love to all of you,
Leanne

Anonymous said...

Hi All,
That is hilarious about Trent, it seems that he didn't get his sister's street smarts! :) The pictures are amazing, Levi looks better than ever which makes me happy. I'm glad you're having such a great time. I wish I was in that picture with you guys, I would have told dad to sit up and close his legs!! Just kidding....or maybe not. I love you all and miss you.
love Syd

Anonymous said...

What great family pictures! I am so happy to see how good Levi looks!! Levi, you look the best that I've seen you look yet. You all look great (including my hubby)! I happen to know that you are on a safari right now, because I just tried to call your lodge. I'm so jealous, but of course very happy for you. I hope that you get to see your rhino. Zach has been looking at the photos and saying that he wants to see his dad in Africa, so Rachel is showing him the pictures right now. We love and miss you. Trent, you wouldn't have missed your flight if you had me along with you! I'm glad that you are with your family now.

Love,

Heidi and the boys

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful opportunity for all of you! I'm glad that Levi's doing better today & what a day it's been! I'm so glad that you all get to spend this lovely time together seeing nature in the wild. & I mean wild! The animals you're seeing are fantastic! I'm glad Trent finally got to hook up with you despite the delays, to participate in such a fabulous time on safari. God bless you Levi. I'm praying that you don't have any more nights like last night and that you have many more fantastic days like today. Stay strong! We're all praying for you!
Love, Jeanette

Anonymous said...

Levi,

What a trip! I’ve been showing your blog to my co-workers today, and the unanimous favorite is the giraffes. You look great in the photos (but there’s no surprise there), and sitting next to your dad makes you look much better. You may want to sit by him in all your pictures… ;-)

Sy, the photos are great. It’s fun to have a vicarious safari trip from here. Stay strong, we’ll see you soon.

Anonymous said...

good morning levi
the pictures are fantastic-- you look great. we think about you all every day; missing you all too.

the red sox surprisingly beat the cleveland indians last night , so it's on to the world series gain. we are in a state of shock.
einstein is fine but looking for you all.
enjoy the incredible beauty and each other.
love and god bless--
shalom
susan, bill, einstein

Lay-UN Smith's said...

Levi,

I just learned about your blog today and I am thrilled I can see what you have been doing. I have been thinking about you a ton since you have been on the trip and hoping that everything is going well, and now I can follow your trip here.

Love you brother, you are the man and I can't wait until you are home to tell me about your trip in person.

-Steve Smith

Anonymous said...

Wow, those pictures look like stuff you see in movies and books and you are so lucky to be there in person I bet that is the most incredible feeling ever. You all look so happy and it makes me happy to see! Levi I am so proud of you and all you are accomplishing your excitment and attitude has always been so uplifting and positive and it rubs off on others your a true inspiration. I have so many people at work interested in your blog you really have made a differnce in so many peoples lives all looking forward to seeing and hearing about your adventure all praying for you. Love you all, take care and have lots of fun for all of us back here!!!

Sierra said...

You all look very happy, I'm glad. I am thoroughly enjoying these pictures. The "natural" pictures, if you get my drift wink wink nudge nudge, bring a smile to my face because I know that a smile was there on yours while you took the picture. I'm sorry to hear that moving is rough on you Levi, but I am also glad that there is something that can help you take your mind off of the pain. We love you and can't wait for your next post.

Love,

Sierra, Spencer, CJ and Avary

Anonymous said...

Hi All,
Amazing Ron, one of those animal shots looks just like you...even wearing a hat! We're glad to see you're have a great time. The photography is GREAT! Thanks for sharing. Take care and have more fun. Praying for you!

Love you all,
Your friends,
Sandra from Sandy
and Chris from Murray

abbie said...

another round of beautiful photos-i love the sunset-it's exactly as i imagine an African sunset would look!- the baby elephant, and the family photos. You all look great and so happy.

i'm sorry traveling is so hard, but it just proves what a great person that you are, that you can see a silver lining in that cloud-by noticing the beauty around you. i'd just be pouting and yelling at my mother. and husband. ;)

love you all!
xoxoxo
abbie

Anonymous said...

I am so happy you are all having such a good time! Sy you look beautiful! We are all thinking of you and praying that you have a fabulous trip and safe return! Love you all, Jessica and the rest of the Bryner,Janke, Hale clan

Anonymous said...

Levi, Ron and Sy,

Way to go!!!

Prayers always!

Love Jan and Carl
on Redondo

Anonymous said...

Hi all you Snarrs!
I'm so glad to hear Trent hooked up with you in spite of sleeping in! (How does anyone do that on an exciting trip, anyway? :) Levi, your safari rides remind me of my rides in Africa. I called the vehicle "The Terrible Terror." I got so sick riding on those roads (?) that I barfed into an empty water bottle, surprising everyone that I could barf so silently!! But I'm so glad you are enjoying your trip. And I'm so glad that I have a sister who is a professional photographer, the photos are awesome!!!! Enjoy your final week, can't wait to see you and hear about it all in person. We are all continuing our prayers for you.
Love, Reida

Anonymous said...

Hi Snarrs,
We are glad that Trent arrived safely. Your pictures are totally amazing. Levi, we can't believe how strong you are. Be careful and have a great time. One more week!!! love you to all, Kris & Don

Analee said...

All of you look great! Trent, I probably would have missed my flight, too. Mornings and I are not friends, especially when I'm up all night unable to sleep. I'm glad you made it, though! I love hearing about your adventures, and Aunt Reida's barfing all over. There's nothing quite like it :). I can't wait to hear about the rhinos that I know you guys are going to see. If you don't, I've got a great picture of one from the zoo in Tucson. It could probably pass for Africa. Anyway, you all look healthy and tan. Don't melt away! Still no snow in Alaska. I keep hoping, though!Love ya!

Analee

Anonymous said...

Hi guys,

Life has been pretty lonely without all of you but we are enjoying living the African experience through these incredible pictures. you all look happy..what great memories!! Love you,

Kathy

Anonymous said...

I just want to say that looks like SO much fun!!! oh...and that is my Uncle Ron always knows how to spice it up a bit and give us a cute pose. I love you all and am sending you "good vibes"

Lots and Lots of love
Myriah

Unknown said...

Levi,

Hey, I just found out about your blog today. Looks like you are having a great time and seeing lots of incredible scenery and animals! I was so glad to be able to see you before you left and can't wait to hear more about your trip when you get back. Have fun and I look forward to checking out your future posts.

Tyson Hottinger

P.S.
If I were there I would not have only seen the "big five," but I also would have ridden all of them.

Anonymous said...

Hi again, great pics! You all look like you are having so much fun! Addie and I saw Einstein this morning on the way to work...I think he miss you guys. We miss you. Keep the updates coming. Love, Ryan, Aly, and Addie:)

Anonymous said...

I always look forward to seeing what is on Levi's blog each day. It is a good break to see you doing what you want and love to do. Keep having a blast over there!

Anonymous said...

Levi, Sy, Ron, Trent,
It does my heart good to see you together. The earth is such a beautiful place. I'm glad you get to experience Africa together. Levi, I imagine what you are seeing heightens your experience in the temple. Isn't it amazing!

love you,

Weezer

Anonymous said...

Hi Snarrs,

Great Pictures

Ron you look like an Austrailian bushman in most pictures.

Levi - There are people always asking me how you are doing. I'm giving out this blog site once or twice a day.

Thanks for sharing a great trip

Dave Cates

Anonymous said...

Holy Cow! Those are some amazing pictures. If i didn't know there were professional photographers were amongst you--I'd swear you were scanning pictures from travel books. Levi you're looking good! My little Spencer prays for Uncle Levi every night. We're so happy this trip has been so such a wonderful experience for you.

Love-lindsay, linc, spencer and william Nadauld

Anonymous said...

Hi Levi, Sy, & Ron -
Ohmygosh! The photos are incredible, and so are all of you. It is so fantastic following your progress on the trip ... feels like we are right there with you! Thanks for sharing your adventure, the amazing pix (including the "peeing" giraffe!) and taking the time to create the blog. Stay strong Levi and your whole travelin' troupe! We are thrilled you are having such a wonderful time.
Love,
Toni and Art