OK, before I start remember this is also my journal of South Africa, so if it gets boring- Sorry! Well, I do not brag much, but I have to say that I have a few amazing kids! Hunter and I went to deliver more stuff to our new favorite charity of choice, Baby Haven, and I was reminded of what a truly sweet boy he is! While there, he asked so many questions of the house mother, and showed a real genuine concern for what is going on. After we left he said he could not wait to go back, both boys and I will go next week to read and play with the kids! As we were driving, we were listening to Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up", and it was truly a profound moment. There is a verse that says "You raise me up, so that I could walk on mountains", and Hunter says "Mom, look at the mountains", as we passed "maybe the song is talking about us in Africa!" How right that sweet boy is, between my parents and God I have been given the skills to come so very far away and maybe make some kind of difference. If only to raise my kids to know that we are truly blessed and to give something back. This place can be so humbling and at the same time such an adventure! OK equal time for everyone, Taylor is growing up to be such a sweet little man! He is absolutely the sweetest with his sister and what a huge help! He is loving having his own room, and loves to clean it and put away his own stuff. He also has shown a concern for our surroundings, and is always asking what we can give. I will say, the churches and the schools do alot of collecting for the Christmas season. It is just so strange to have either the rich or the poor. OK, I know what about Claire! She is also growing up, She is talking more, not a ton, but talking. I have decided to keep her in her little school for one more term. She goes to a little school that has six kids, all with some type of issue. Some have autism, some physical liabilities. Right now Claire's biggest hurtle is still her speech, God I pray one day she will speak fluently and will fully mainstream with other children. Sometimes the reality of having a little one that has to go to a special school is so very hard, but I have to take one day at a time with her, or it could truly send me into depression! Her school had a party and the parents came, oh how hard! To face the fact that your child has something wrong with her is Extremely tough!!!!!! She goes four days a week for four hours, and during that time she gets all of the therapies, both one on one and group! say a little prayer for my Claire Bear, she needs all of the prayers she can get!
Enough of that, Africa! We have planned our first trip! We are headded to Addo National Park next week and will stay in a lodge called Lalibela. On arrival you check in and the fun begins! We can hang at the pool or walk SOME of the grounds, or their is a kiddie camp for everybody and parents can be alone. Once evening comes you get ready for your first game drive, at night. This reserve has The Big Five! After the drive that both boys can come with, because we a fibbing and saying Hunter is eight, we will come back and have dinner. Remember Claire will have her own nanny while we are at the lodge for all game drives! The next morning we wake up for a early morning game drive, and then to breakfast. Either early morning or late night you see the most animals!!! We will let you know!!
Kids are now out of school until January 21! I could have sworn we just had a long break, and I think they were at home with me for two months, say a prayer!
I am adding some pics! Claire in her Snow White costume and then the donkey cart, yes the donkey cart, every once in awhile we see a donkey cart driving by!
Love to all, and missing everyone!