The woman I will be working with in Kenya, Shivani Bhalla, has done amazing work there. One of the greatest things she has done is involve the Maasai warriors in conservation work. The warriors work with her to enable lions and people to occupy the same land. Here is a short clip of a speech she gave recently at the California Academy of Science about this part of her work.
The entire speech she gave is available on YouTube and in it, one of the warriors also talks.
Here is another short clip of the speech Shivani gave when she won a Whitley award (given for wildlife conservation.) It’s a good summary of her work.
I am really looking forward to meeting Shivani and learning more about what she does.
It’s getting very close to the time to leave for Africa and I’m so excited! I am dreaming about lions every night–I think my soul is already there. I went to see the “Lion King” tonight (which is fabulous) and as I watched those animals on stage, I thought about how soon I would actually be seeing them in the wild–though, I must admit, I’m not too keen on seeing hyenas.
What is giving me angst right now is the packing. I can take two things–a small day pack and a medium size duffle bag–the TOTAL of which cannot exceed 33 pounds. That is it. In those two things must go this long list of stuff they told us to bring. Clothes are really the easiest part–wear one outfit, pack two. Also, I need to pack a lightweight fleece, raincoat (it’s been raining daily), hiking boots, plenty of socks, a wide-brimmed hat, and of course any toiletries I might need. Also, my camera with extra batteries, binoculars and Rx medication, including a malaria prophylactic and the all-purpose Cipro. Then we are also to bring plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, extra pair of glasses and sunglasses, adapters, chargers, insurance papers, photocopies of everything,and OTC medication for any possible ailment–colds, headache and all ranges of intestinal ailments. And not to be forgotten, a journal and a first aid kit. Then of course my Kindle and lumbar pillow for the two days of plane travel each way. I don’t know how it is possible. (And if you had seen how much I took on my other two trips, you would know what a serious dilemma this is for me!) This is not a trip where one can pack the night before. There will be plenty of packing and unpacking this coming week.
This week I will also re-read the scientific book on lions the lion keeper gave me several years ago. I want to amaze them with my knowledge of lions!
This month at home has been great. I was able to visit my dad and was able to stop and see a friend in Richmond along the way, but mostly I’ve continued what I began in Sedona–following my body and deciding each day the best way to spend that day. I decluttered my house, walked, visited friends, cooked great meals, and have spent a lot of time with the lions at the zoo practicing with my camera.
Time has flown by for me. I’ve loved every minute of this sabbatical and would change nothing about our plan. And to think, the biggest adventure is yet to come!
The fighting in Palestine and Israel has really hit home for me and I hold the people of both places in my prayers and pray some way to end the fighting can be found.
I had a delightful evening with Margaret Cohea tonight. We went to dinner in Phoenix at Hermosa Inn, a lovely old home that has been converted into an inn. Seems it used to be a speakeasy… with tunnels under it so folks could make a quick escape!
Margaret said to let folks know she is headed to seminary in September – to Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley California. She is not headed toward ordination, but instead will be pursuing a Master of Theological Studies, a lay degree, with an eye toward working in education in the church as a laywoman. It’s right up her alley. She is so excited; it is great to see her so happy. She has a lot of sparkle in her eyes and just plain joy in her demeanor. She seems happier and more at peace than I have ever seen her. She will be keeping her house in Phoenix and renting a small apartment in Berkeley with her dog. Margaret asked me to pass along her new email to the office and she said she would love to hear from folks. Please keep her in your prayers.
Meanwhile, I’m headed home. I miss Eva– and she is still doing great! I expect I’ll be quiet for awhile but we will let you know when the next great adventure is about to begin!
I spent my time in Sedona honoring Sabbath. I had no schedule. I listened to my body and followed its lead each day. I ate good, well prepared, healthy food. On any given day I may have slept till noon, gotten up early and hiked, visited a vortex, shopped, sat by the pool, read a mystery, got a massage or simply stared at the red rocks. Some highlights:
Stargazing : I went stargazing with some astronomers who brought their telescopes. I saw Mars and Saturn plus 5 of Saturn’s moons. Seeing Saturn was very cool. Mars was interesting but it looked like a bright star- and it was not red. The stars seem so much closer here. Maybe it’s because is the clear skies-no smog, no light pollution.
There are numerous vortexes in Sedona. These are supposed to be places where the earth’s energy lines meet. Here is one: Kachina Woman.
I hiked up there and I must say that I could feel vibrations going through my body there- as if my energy and the earth’s energy were meeting. On my way back I met an obstacle. A wild boar was standing in the middle of the trail. They are called javelina (the j being pronounced like an h). He was big with a big tusk. I don’t know who was more frightened-him or me! He ran when he saw me and I was not fast enough to recover from my fright and get my camera out. I’m told they travel in packs so I guess the others were close by. I had to pass by the place where he was so I went by singing- to warn them I was there. In fact I sang the song you sang about my sabbatical at Shrine Mont!
This was a good time for me- to honor Sabbath time by listening to my body. To eat when I’m hungry and sleep when I’m tired – imagine that! Now to learn how to incorporate that sense of Sabbath when I return to work. Therein lies the challenge. I must say though a slower pace suits my soul.
There is definitely another trip to Sedona in my future!
Looking Out Seeing Within 