Lions, Vultures, and Waterfalls Oh My!

Our first week of classes has come to a close. It went well, I really enjoy my professors and a lot. But I know I'm also going to be stressed in the next few weeks. So yesterday was crazy! We saw all different kinds of raptures at Birds of Prey. They were so beautiful and each rapture had its own distinct way of flying and catching it's prey. Right before we left, we watched the vultures eat. They are such crazy and evil-looking birds! They were fighting before the food even came but as soon as the food was tossed into their cage they went nuts! They were fighting for the food like they haven't eaten in weeks nor were they going to get any food in weeks!

After the Birds of Prey, we went to see some lions!! These were not tame lions but we were completely safe being on the other side of the fence. We had the opportunity to drive through the lion enclosure but our group was too large so we just stayed on the outside and looked in. We walked up to the fence to take pictures of the lions in the distance, but they saw us so they walked over to us. The fence was the only thing separating us from these huge lions!! It was crazy to be basically face to face with a lion! After the lions, we drove to the top of a mountain that over looked Pietermaritzburgso we were able to see the entire city! It was so crazy to see all ofPietermaritzburg from one location!

When we got back to campus, Eli and I went and talked on a bridge over the waterfall. As we were talking, I was watching the current, the rocks, the plants, and how they all flowed together. It was so incredible to see all the twists and turns of the water and the way it hits the rocks in certain areas. I was so blown away by how God's hand carved every rock that made the water flow in different directions forming an incredibly beautiful scene! I was once again in awe of God's creation and the way he has a specific design for every little thing! After dinner a bunch of us went on a walk in the game reserve next door looking for the zebra. We saw a group of Impalas and then we found some zebras! There are only four in the whole game reserve but they stay together. There are three zebras and one baby zebra! They were so cool and we were so close to them! My pictures weren't very good because it was night, but hopefully Ill see them again during the day.

Today a small group of us went to an Indian church called New Life. South Africa has the largest population of Indians outside of India. As we were getting close to the church, I took a deep breath and it smelt like India for a split second!! I was so amazed and caught off guard. It made my heart jump and also miss India so much! But I loved it!! Church was great! The people were so friendly and welcoming. Most everybody came up to shake our hands or give us a hug! It was so cool to see their passion for God and how focused they were on him! It was so refreshing and encouraging! We have the option of going to three different churches so I will visit the other two, and then maybe go back to New Life. After church we went over to our Professor's house for a swim and just to hang out for a little. Tonight there was a quick thunderstorm. After the rain stopped there was so much lightning! I have never seen anything like it! The lightning was nonstop and kept lighting up everything for a split second. It was another reminder of God's crazy imagination and creativity!!