Hiking with Hannah

As I mentioned before I REALLY wanted to hike the gorge one day. I wanted to explore, t0 experience the beauty, and to get some good excercise. Not to mention, it was something fun to do. So, in my second week on a Wednesday afternoon after Julie and I made it home from Mukuni clinic, I asked if she wanted to hike the gorge. She did not. Bummer. I really did. But, she said maybe Hannah (23) would want to go. Hannah said yes. Goody.

I was so excited about this little expedition. Since we were not allowed to wear shorts, I was wearing some capri exercise pants and a tank top. I also wore a lightweight bag on my back with a snack, hat, and carried my pink Kleen Kanteen. Off we go!! Boy, was it steep!! We passed a Zambian carrying a raft up the trail like it was nothing. We had not been going too far when I realized this was going to be a major workout for me. Julie had told me it would be. I thought she might just think I am a wimp because of my size. I told her I run in the U.S. Bad comparison. There are unsteady rocks everywhere. I am sure there are scorpions and snakes, but I was not even worried about those (primarily) at the moment because I was just trying to survive the hike down. I remember taking great comfort at the thought that my friend, Tom, back home had told me he would be praying for me everyday. Good. Maybe he was praying for me right now. I was praying for myself. My knees were shaking. Hannah mentioned hers were too out of being out of shape. I think mine was fear. I was not just using legs. I was also using my arms and hands holding on to anything at every opportunity though there really is not a lot to hold onto. I was still getting to know Hannah, who was charging forward with youthful, courageous energy. At one point I was concerned I might not have the strength or courage to make it back up the mountain if we kept going. I told her this. She didn't give it much thought and said, 'oh, you'll be fine". I could tell she really thought so and was not stopping. Okay. I hope so. I wanted to keep going anyway. Just being realistic. I hoped she was right.

We did keep going and made our way to a large rock in the shade. We sat down and enjoyed some conversation. Honestly, I can't remember what we talked about. I offered to share a blueberry Luna bar I had packed from the U.S. It might have been good except the heat changed its consistency and basically it looked nasty. In fact, I have never wanted that flavor again. On second thought, I don't really want a snack. Just water. We sat for a while. This was our breathtaking view! So worth it!!

The way back was harder on the heart but much easier to maneuver. I was realieved when Hannah wanted to go slower on the way up. The slower pace which was still steady but included breaks. Going up instead of down was just a lot easier on my body in general. We high fived as we made it back. Having survived the gorge together, we were now friends. Of course when we were finished it was so worth it! We showered and changed, ready for supper. I remember running into Jamike (one of the missionary, Nick's brother) once we got back. My capri pants were rolled up. I was probably a little tanner. Definitely dirtier. Let's just say I probably looked like I had just hiked the gorge. With a "that was crazy face" I said, "Man, that gorge is no joke!!" He smiled and would you know when we ran into him at supper he had just gotten back himself after seeing us. We inspired him! We had pizza that night at the camp and it was SOOO good.

It's Like a Heat Wave!!

I am not sure if it just got that much hotter or if no air conditioner in 110+ degree F catches up with a person after a few days. I think it was probably a combination. But, as I mentioned before it got REALLY hot by the end of my first week. Fortunately, the evenings and mornings were still cool at this point. Next, a cool front came through. That was wonderful but also really cold. At first, we couldn't figure out why we were all FREEZING when it was 70s outside. Even the most insulated of the crowd were letting out shivers. And the Zambians whipped out their wool clothing- no joke. Then, one of the missionaries had an epiphany and explained to the rest of us that the reason we were all freezing even though it was 70s is because it had dropped FIFTY degrees in less than 48 hours!!! If I remember correctly this only lasted a couple of days and then it started getting hot again. And it just kept getting hotter. Hot season was now in it's prime and we were living in 120s during the day and the cool evenings were gone. There really is no escape. You are just hot and sticky and hot. I really haven't focused on the heat much when I talk about the trip or when I was there because we all know it is hot in Africa. But, just so I don't forget... it was really hot:).