One of the fantastic things about traveling with friends and family is that we get to learn so much about the others strengths and weaknesses, and how a change in climate, latitude and culture can affect our thinking and processing skills. Here I am (hand on my hip) with Brenda Brown (holding camera) trying to figure out how to use zoom... whilst Aunt Sandra is making video feeds, taking pictures, uploading and dowloading photos and video onto the laptop and sending them around the world via e-mail. I had no idea my aunt was so technically inclined. I also feel that she has found her new hobby in world travel!! We have already planned our next trip to Harrare, Zimbabwe for summer 2008. Brenda Brown has decided to go and check on her monetary investment in the "fresh water wells" in Zimbabwe (seems she made this donation through one of those tv evangelical programs) and provide some missionary outreach work while she is there. Aunt Sandra told her she may get to Zimbabwe and find out her "monetary donation" never went into a water well; however, she told Brenda not to worry that since Brenda is newly retired she now has the time now to invest in her own missionary work and she doesn't need to send money to those tv evangelical programs any longer. Aunt Sandra has decided that she will coordiante and provide technical assistance to Brenda in Zimbabwe on her missionary duties. Her first priority as liason for this trip is to export a portable electric ice-maker for our personal use. She will also look into an industrial size ice-maker for the "Tent Revival" so that all the attendees can enjoy ice in their drinks. Ice is not used as widely in Europe as we use it in America. Aunt Sandra feels that the world might "benefit" from this small pleasure.
My cousin Jennifer, Aunt Sandra's youngest daughter expressed an interest to join me in working on a wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe. She noted a particular interest to help save some wildebeest and rhinoceros, while working with the local women on basket weaving and rug-making using bones as tools and accessories. I am hoping she will complete her PHD by next summer so that she will be able to join us.
My sister Jackie will be happy to accompany us on our endeavors, and perhaps once Aunt Sandra introduces her industrial sized ice-maker to the masses there, we can join some of the park rangers on patrol to assist with the poaching problem. Aunt Sandra and Brenda can do this at night, as they neither one require much sleep.
I am so happy I had this opportunity to enjoy some of my family members outside of their normal environment. I have new insight into these wonderful individuals and I am so proud know them. I cannot wait to find out what new ideas my Aunt Sandra will come up with for our Harrare trip, she may even export air conditioning if none is available. I will note that my family and friends are always happy to welcome new ideas and faces on our excursions...so if anyone would like to join us in Harrare for summer 2008...just drop us an e-mail and we would love for you to join us.
Until next time,
A Woman of Egypt