Self Drive at Lake Chivero

The kids had never been to Lake Chivero so we jumped in the car for a self drive to try and find some wild rhino! Unfortunately, we could not find them, but we did see some cool animals: zebras, impalas, fish eagles, ostrich and a giraffe which Grant loved! We also had a picnic on the lake and enjoyed the day together…

No Ghetto Blasters! Ha…

For dinner, the kids made their own menu for everyone of tin foil dinners to throw in the campfire and they turned out great! Quesadillas, chicken and broccoli and Grant’s banana, smartie and marshmallow dessert…

Safari on Horseback

Gigi especially loves to ride horses. So, today we jumped on horse back for a local safari at Mukuvisi Woodlands. We found giraffe, eland, zebras, impala and a ton of birds…

Our Favorite Place

Mana Pools has become one of our favorite places as a family and we have so many good memories here. It was a perfect way to spend our last summer in Zim and will be a place we will never forget…

On safari. These drives will never get old…

Hanging out on the Zambezi for a sundowner…

The kids have loved having Uncle Jim hang out with us and will be sad to see him go…

Fishing!

Grant had a huge bite when we caught a Vundu. It was 3 feet long and weighed 15 lbs. Unfortunately, as they were pulling it into the boat, the line snapped, but at least he was able to see it. Definitely the catch of the day!

Nothing like a night bath outside…

Not a bad way to spend the afternoon between drives as we listen to the sound of hippos all around…

We will always laugh at this picture of Sahara…

Back on drives. Trying to find that leopard!Sahara’s way of chillin’ on the many hours in the truck…

Gigi: “Can I take my picture next to the hippo skull?” Kas: “Yes, just don’t touch it; the hippo died from Anthrax.” Ha!

Final night drive of the summer: Grant saw his LEOPARD!! 2 in fact. It was the crazy, perfect way to end an awesome trip and we are so glad that he saw one…

Go Devils!!

One of the coolest programs that the USG participates in is scholarships to send highly intelligent students to the States to study at Universities when they would otherwise never be able to afford to go. We were proud to learn that ASU participates and not only gives 1, but 3 scholarships to students in Africa. This year, all 3 were from Zimbabwe! We had the honor of meeting these 3 students before they head off to start school in a month at ASU and look forward to staying in touch with them and seeing them on campus when we visit. Go Sun Devils!!

My Attempt at Saying Goodbye…

When Dutch traders lost in stormy seas first landed in southern Africa, the named the place the Cape of Good Hope– a tribute to the fact that they had at long last arrived safely, found a home, and secured solid ground to stand upon to weather the storm.  I usually leave the blog writing to Kate, but as I sat in my car today I suddenly felt the urge to say goodbye to Africa myself.  As a diplomat, it has become my daily routine to use words and thoughts to get the point across in the most eloquent but meaningful manner possible.  So, I guess this is my ‘diplomatic’ way of saying goodbye to this wonderful, frightening, and powerful place that has been my home for the last two years.   As you all know, I’m a realist- and as such, fully understand the problems and issues facing Africa on a daily basis.  But we hear and see these negative angles all the time.   Africa has its good side as well- its romantic, historic, addictive side… You find it in the embers of a roaring bonfire at a safari lodge along the banks of the Zambezi River at sunset.  You find it in the vast, sparkling expanse of the Milky Way, the southern constellations, and the Southern Cross reigning over you in the night as you fall asleep to the Raw-aw-aw-aw rumbling of the hippos.  You find it laying with your kids in the warm sun and cool grass of your blossoming flower and vegetable garden, gazing up at parrots flying by and the purple jacaranda flowers.  You find it in the seemingly endless lines of Africans waiting patiently  in the hot sun to make their way into the polling station to cast their individual calls for freedom and peace for their children’s children.  As I enter my last few weeks, I suddenly realize how unbelievably fortunate I have been to live here, to experience this place, to call myself African.   It is true, what people who came before us told us, that there is ‘something’ about living in Africa that touches you and sticks with you for life.  When this life is said and done, all we take with us are the experiences and memories and lessons of the life we’ve lived.  I am proud and grateful to have this place impact and forever alter my perception of life on earth.  What is Africa, in the end?  The Dutch had it right– a place to call home, to find shelter from the storm, and to come to explore and really know yourself.  A large part of me will remain here with this place and these people- and I hope to return someday and reclaim it.  Thank you for keeping me and my family safe, for providing us a unique and priceless life experience, and for teaching us to live, to thrive, and to get up when we get knocked down.

Jeremy

A day full of fun

We started out the day exploring the botanical gardens and it was a kids playground!

This was the best climbing tree. Ever. Grant has already made plans to come back…

Next, we decided we couldn’t go home without some ice cream!

The craziest part of the day? Coming home to a bird in the house! The kids squealed as we tried to coax it out of the house…

Finally, Grant had asked if he could have a sleepover with his new friends, Austin and James. Of course! So, Gigi got to invite Abbi over as well and they enjoyed an afternoon and evening of playing, campfires, smores, movies, and fun!

Fire torches…

Grant has already planned his next one, and we are so glad that he has such good friends here already…

National Gallery of Art

After having lunch with dad at the Embassy, we decided to go check out the National Gallery of Art. It was fun and the kids enjoyed checking out all the Zim art. Grant wanted to take this photo and told Gigi, “act serious, we are creating art.” 🙂

One of our favorite local artists (David) was being featured in the gallery. Pretty cool to see someone you know and who you have a painting hanging in your house from…

When we got home, the kids were inspired to do some art projects of their own. Here is one example of their sun art…

Tree Tops

Trampolines, an obstacle course and mini golf – what more could a kid want? Grant and Gigi love Tree Tops! So, we spent the afternoon hanging out and running around as we timed each other on the obstacle course after we had lunch with Dad at the Embassy and made homemade ice cream for game night. 🙂 (Yes, we do game night about every night.)

Balancing Rocks

These are the days we will miss when we leave Zimbabwe. The kids love running around and climbing on the balancing rocks at “Giant’s Playground,” so we spent the day hanging out there and enjoying the sunshine.

Love them…

All the kids love having Uncle Jim hanging out and chasing after them…

Sahara loves that the kids are back and will follow them anywhere…

Of course, we had to stop on the side of the road on the way home to grab a stick of sugar cane. The kids love to chew on it. Well, and then use them as swords…

Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day to the best dad – you are amazing with the kids and they all adore you and love you more than you know. Seriously, 4 peas in a pod! We had a great day celebrating and hanging out with friends before they move. We finished off the night with lemon bars and game night!