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I was extremely fortunate to be able to walk through 2 weeks of wonderland during the 2014 Mirror Word and safari. Francois and Lydia are two of the most gracious people on planet earth. They understand the value of every living thing and it was so amazingly fun to see the heart of our Papa through their eyes.

The week in Hermanus was heavenly. Our home away from home was a 150 year old, 13 bedroom home...allowing all of us to enjoy early morning tea and late night night caps, as we learned about each other and reminisced about the profound revelations and sightings of the day. In the evening we gathered for a wonderful meal, usually a steaming hot pot of delicious soup and bread, as Francois shared from his favorite life's work, the Mirror Word translation of the bible. For 25 years he has studiously and excitedly searched out the heart of our Papa in the original language of the manuscripts that are included in the Bible. His determination and joy have produced a work of art that truly sets the captives free...free to live from the magnificence of their original design, in Christ, in our Father's presence, in abundant Life with great joy! Watching his passion for humanity, to know as they've always been known, is contagious and exhilarating. What freedom we live in! Francois, thank you for enduring all of the questions and critiques....for the joy set before you... smile emoticon

Our entire two weeks I felt like God was showing off in nature. From mating Southern Right Wales to nature walks, revealing gorgeous flowers and plants and learning how they are pollinated (one by ants!) and how all of nature brilliantly endorses the circle of life. The view from the top of the hills, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is spectacular. Keeping our eyes peeled for, and spotting, baboons was delightful!

As we drove away from Hermanus, hoping to return some day soon, rainbows led the way up the coast to Cape Town. We were amazed at how many appeared, reminding us that all of nature is waiting for man to realize the fullness of his glory...and as we wake up, nature responds in triumphant splashes of magnificent wonders!

In Cape Town we had a simply wonderful time of relaxed bonding, as we had the quaint hotel to ourselves. Christo, as usual (thank you Christo!), created a delicious meal and afterwards we sat around the fireplace, laughing and sharing life stories.

In the bush we stayed in thatch hut, stone cabins with circular, outdoor showers attached to each hut. What a thrill to have Brent, our bush guide, prepare a bubble bath for me, telling me to enjoy the stars in the quiet of the outdoor tub. He'd left his puppy with me but all I could think of were the lions we knew were in the camp the night before....as we huddled together and side-stepped like penguins, excitedly (and a tad anxiously) waiting to see where they went. Since the tub sides were the same height as the fence (and the bush grass was 2 feet higher) I could hardly enjoy the serenity of the stars and bath...but I sure appreciated the gesture! lol

Bundling up and climbing into the open jeep was always a thrill. We spent a total of about 30 hours in the jeep...off-roading down dry creek beds and over small bushes searching out the faintest hint of the Big 5. Brent found them all (and many more incredible S. African animals). What a rush, to sit within 10 yards of two grown male lions...as they nursed their wounds from a ruckus fight the previous night. Every morning we awoke to the sounds of lions roaring in the pre-lit dawn. Wow! Half-way through each safari drive we stopped to enjoy a snack, and morning tea or an evening beverage, always catching a spectacular sunset...as the backdrop of the beautiful trees of the bush. We captured everything we could on our cameras, but it was nothing compared to watching the glory unfold. I always wished the sun would set a lot slower.

There is so much more to tell and experience, but it would take a book to write it, as well as taking away from the magical, childlike joy of wondering into the unknown.

Francois and Lydia, thank you for giving of yourselves so effortlessly. It's obvious that, beyond the duties behind the scenes, it's your passion to lead these life changing expeditions. I am so thankful to know you and to have been a part of this gift.

I love you both! See you somewhere soon. 
Stacey, 2014 Safari