We interrupt this regularly scheduled run to bring you the largest living land animal…

I was about a mile in to my Friday afternoon run when I turned my head to discover an ample-sized rear end in the trees. The impressive backside belonged to the equally impressive elephant munching on leaves. I stopped dead and scanned the bush. There were many elephant. I slowly backed up a bit and sat to watch and listen. After a few moments, I heard one make what best can be described as a growling noise, which I decided was my cue to head back to the village. However, I informed Ashley, my site mate, of my interesting find. We walked back up the road and enjoyed about an hour of close-up elephant viewing. The grand finale came when the elephant emerged from the woods to cross the road on their way to the river. There were well over 40 elephant. It was relatively quiet besides the occasional trumpet or rustling of the trees. For such a massive animal, some of which where the length of the road they crossed, they made little noise. It was nearly impossible to hear them lumber through the bush and equally as impossible to see in the trees.

Since the massive herd sighting, I have seen and heard elephant within earshot of my hut as well as several sightings of the large herd that makes its daily trek through my village on its way to water. I will often step out at night to take a pee and hear the sound of the elephant hitting the trees so coconuts will fall for them to eat. I have noticed plenty of elephant dung on my runs. Needless to say, I have adjusted my run to protect myself from any unpleasant elephant encounter, but I recognize that no matter the time of day I have a fair chance of coming across the largest living land animal on the planet. I move on with life with a sense of excitement tempered with caution.

It’s another “this is why I am here” moments:
I am days away from escorting two of my learners to Windhoek so that they could attend this year’s Diversity Tour. The rewards of teaching come in moments such as these. Witnessing two young kids step outside their comfort zone and expand their circle of understanding about the world. This will be the first time either will spend time with anyone who is of another tribe or ethnic group, the first time they see a movie in a movie theater, the first time they see Etosha National Park, the first time they have ever left the region in which they live to explore their amazing country. It’s bound to make a difference. Thank you Warren and Chris for helping to make that experience possible for them.

A final thought as I surpass nine months in Africa..
The past two months have been the most difficult stretch of my service so far. The list of things not working right is alarming. Here is the fast food, microwavable, high-speed, fast lane version:

• I feel a bit disconnected from my African community and my American one. It has lead to a tremendous sense of loneliness.
• My headphones died.
• I had no candles for two months. I used my cell phone for light.
• I had either lentils and rice or oatmeal for nearly every meal for two months.
• I lost my favorite hat.
• My camera was stolen.
• A dog gave birth to eight puppies in my shower area.
• I have not had the amount of Internet access I have grown accustomed to. I realize this is a ridiculous complaint, but I am not ashamed. Internet keeps me connected with all the people I love.

Despite my list, I am doing just fine. I still feel blessed to have this opportunity. And I would not change a moment of it for all the free Internet in the world.