On Something Different

Zambia is a small country in the southern middle region of a very large continent named Africa.  Zambia is one of the few democracies in Africa.  They are a third world country, but one of the most stable countries in Africa.  Zambia is a horseshoe shaped country that is broken up into the northern province, eastern province, western province, an southern province.

The eastern province is at the center of the horseshoe.  In the eastern province is the capital city of Zambia:  Lusaka.  This is also the largest city in Zambia.  With a population of about one point five million, it is much smaller than our home city of Phoenix.  Lusaka is a financially stable city with a lot of the new world's technology and mind set.  Lusaka is not known for tourism, but Zambia does have one of the world's most amazing wonders of the world.


About a six hour drive down to the southern province is a small city named Livingstone.  The city of Livingstone is named after the world famous traveler and explore David Livingstone.  David Livingstone is the most famous explorer in Africa.  From England, Livingstone was charting out new ground for his country.  He walked from the eastern coast and the Indian Ocean all through Africa to the west coast and the Atlantic Ocean.  On this journey, David Livingstone founded the city of Livingstone and discovered one of the world's most astonishing marvels.

On one of his explorations, David Livingstone discovered the beautifully powerful Victoria Falls.  He named them after Queen Victoria who was Queen of England at that time in history.  In the native language of Tonga, they refer to the falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya which means the smoke that thunders.  Before you can even visibly see the falls, you can see a cloud of mist that seems to just rise from the ground.  

Mosi-oa-Tunya rises over 300 feet from the bottom river (the Zambezi) and stretches over a mile and a half wide.  After the initial sight of the falls from an ariel view, you can see the river winding in and out like a snake.  For miles it winds around and has level six rapids which are the highest level and most dangerous rapids in the world.  This all makes Mosi-oa-Tunya one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Zambia, a third world African nation that is covered in poverty much like every other African country, is dirty like everywhere else, and is even smelly like every other country.  But Zambia is different, Lusaka is different, Livingstone is different, and Mosi-oa-Tunya is like no other.  This, this place, is my home and there will always be a piece of me still here.  Mosi-oa-Tunya, Livingstone, southern province, Zambia, Africa, Southern Hemisphere, Earth, the Milkyway galaxy, the Universe, the Mind of God.

~ Jaden Jenkins, class of 2013


[Photos c/o Eric McArthur]

A Trip Like No Other

Saturday Night--March 30, 2013

Pastor Ralph gives a report about the
construction work to the Maramba Church

Chaplain Rob--It's hard to plan "last" worships.  We are going to be leaving tomorrow morning early...it's kind of hard to plan what to say . . . 

"What can you really say?  We actually made it.  For those of you who weren't part of the planning, actually getting here was crazy.  We accomplished something.  We did the projects that we planned.  Lots of things happened to get you here.  You got to live in another country for a week and a half, hang out with them, minister to them.

"What you've done, very few people get to do.  It's hard to imagine because you are from the Adventist culture where we do mission work.  But a small percentage of the world does this.  

Pastor Jay accompanies Eric
during the Sabbath afternoon
meeting at Maramba Church.

"This group is unique.  As many mission trips that you go on from here on out, you will never be on a trip like this again.  You will never have this group of people together again.  This trip will forever be ingrained in your memory.  The people you met, the things you did are unique for yourself  This will never be repeated again.  This group, this people, this ministry will be repeated again.  That's awesome.  You are part of something that only 44 other people experienced in the world.

"You built things that were of eternal value.  You didn't come just for excursions.  You came to work--you sweat, you helped others, you sweat and laid block.  You built something for the future.  People are going to go to church, go to school in that building you helped build.  The people you helped with the medical team, you transformed their lives.  You'll find in heaven for real what you did.  You built things of eternal value.

Chaplain Rob gives some last words
to the Maramba Church on Sabbath afternoon.

"You were part of something very special . . .  So how does this translate?  You're not going to go home and lay a bunch of block outside your house.  You are not going to do triage or pray with someone at a medical clinic.  You won't have zebras in your front yard.  But . . . you can still build things of eternal value in your neighborhood.  There are things to be built back home of eternal value.  People to meet.  Souls to win.  I hope this is the start of you doing something of eternal value.

Brooke, Eric, and Alex sing for the church
one last time.

"Alex said he never thought he could sing an acapella solo.  But he realizes that he can now.  Those are things that translate.  It's not over.  Sure, it can be over if you want it to be.  Or it can be extended throughout the rest of your life.  Because things translate.  It doesn't have to end.  The work and mission does not end here.  We need it at home, too.

Brooke, Mrs. Maloon, Alex, Eric, Dr. Muncy,
and Pastor Jay at the Maramba Church

"So...does it end for you tomorrow or does it continue on into eternity?  Are you going to keep going, building things of eternal value?  Will this be the start of experience after experience of a life with Jesus.  Where does it start of you?  Does it continue?  Or is it just a small experience?"

Share Time

At the beginning of the trip, Chaplain Rob asked each team member "What do you want God to do for you on this trip?"  At our last worship together, he asked the question again.  Here are some of the answers:

Mission Team members enjoy a mini-concert
of African folk music on instruments made
of gourds.

Eric--when you're in the U.S., you're really comfortable and you don't have to rely on God.  Everything is repetitive and becomes kind of trivial.  When you're on a mission trip you don't know what's going to happen.  You have to rely on God more.  This week has made me rely on God, and I'm comfortable doing that.  I never preached before, but I've come to rely on Him to get me through that.  He's made me rely more on Him and I'm thankful for that.

Rebeca--I asked God to help me be more grateful.  Throughout the week I saw how much things meant to people here and when I go back I'm going to appreciate things more.

Jessica--I wanted to get closer to God and I think He helped me do that.  We didn't have as many distractions and I was able to focus more and get closer to Him.

The zebras enjoyed the culture, too.

Abigail--before this, I wasn't that close to God and I felt I couldn't do things.  I'm not the most social person in the world and I thought the kids wouldn't like me, but they all love everyone and I felt like I could do anything...With God all things are possible.

Alex--this journey didn't start here.  It started back in Phoenix when we went out to other churches asking for support and working our way to get here.  I'm glad I'm able to take something back to share with the church members.

African folk dancers joined the marimba players.

Alejandra--I didn't really want to come on the trip too much.  I was scared that it would be kind of a slap in the face.  I didn't want to get a spiritual high and then lose it when I go back.  It was kind of a slower embrace...like a little hug from God, that He's here for me...that I won't lose it when I get back but that it will slowly kind of grow.

Jacob--in the beginning of the week, I was just oh cool Africa.  But then it's a mission trip.  I prayed to God "show me that you are here."  It wasn't just the construction work or the little things I appreciated...There were many little things that wouldn't have happened without Him.  My wallet being found, I lost and found Mario's key, and a bunch of other things.  It's crazy how He can work with small things like that.

Cook Christi--I was just hoping for a friend.  I didn't know anyone or anything.  Its was pretty stressful.  Miss Aastrup's the best/coolest roommate ever.  I got 45 friends out of this.  It's pretty cool.

Dr. Morada--I want to congratulate to Mrs. Warren for setting this up.  Most don't know the hours that were spent in preparing for the medical part of this trip.  We know how difficult it is.  Mrs. Warren made it happen and I congratulate her for her good work.  Everything we needed, it was there.  Chaplain Rob is very energetic and indefatigable.  I congratulate everyone for doing their work.  The medical part I'd like to commend Ashley and Arlyn for staying there from beginning to end.  Everybody was cooperating and we were delighted to join you in this experience.  I praise God for that.

Enjoying the warmth of the African
sun at Kaazmein Lodge.

Alex--Austin and Sam [bus drivers] are the coolest guys every.  They have become good friends.

Thanks to Mrs. Muncy for all the organization of this trip.

Flexibility Awards

Eric--for getting through a difficult afternoon with the microphone/singing

Pastor Jay--big help with the guitar

Sam and Austin--for driving anywhere and everywhere

Chaplain Rob--the whole entire week/trip.  You remained cool and calm.  The seniors were talking on the plane about how crazy it's been.  But it's good that Chaplain Rob's here...He reminds us of home...it's all good...

VBS Team leads out in some songs during
the last worship in Africa.

Miss Aastrup--for taking the time to write our story...

Some of the leadership team at
Maramba Church

Mr. Maloon--Mr. Morada said "this is going to be a test of our faith" in September.  That kept proving itself.  Our prayers were to have the right people to do the right things.  Mrs. Muncy did a great job. The Moradas.  Dr. Muncy with our medical team.  Originally there were 45 kids going.  Just like Gideon, God tested our faith and it came down to you 25.  Mr. Anderson had to drop out and we got  Mr. Bujor and Pastor Robertson.  All the pieces fell into place.  We needed a VBS leader and we got the complete package in the Pearson family.  They even brought the materials and helped us get here.  We had all of the pieces of the puzzle except one.  We originally had Henry Livergood for a cook, but then he had to drop out, so we began to pray.  One day I got a random call from someone who wanted her niece at Thunderbird and we ended up with a cook.  Then there's Mrs. Warren...there's a Christianly kindness about her.  She can lead in such a kind way.  Thanks to both Deedee and Jay Warren.  Then to Sam and Austin.  They are not just two friends but part of our family.  They've been a blessing to us.  It's been a test of faith, but God has answered.  And a lot of times He's answered with people.

Chaplain Rob--we can't forget Mr. and Mrs. Maloon.  She made all kinds of spreadsheets and then her flexibility at church...and Mr. Maloon--you have no idea how many hours we've spent praying for the finances of this trip.  And Mr. Morada, thank you for giving me the opportunity to preach and for giving me "the state of the dead."  I didn't know how I was going deal with that but then one day I met with Pastor Arujo who told me that the state of the dead was a big deal to the people here.  God gave me that topic--thank you for pushing me on that.

Mr. Maloon--if you want to know why Thunderbird works, these (Ms. Aastrup, Chaplain Rob, Mr. Morada) are three reasons why.  And the young people!  You're the best behaved kids, such a wonderful group of kids.

Robbie--you guys have been so flexible

Pastor Jay--Mission is all about serving others and not being served.  That involves being in uncomfortable circumstances sometimes.  Stuff happens, but there were smiles and laughter and then you moved on.  I want to congratulate you.  There was no drama; you did a fantastic job.  Thank you for being good kids.  Christopher [taxi driver] feels enveloped into this family.  He has never felt the love and belonging and the feeling that he is a loved and valued member of our team.

Chaplain Rob--then there's the person who met Pastor Jay, DeeDee and me at the airport.  We've talked a lot, by the hour.  Thank you so much Eugene.

One of the folk dancers

Mrs. Warren--I really can't take the credit for all you said about me.  I feel the whole medical team was awesome.  Dr. Irene, Dr. Morada, Dr. Muncy--saw more than 500 people in 3 partial days.  You kids were so helpful.  It was hot out there.  We got mobbed a couple of times.  Everybody pitched in and did what we needed to do.  We had a wonderful team.

Pastor Ralph--I want to thank the young people, too.  I only volunteered to lay block and then I got called on to lead out.  You guys showed great patience and learned well.  Thank you for what you did.  Usually I go on trips with people I know, but I've gotten to know all of you and have enjoyed it.  Thank you to Peter Bujor, too.  You were a tremendous help.

Chaplain Rob--each one of you matters in a special way.  Students, for not complaining and for being flexible and understanding.  Adults, I can't thank you enough for being part of this trip and adding elements that we wouldn't have had otherwise. For the leadership team and all the hours you spent in addition to your work.  And because of this we have a lifetime of memories to share with others and to remember

Mrs. Pearson--I think you guys have been awesome.  You've been great to our girls.  You've been awesome examples to our girls.  They really look up to you.  The staff, you've been so patient and kind.  You've been incredible.

Bittersweet Thoughts about a Sweet Experience

Friday Night Worship--March 29, 2013

After a long day of excitement at Victoria Falls, the Mission Team members were pretty tired.  Chaplain Rob's worship focused on the emotions they were experiencing as the trip was coming to a close.  "Trips like this come to an end inevitably," he said.  "You must miss your families.  It's kind of different for us.  I don't know that we feel quite like that about Zambia.  But we will miss what we've done here and who we've done it with.  It's been just about two weeks that hopefully are the beginning of something different in your life.  Ellen White talks about it . . . how the disciples reviewed different stories after Jesus died and then left them.  It's kind of bitter sweet.

"I want to add some sweetness to that.  The Bible tells us, 'Lo I am with you always even unto the ends of the earth.' Maybe this is the end of our mission trip in a few hours, but this should be the beginning of a lifetime of service.  A life worth living.  A life that's fun and enjoyable and peaceful.  Some of the most peaceful moments were just being here working with you guys.  A life with Jesus can be peaceful and enjoyable.  Think about it as a turning point to a new beginning in your life.  The people here need what you have here.  Jesus died and rose from the grave and it was the beginning.  Changed the world."

Cool Experiences

Alejandra/Narce--bungee jumping

Alex--someone in town asked me if I was SDA.  Said he had seen me hanging around with kids at the Maramba Church

Jaden--I was desperately trying to find soccer jersies and couldn't find them.  Then I came to a third place and there were a bunch of them.

Mrs. Maloon--last night during worship I had a long heart-to-heart talk with one of the girls who works here.  We had a great opportunity to share.  We prayed together.

Jacob--I got my wallet back.  It was an answer to prayer.  I'm really happy about that.

Chaplain Rob--We saw an awesome force of nature.  We got here at at prime time for the force of water to show itself

Ms. Aastrup--I'm really proud of our kids.  They have been so good--haven't complained much, have done what they needed and what they were asked to do.  It's been a blessing to spend this time with them.

Mrs. Pearson--I loved all the cool rainbows...especially the full circle one

Johann--I got to talk with some of the Zambian soldiers (Ms. Aastrup did too)

Jaden--I enjoyed the safari yesterday.   Had the best jeep people

Grant--the baboons were really funny

Eric--it's kind of sad because we've met so many nice new people on this trip.  We created this mission trip family and I'm sad it's ending

Cook Christi--this morning when we were doing all the money changing...you are only allowed to change $1000 and he let me change $2000 and wrote a receipt for $1000 and said "You'd do the same for me in your country."

Chaplain Rob--there's a lot of that in this country.  It's all about community.

Dr. Muncy--on the combo event today with the lions, we actually got to walk the lionesses down these trails with no leashes.  We could hold on to their tails and follow them wherever they would go.  It reminded me of what heaven will be like.

Flexibility Awards

Jaden--Christi--because she did a lot to make it happen for me to get my jersies; Mr. Maloon because I could only go because of him; Robbie because he didn't let it bother him

Eric--got bitten by a lion cub

Narce--Chaplain Rob, Mr. Maloon, Ms. Aastrup and everyone who did something to help me go bungee jumping

Jacob--Mr. Maloon and Ms. Aastrup the way they helped my sister and me out

Mr. Maloon--Cook Christi

Alex--Pastor Ralph

Nightly Reading:  Matthew 5:13-16

[Photos c/o Eric McArthur from his helicopter ride over the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.  He went with Keaton, the Warrens, and the Maloons.]

Walls of Protection

Friday Morning worship--March 29, 2013

Pastor Jay opened the Friday worship with a question:  "How many of you were at the construction site and saw the Morada family making that wall?  The whole family was working at the one spot, each one doing their part."  He went on with a Bible story:

"There's a similar story in Nehemiah where Nebuchadnezzer had blasted down the walls and they were going home to rebuild.  Chapter 3 there's a whole list of people who were working on the walls.  There was a man and all of his daughters working.  That was different enough to list the fact that his daughters were working.  The city walls had been pushed over and each family took a section of the wall to rebuild.  It's kind of interesting because when you go in the OT and look at why the wall was broken down in the first place, you see that it was because of the breakdown of the family in the first place.  When society is going south, it's because families are going south.  When the family broke down that's when the enemies could break down the wall.  But the families worked together and were able to rebuild the walls.

"When you have a strong Christian Jesus-loving family, then you are a building block in the walls of society.  Some walls are good.  But there are also bad walls--like the wall of separation that Jesus broke down.  In Jerusalem there was a wall in the sanctuary and a foreigner could not cross it for fear of your life.  Archeologists have found the plaque that warned people not to cross the walls.  That's why in Galatians Pauls says good news:  God has broken own the wall of separation.

"In the next several years when you get married, you are going to need to build a wall around your family.  You will have gates, and choices about what you will allow to affect your family.  Keep out bad and let in good.  Here we are...a little family.  We have built some walls.  Those are good walls.  Those are walls that will keep people in a relationship with Jesus for years to come and surround us as a family of God.

"There are bad walls that make us feel like we're better than anyone else, then there's the good kind of wall that keeps the devil out and will keep us safe and strong.  Be building those walls in your own life so that when you are married and have children you can build the good walls and tear down the bad ones.

Let's work together in rebuilding the walls--the walls of protection."

We then sang the "Maranatha Song" before going on our way to work for the day:

"Good Morning, it's God's morning whether it's sunny or gray

Good Morning, it's God's morning, I hope you have a wonderful day."

 

God Encounters in Africa

Maranatha's director of the Southern/Central Africa projects, David Woods, visited with the TAA Mission team on Wednesday evening.  He and his family met with us at the construction site earlier in the day and then came to Kaazmein Lodge in the evening for worship.  [In a strange side-note for me, it turns out that he and I were in elementary school together a number of years (decades?!) ago.  My dad was our principal and his dad was my 5th grade teacher.  We have not seen each other since.]  After the usual announcements, Mr. Woods shared some information and a few stories of God's blessings in Africa:

"The "Volunteer" component of our name--you are at the heart of that.  We are excited to have volunteers like you in our territory (Malaui and Mozambique).  I wanted to give you the big picture of what we're up to here:  we are trying to finish the gospel here.  This is the largest union in the SDA church in terms of membership.  839,000 members in the Zambia Union.  3 million SDAs in Zambia and only 13 million in the country.  The Church is growing fast here.  We're not doing anything special, but this is a Christian nation. And everybody is an evangelist.

"There are 3500 churches to be built here.  There are only a handful of schools right now.  We are to build more.  The work is more than we can manage and we have no money, but we move forward anyway by God's grace.  There are 27,000 Adventists in this town with no secondary school right now.  The project that you are working on now is going to be a great blessing.

"Two years ago some friends of ours who are water specialists in northern California were invited to spend the night with us. . ."  Mr. Woods then told the story about some thieves who broke into their house...The didn't know what else to do, so they said, "Let's pray."  Out loud they called on Jesus.  Immediately the guys turned and ran.  They all just fled.  Disappeared.  We couldn't believe they had gone instantly.  Just like that.  Whatever they saw, it scared them.  There were eight of them all told.  No one was hurt, no one got the family."

Another time they had a student missionary come over.  "He was doing videography.  His car didn't start so I drove to where he was.  The car was dead.  So I started towing the car.  We entered a roundabout.  I saw a car coming down a hill and it goes right between the car and the towed car.  Two things--the car went right over the tow rope.  That's a miracle.  The fact that the missionary could tow behind me for 8 kilometers with his steering wheel locked.  It was pretty cool that the Lord made that happen."

A kid came to live with them.  "He laid his sleeping bag under a one-day church and slept all night.  He woke up and saw a cobra curled up beside him.  God protected him all night long.

"God is doing cool things with you.  You can't come to Africa just once.  You're going to have to come back."

Cool Stories

Chaplain Rob--saw my friend Joseph every day at the meeting since I invited him

Brooke--Narce and I were sitting around at the job site, taking a break.  This guy Hillary came up and I was asking about his family.  He was telling me how he had become a Maranatha worker.  He's been working for four years.  He was laid off from work and his friend called and said M. was coming into the area.  He wasn't an Adventist and didn't know anything about M. but he came to work and got interested and has decided to get baptized.  Just by him being able to work with M. people he got closer to God.

Jaden--I felt honored to be the one to put the paper in the wall.

Chaplain Rob--The leadership team was trying to figure out a way to be a permanent part of something.

Alex--we haven't given much thought about our Lusaka-Livingstone trip--how we got through that trip.  We should have given thanks to God for the safe trip.

Miss Christi--seeing that school this afternoon--so awesome about the project.  Talked with two guys who said "I'm going to teach there one day."  The other said "I'm going to school there some day."  We've been making dreams this week.  We have changed futures for generations just for the time that we've been here.

Chaplain Rob--the drivers are so thankful for schools that are built.  It means the world to them.  Thank you for building our community.

Miss Christi--Christopher said "You are the hands of God to Zambia."  He cannot express his thanks enough.  This is God's work.  He loves Adventism.

Mrs. Maloon--I was trying out my Tonga with some of the kitchen guys.  Talked with the cook.  He had been an Adventist but had left the church for Pentacostal but was going to come back.  ASked for a Bible.  Pastor Jay is going to get one for him.  He's so grateful for that.

Mr. Maloon--community is big for them and so are people.  We think "they are so happy with so little."  But that's not really it.  It's a different paradigm.  They aren't happy with little, they just have different priorities.  They love us.  "I missed you."

Pastor Ralph--I shared the solar powered box that has the whole Bible on it.  I brought two with me.

Chaplain Rob--Bibles are coveted.  I gave my Bible away last night.  I asked the guy what he read:  Revelation 13.

Eric--at the beginning of this week at the construction site I was talking with a kid.  He was wanting to know more about God.  Wanted the Great Controversy or something like that.  Two days later I went back.  I didn't have any of the books, but I prayed about it and Mario gave me two and I gave them to him and he was so happy.  He has a big family and he will share it with them.

Mr. Maloon--The Simonga Village visit--gave 4 Bibles away.  Gave one to a girl who knew Bible verses, was going to share it with her family.

Pastor Ralph--4 little boys wanted a Bible.  Lots of people  want Bibles.  They are memorizing verses, but they don't have their own Bibles.

Chaplain Rob--helped Eugene find Ellen White writings on his phone.  Now he can download her

books for free!

Jaden--it was kind of cool.  Kevvy at the work site.  All week long we've been talking about the evangelism meetings and he was there tonight.

Jaanai--a little girl came up today and asked me if I wanted to be her best friend.  She gave me a note and told me she loved me.  She was an orphan.  I wanted to cry.

Flexibility Award

Miss Christi--whole entire kitchen crew today was excellent.  Lots of kudos

Alex--Mrs. Maloon--organizing the worship team for the evangelism

Mrs. Pearson--Eric...helped lifting buckets at the work site.  And he didn't complain all day and he had a smile on his face.

Rebeca--for Leah and Macy--always helping out so cheerfully

Mr. Maloon--Dorcas Award has to go to Marilyn for giving her shoes away today.

6 Ways to an Adrenaline Rush

"We were chased by zebras, challenged by elephants, and chewed on by lions," Mrs. Maloon said to me after Thursday and Friday's African animal encounters.  Indeed, Friday was all about adrenaline.  The majority of the TAA Mission team experienced a series of serious adrenaline rushes throughout the day--if not one way, then another, and another, and another.

1.  The day began early in the morning with the "Lion Walk" adventure where they literally walked the lions--on and off a leash--fed the baby lions, and rode elephants.  The lion cubs did, indeed chew on a few of arms and legs, and the zebras at the lodge did chase a few Thunderbird students once or twice when they got too close for the zebras' comfort.  The challenging elephants came the day before in Botswana (see previous entry for that story).

2.  From there, they moved over to Victoria Falls where they met up with the group members who had chosen more extreme ways of increasing their adrenaline flow:  the zip line/slide, the swing, and the bungee jump over the Zambezi River.

3.  Meanwhile, the action-adventure group had started with the zip line (or slide as it is called in Zambia) over the Zambezi River into Zimbabwe at the far side of the bridge.  Some in the group went solo, others in tandem.  All said it wasn't as scary as they thought it would be and that it was slower than they hoped--although they had time to actually look at what they were soaring over instead of zipping by everything in a blur.

4.  At that point, most were done with the activities, but Jacob moved on to the swing down from the bridge and out across the river.  From this observer's perspective, this was the most terrifying event to watch.  It's hard to explain when you can't see it, but  I am still scared to think of it!  Adrian and Ahilyn did this same swing event in tandem--and it was just as scary watching two do it as it was watching one.

5.  The last of the big three events was the bungee jump.  Narce, Alejandra, and Jacob braved this adventure, making all wonder what could top this.

6.  Once done at the bridge, all parties met at Victoria Falls for a walking tour of the area above and along the falls.  We were warned it would be wet, but most had no idea that in this case "wet" meant "wet to the bone."  The wet came not just from the heavy mist and spray from the falls, but from a downright deluge whenever the wind gusted in our direction as we walked down slick moss-covered steps and slid across the moss-covered Knife-Edge Bridge that crossed a portion of the falls.  There were screams of laughter and surprise as we gingerly navigated (speaking for myself at least) the slippery sidewalk.  For some (including yours truly) this was the best shower of the week (a trickle of cold water hardly constitutes a real shower, but it's all we had to work with).

In addition to all these adrenaline-releasing activities, the group enjoyed dickering and bartering with the natives in their small, dark "shops."  It was fun to reunite on the busses at the end of the day to see what treasures a t-shirt, a toothbrush, or a 4-color pen plus a few dollars or kwacha purchased.  By the time we returned to Kaazmein Lodge, everyone was exhausted with all the energy expended in various ways.  Even those who just watched were worn out.  It was an excellent day--even a "best day ever" kind of day :)