UPCLOSE WITH THE ELEPHANTS

Well here it is Dad - the much promised updated blog! I admit I have been a slacker. Just think on August 15 at 6:15pm at the Grand Rapids Airport, you will all have a chance to welcome us HOME!!

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We have been busy getting things ready to ship home, packing, buying airline tickets, finding a new person to head up ICT, finding replacements for us for GEMS and BUGS, spending time with our friends, and definitely seeing more of Africa and its beauty!

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Last Saturday we went to an elephant sanctuary near Hartbeesport Dam. We took some friends with us - Kelli and Melissa. WOW! It was an amazing experience. We all learned a lot. The kids just had their mouths open wide.

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Here are some pictures of our day:

The elephant posed for the picture!

Listening to the guide talk about the elephants.

Have you ever seen the inside of an elephants mouth? HUGE!!

And then comes the fun part. I was the guinea pig to get a kiss from an elephant. Now I was just thinking a little nudge on the cheek. What I got was a HUGE VACUUM stuck to the side of my face! Gross!! Stinky!! Hilarious!!

My surprised face!!

The "lipstick" left behind on my cheek.

We learned a lot about elephants. We learned how to tell apart and African Elephant from an Asian elephant. The African elephant have huge ears (shaped liked Africa). We also learned that the ear hole of an elephant is in front of his huge ear and not behind - so crazy!

After my kiss and scream, Alex was not too sure about getting close to the elephant.

Maddie was the opposite. She was so excited to touch him. We were able to touch their long trunks, under their hairy chin, their squishy bellies, their tough knees, and their tough bottoms of their feet.

Scott had his fun too! He was almost as tall, but definitely not the same weight. Temba (the elephant) was 7 years old and weighed a lot. Here are some African elephant facts:

African elephants are the largest land animals with body growth continuing for up to 30 years. Bulls (males) may reach a height of 9-13 feet (3-41/2 m) at the shoulder and weigh between 9,000-13,000 pounds (4,500-6,000 kg). Cows (females) are smaller in size, averaging 7-9 feet (2.5-3 m) at the shoulder and weighing between 4,500-7,000 pounds (2,200-3,000 kg). An adult elephant will be almost as tall as it is long. The ears alone can measure nearly 6 feet (2 m) high and 4 feet (1.5 m) wide and weigh almost 100 pounds (45 kg).

Madison loving the day!

Madison walking an elephant.

Wow - what an amazing experience she had!

Alex softening up as the day went on.

Not sure if Alex is walking the elephant or pulling the elephant!

He was so afraid the elephant was going to suck in his jacket (I would be afraid of my whole hand)!

Feeding the elephants

This picture is for Grandma Leenstra - notice the tongue sticking out in concentration - I think that is a Boersma trait!

The elephants loved Alex - He would give them so much food at a time!

Maddie would give a little at a time and then the elephant would wait until more was put in before he put it into his mouth.

Another great experience and I am so glad we have had this opportunity!

This is who we went with - Kelli and Melissa. Kelli (in the black jacket) left for home to Ohio on July 15. She lived in South Africa for a year working for Ambassadors in Sports. She is getting married in Seattle in December! I am so excited for her. I will greatly miss her, but what is so awesome is we will only live 6 hours from each other. It was great to meet such a great friend in Africa! I wish her all the best in planning her wedding!

Miss you already Kelli, but I will see you soon!! God Bless You!