The kids were very excited when they realized that most of us (everyone except Saeryn, in fact) will celebrate a birthday in Africa. We sometimes try to plan a special event or family outing to celebrate a birthday, so are thrilled and thankful to have some new and exciting opportunities to do that here in Kenya together!
To celebrate Bronwyn’s birthday, we went to the elephant orphanage near our home. There are currently 24 elephants being cared for here, and we were able to see 20 of them. The other 4 are very new to the facility, and not ready for visitors. Most of these babies lost their mothers, and therefore their entire herd & family, due to poaching. It is very important to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to have Kenyan keepers and managers, in order to promote ownership of the elephants, and spread understanding of the need for their protection. Some of these keepers will care for one elephant for up to 10 years until they are successfully integrated into a new herd! Each elephant is named, in correlation to where they were rescued, and we heard their different stories, and some about their unique personalities and traits, which we could even see as we watched them interact with keepers and each other.
We loved watching the baby elephants (aged 5 months to 2 years) being fed by their keepers – and laughed at how some of the bigger ones could hold their own bottles!
It was a lot of fun to get up close and personal with the elephants.
It definitely was a birthday to remember. We’re told the elephants won’t forget either!
So cool! Janelle was wanted to call Bronwyn for her birthday but I said that wasn’t going to work because of the distance. 😉 Looks like you all had a wonderful time!
LikeLike
When our wifi is back, B would love to try a video call over Hangouts maybe? She says hi to Janelle 😊
LikeLike
Very cool! How are you going to top that for the next birthday?!
LikeLike
We did set the bar high, eh 😄
LikeLike
One of God’s charges to us, is to care for His creation and creatures. What a wonderful opportunity to expose young minds and hearts to seeing elephants in their native country despite their plight. What a wonderful way to spend a birthday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re all thankful to have such a “classroom” for this time! So much to learn. Good to hear from you 🙂
LikeLike
Today you are blessed to celebrate another birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Torin! God bless you with good health and safety, a fun day, and assurance of God’s love.
We prayed for you and your family at church yesterday, that God would use you to bless many people’s lives.
Love and Prayers,
Ken and Gloria Van Zee
LikeLike
Thank you, Gloria & Ken!
LikeLike