September Update

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – the giver of all good gifts. I thought that three months was enough time between updates – it’s been a whirl wind. So, here we go.



For the last 5 years, South Africa has been preparing for the Soccer World Cup. Millions of dollars was invested in infrastructure and stadiums throughout the country. The people were incredibly excited about hosting this month long soccer tournament. We were able to capitalize on the event by co-hosting a volunteer team from the States. During the day we held soccer clinics. The balls that we used were called Evangi-balls which had red, yellow, green, black, and of course, white. Each day the plan of salvation was given from the balls. At the end of the week, the balls were given away as prizes. On various nights we either showed a World Cup game or the JESUS film. Several people prayed to receive Christ. Josiah and I were able to attend a World Cup game in Rustenburg. We saw Slovenia and New Zealand play to a 1-1 tie. It was very cold. Here some links to other pubished articles  - here, here, here, here,


During the World Cup time, however, our attention was drawn back to the States as Jody’s dad was continuing to fight an infection. This interfered with his ability to get back on his chemo schedule. He would get better and then regress. Several times with looked at airline tickets to return home, but it did not seem anything was imminent. The situation changed drastically when in the early morning he fell on his way to the bathroom. Again the doctors were positive and there would not be any lasting damage from the fall. But as the days of June came to a close, we felt, along with Oakland Heights Baptist Church that it was time for Jody to return to the States. She arrived on July 1st, and was able to have one last conversation with her dad that day. OHBC provided the opportunity for me and the kids to return to the States. Many of you followed our saga through my Facebook status. We were able to find some tickets leaving on the following Tuesday and arrive on Wednesday afternoon. Long story short, we were unable to make that flight. Dad died early Wednesday morning, and we left Johannesburg that evening not arriving in Longview until 2:30 am, Friday morning. His service was 12 hours later, Friday afternoon, at 3:00 pm and burial was Saturday in Muskogee. It was a couple of days that I care not to live through again. However, I do have to say that I felt God’s grace like never before. In the 66 hours of travel with the kids, I didn’t have one complaint against them – not one single problem or incident. They were fantastic and I have nothing but highest praise for them – definitely and only the grace of God.






We returned to Mmabatho on August 6th just kind of shell-shocked. The month of July flew by with so many activities of trying to help Jody’s mom with life in general. We had a huge garage sale and were able to sell both of their vehicles – another touch of God’s grace. Having only been back from our Stateside for about three months, coming back again to Mmabatho was like starting over. I was encouraged, however, as I returned to my Bible studies to find my people still willing and wanting to attend. Before the World Cup started, I told them that we wouldn’t meet for a couple of weeks, as I was busy with the volunteer team. I gave them a notebook and a pen and asked them to start copying the Gospel of Mark. They did it, but did not understand that I wanted them to continue, even though they finished chapter 1. The first time we met again in August, I asked them to share what God had taught them individually. They shared for about 35 minutes. At the close, I told them that they don’t need me anymore –they have God’s Word and it is enough. God wants to speak to them individually and they don’t need a teacher! They got it – they understood.


Jody’s ministry partner, Lorato, is getting married. That is good news for her – being a widow for the last 11 years. Her burden of caring for herself and children will be lightened immensely. The bad news is that she will be moving away and so leaves Jody without a ministry partner until God makes a move. Since our return in March, God has been telling Jody to “Be still and know that I am God.” So, until God makes a move and let’s her know what to do, she is just gonna rest in the comfort of The Word.


We have started the new school year with Andy being a sophomore, Josiah beginning 7th grade, Caleb doing 4th grade work, and Bethany starting 1st grade in January 2011 at ISSA. We received our crate on the Wednesday after returning home. So, it was like Christmas in August as we enjoyed all the stuff that we crammed into a 147 sq. ft. crate. The girls got their swing set/playground – I couldn’t set it up fast enough. A special thanks to First Bossier for providing that for the girls – they love it!!!


A special thanks to all of you for remembering to pray for us. God is so good – even through difficult circumstances – when nothing makes sense and 2+2 doesn’t equal 4 anymore. God grace has sustained us and He has blessed so much. Your prayers have enabled us to return when deep down it was not our desire. You strengthened us when we didn’t have the strength to carry on. Oakland Heights Baptist Church did nothing but act like Jesus!!!! (make sure you understand that last statement) They were Jesus in the flesh – they were His hands and His feet. They loved on us and continue to take care of us!


Throughout this update, you see what you can pray about – as God leads, you pray and we will be thankful. Be Blessed.

Capitalizing on the World Cup

Check out what we've been up to during the World Cup.
Click HERE if you can't see the YouTube Video.

Just Some Pictures

These are just some pictures in no particular order or particular theme.

This was Melody's first meal at the big table.  The day before she told us

 that she was ready  to sit at the big table and not sit in her baby seat. 

You can see her high-chair in the back ground.

As part of a celebration for Andy's 15th birthday, Jody made a cake for him to

take to Friday Night Youth  at the church.  He said he wanted a cake with the

South African flag on it.  It was in no ways related to his birthday. However,

in celebration of the 2010 World Cup and in support of the South African

soccer team, on Fridays, people have been wearing  SA  soccer

jersey's and colors.  We have been supporting them.

Sleep-over at the Jones in Gaborone, Botswana.  

The boys started out in line on their pillows toward the top of the picture.

Certainly thinking some deep thoughts!!

Mother's Day 2010

It is hard to believe that Andy turned 15 on the 11th of May. 

He said he wanted a chocolate cake with green icing !?!?! 

Teenagers!!

This is just Melody being herself.  She is wearing a "dress-up" dress. 

She will start in her clothes for the day and then it is no telling what

 she  will end up inby the end of the day.  When it was warmer, she

would end the day in her swimming suit, regardless of getting in the water!

The boys playing basketball.  We were able to bring back a portable

basketball set in our crate in 2007.  The last several weeks they

have been playing with some neighborhood boys.

Melody wearing Caleb's Chargers hat.

She loves the camera!

Andy and Josiah were in a skit at church.  Andy played Jesus

in the skit. We are praying that this becomes a reality in his life!!

Josiah was also a "character of disrepute" in the skit. 

He loved being able to wear a hat and sunglassess in church!

Dennis preaching at the Easter Conference in Mafikeng the

Saturday night of Easter weekend.

Saying our 'good-byes' to the cousins in Oklahoma

before we came back to South Africa.

On the way to our annual meeting in Tshipese this year,

we spent the night in Warm Baths

Back in States, we found a playground for the girls to

play on one afternoon in South Texas.

Bethany receiving a Scripture and her "5-year" pin from

her "Aunt" Lisa. She has 5 years on the field.

April Update

Hello Everyone – I figured it was about time to let everyone know the latest news – so here it goes.

First of all, we just have to rejoice in the watch-care that the Lord has provided for us. It has simply been incredible. Everyone remains healthy without any major incidents. All of our travels have been without any dire situations. We are incredibly thankful for all the safely travelled miles in the States (7000+) and now over 3000 kilometers while back in South Africa. We just have to praise the Lord. God has been incredibly gracious to us in those aspects.

We continue to receive good news from Jody’s dad’s situation. There should be a meeting in mid-May that should reveal how the last months of treatment have gone and what kind of treatment regimen should begin. We pray that whatever happens, he will be able to get the needed treatment in Longview and not have to travel to Little Rock every week and-a-half or so. Don’t stop praying for supernatural healing, though!

One week after arriving back in South Africa and traveling to our house on March 18th , we packed our bags for a week-long meeting in Tshipese, South Africa. While it was nice to see all of our friends, it wasn’t necessarily that nice to pack up again and travel some 850 kilometers in two days. But God is good and our travels were without incident. The weather was beautiful, and it was good to be back in that area of the country. It was our first meeting there since 2006.

After arriving back home, we pulled out the measuring stick and measured everyone. All the kids had grown at least one inch while in the States. We figured so since clothes that we bought at the beginning of our time in the States were not fitting as well when we returned. Andy is in the middle of his 9th grade year. I told him when we were getting on the plane for our return flight that this was the last time he would be returning to South Africa with us. We were both stunned at the comment. When we go back to the States, in 1177 days, part of our plans will be to put him in college somewhere. Wow!!!! Josiah will finish 6th grade by the end of July. He is doing his typically excellent work. Caleb wanted to be homeschooled, so when we returned, he did not go back to the International School of South Africa. They won’t be without a Janz for long, however, as Bethany will start 1st grade in January 2011. She and Melody continue to be best of friends. They play so well together. As Jody and I are busy teaching the boys in the morning, they are relegated to keeping themselves busy. They do a pretty good job playing together, playing a game or watching some TV – usually Dora, Wonder Pets or the BBC children’s channel called Cbeebees.(CBB’s).

You may or may not know that we, the IMB, have been going through a massive reorganization these last 8-10 months. With the reorganization have come a lot of changes. With those changes have come a lot of new forms and procedures. Getting back on the field when we did, we got back in the middle of when all these forms, goals, budgets, and meetings were due. So needless to say, I have been on the computer for what seems like forever. Fortunately, I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel, and now we can get back to the main things. Jody has returned to Moshawane a couple of times and is reconnecting with her ladies. It is her goal to finish work in that area by the end of the year and see what else God has for her – wherever that will be.

I was asked to preach at the Easter Conference here in Mafikeng the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. I had a great time re-establishing some relationships with pastors that I had not seen in some time. Easter is bigger than Christmas here in South Africa. Each year they have a 3-day conference on Easter weekend – it’s their biggest gathering of the year. I have been out to Extension 39 a couple of times to kind of see what happened, if anything , while we were away. I tried to make contact with Pastor Michael this morning by driving to his church. At 10:30 this morning, there was no one there, so I was unable to see him.

We have a volunteer team coming in June to do some work during the FIFA Soccer World Cup. South Africa is the host country and people are abuzz and have been for the last couple of years. It is like a month-long Super Bowl-type atmosphere. It is going to be crazy. Team USA plays England two hours away from us, in Rustenburg. Unfortunately, we don’t have tickets.

We would ask you to continue to pray for Jody’s dad as that is on our hearts every day. Pray for both of our ministries that God would simply lay before us where He wants us to be. Pray that we would see what He is doing and hear what He is saying. Pray for spiritual understanding and discernment in our lives. Thank Him for our health and well-being. Pray that our hearts would remain tender toward the Tswana people and that we understand their ways of life and how to bridge the Gospel to them.

We are thankful for your prayers, emails, and mailings.

Happy New Year! I thought it was about time to post to the blog. When I started this blog, I never intended to go so long without a post. However, there is no New Year’s resolution to make more entries to the blog.

We were able to fly home to Texas the week before Thanksgiving. That was nice. I was able to catch 2 Cowboy’s victories in 5 days! One of the downers of this Stateside happening has been the ongoing cancer treatment saga with Jody’s dad. Between the treatment for multiple-myeloma and colo-rectal cancer, our schedule has been turned upside down. The good part is that there is treatment and it is ongoing. We have made several trips back and forth to Little Rock. We’ve put over 3000 miles on our vehicle since 21 December.

We have had the opportunity to share about the Lord’s workings in South Africa in many churches. Our first opportunity was at FBC-Tecumseh. It was good to reconnect with the many people who pray for us. They are one of the churches that we had contact with before we went to the field. We stayed in their newly remodeled mission house – what a blessing that was. We then traveled to FBC-Stonewall for their evening service. Though nothing “official” was planned, I was able to share for about 15 minutes in their evening service. It is always good to go back to Stonewall. I was also able to share at a church in Kilgore, TX. Of course, we had the morning service at Oakland Heights Baptist Church on Lottie Moon Sunday. The love we feel there is over whelming. Being able to stay in their mission house is an incredible blessing. We also had a wonderful opportunity to go to a Global Impact Conference at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Ft. Worth. What a wonderful weekend to share our story with so many listening and interesting people. An honoring engagement we had was speaking at the Diamond Set meeting at First Bossier. Many of these people were involved in my life while I was in the Youth Group at First Bossier. A reoccurring comment that I received was “Wow, you did grow up!” I really have no idea what they could be talking about?!?!?!

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Each year, the International Mission Board encourages people to contribute to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which supports Southern Baptist missionaries around the world. For us, the Lottie Moon funds provide our salary, health insurance, a place to live, a vehicle and petrol and many and various ministries. If it were not for the Lottie Moon offering, we would be responsible for personally raising thousands of dollars each year to be able to serve overseas.

Last year, the IMB set a goal to raise $171 million dollars to support more than 5,600 personnel serving internationally. Last year giving fell short by more than $30 million dollars and was $9 million less than the previous year. The shortfall in giving prompted IMB leadership to make some difficult cuts in budgets across the board including:

*Long term apprentice personnel – 300
*Journeymen – 100
*2+2 personnel – approximately 50; sent in partnership with SBC seminaries
*New partially self-funded Masters – 30
* suspending appointment of more than 200 new missionaries
* reducing the number of new positions worldwide from more than 1,200 jobs to 300
* budget cuts of up to 60% for strategy leaders on the field
* medical care no longer being covered 100 percent
* canceling of stateside debriefing conferences and also some regional meetings and prayer retreats on the field which are so meaningful for our missionaries.
* indefinite suspension of some critical short term missionary programs.

Despite not reaching the 2009 goal, the IMB still received the third largest Lottie Moon Offering in history. This year, the IMB has set a goal of $175 million in hopes to return to a stronger budget and ability to send more missionaries into the world. We humbly ask each of you to prayerfully consider giving sacrificially to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this year.

Right now the plan is for us to remain in the States until mid-March. I am looking forward to returning to South Africa and getting back to work. Thanks for your prayer - they are so meaningful to us.

Blessings!

October Update

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 3 months since the last post. It has been my intention, believe me, to have had several posts by now, but for whatever reason, I have not completed any. I believe this is a form of spiritual warfare because in these updates, Jody and I try to give God all the glory. I know that the enemy is not happy as our focus continues to be on the Lord.

Our work continues with pockets of joy, successes, and disappointments. The work in 39 is progressing slowly. Million and I continue to go out and share with Goodwin. In one of my recent conversations with him, I asked Goodwin what good have our visits had? I had kind of been having the feelings of "what's the use - am I doing any good." He responded by saying that "I know that Jesus loves me!" His response almost brought tears to my eyes and I was greatly encouraged and knew that God was using our work out there.

Every Wednesday evening, our team members here in Mmabatho meet for prayer. During this time we are able to share with each other the activities and ministries of the previous week. One of our recent comments has been "We'll never know..." As one of our team member's term is coming to a close, we've been sharing about how her ministry has changed from what she thought she was going to do and what God has her doing right now. Just the little things that we do that we think don't matter - we have seen God do some mighty things!

Jody continues her work and is doing a great job in her ministry. I am so proud of her as a husband and ministry partner. She has such a heart for the Tswana people. It breaks her heart to be in contact with some many children and babies and know that their future is not too bright! If we could, we'd have a house full of Tswana children. Jody's work in Moshawane had a touch of sadness as a faithful lady of her Bible studies died of AIDS leaving 6 children. However, we continue to press on knowing the peace that only our Loving Saviour brings.

The children are all doing great. We have about 4 weeks of school left before we head home. Jody is teaching Bethany how to read through the program "Sing, Spell, Read and Write" The first song is an Alphabet Song helping her to learn the letters and sounds. Well, right in the middle of everything is Melody singing louder than anyone wanting the song to be replayed. It was an incredible sight when she was playing out in the garage (separated from and behind the house), Jody turned that song on and turned it up. She heard it, made a bee-line from the garage, down the driveway, into the house, through the kitchen door, and up on her chair with her "homework" book open singing away. I have it recorded on video. Andy started 9th grade in September - wow! where has the time gone? He got his braces off last week - so he is ready for our return to the States - he won't have to miss out on all the "sweets!" Josiah continues with his "A" work. He is motivated to get into his school room, work ahead and get his work done and be done for the day - by mid-morning. Caleb is tops in his class. The school has been so good for him from a social aspect. When he started 3 years ago, he kept to himself. His teacher was a little concerned at the beginning. Now, 3 years later, he tells us "...because I am popular!" We just laugh with him!!

I had the opportunity in September to go to Zambia for a training meeting. We drove! It was a long, long trip. I was able to do something that I am sure not many people are able to say they have done. We were able to eat 3 meals in 3 different countries in one day - actually in about 14 hours. We ate breakfast in Botswana, lunch in Namibia, and supper in Zambia. I had a great time and I am looking forward to the opportunity to return along with the family. Through our drive in northern Botswana, we saw several elephants along side the road - just living! We also saw some zebra and ostrich out in a field. It was neat to see that.

Well, thanks again for your care, concern and prayers. I was deeply touched a couple of days ago when I received an email from a prayer partner. He told me that he had not received the Prayer Calendar that we sent out for October and requested another copy. I had no idea that he was praying and thought enough of us to request another one. Know that your prayers are so important and we appreciate them. "We'll never know..." what your prayers have done for us until we get to heaven. Blessings.

Pilanesburg 2009

This last week we had the opportunity to go to Pilanesburg National Park. This is a "Big 5" park. A Big 5 park is a game reserve that contains elephants, rhino, leopard, lion, and Cape buffalo. This is a benchmark for parks in Africa. We were on our way to Johannesburg for a doctor's appointment. We left the house a 4:00 am to get there when the gates opened at 6:30. We stopped at a gas station to fill up and eat a little breakfast that we had packed. We got into the park at 7:00. We had packed lunch and enjoyed it in a secure area inside the park. We drove around until about 1;00 pm and then made our way to J-burg. We always love going to Pilanesburg.

These are four of many giraffe that we saw throughout the park. They were on top of a mountain/hill and we first saw them on the first on the other side. We were close to them - about 30 yards. There are 2 or 3 others that you can't see on the other side.


We really never get tired of seeing these animals. It is fun just to stop the car and watch them. Seeing them run is an experience. They shouldn't be able to travel as fast as go.


Well, what can I say. It had dare all over it!!! In the background is a small lake where some hippo live. Unfortunately, you can't see them too clearly. They just look like big mounds of dirt. Most of the time they are just sunning on the bank. We did see one swimming and snorting around in the water.


This is a Crimson-breasted Boubou. I saw him returning to our car from a "hide." The red is brighter than this picture shows. It is very bright. We have about 10 other pictures, but could never get a good, clear, still picture.


This is a bird that I was watching while we were in the "hide". I have been looking in the bird book we have and I haven't been able to identify it. He would stand up and fan his feathers and then sit back down. He was doing this over and over.


After several trips to this park, we finally saw some lions. They were on the hunt. About a minute before we made contact with the lions, we saw a wart hog running past us. We just thought we saw a warthog. Actually, we were seeing "lunch" for these lions - more like a snack! We watched this situation for about 15 minutes - moving forward, backing up, turning around! At times they were within 20 feet of the car.

This was after they lost sight of lunch. This was on the left side of the road. The crossed over the road and then just "pluncked"down and I guess was just going to wait around.

Can you find the lion in the picture. There really is one in there. He is close - not 10 feet away!


Within 15 minutes of arriving at the park, we found 2 rhino getting breakfast. At times, they were no further than 8 feet from our vehicle. They were just eating and not concerned at all with us at all. There were two together. Andy had his window down as we were driving up to where they were and Bethany said, "I hope they don't poke Andy!"

Just a baby zebra - just cute!

Happy July 4th

We had, including ourselves, 49 people at the house to celebrate Independence Day. The menu was Mexican food. Jody and I prepared beef chimichangas, chicken quesadillas, flour tortillas for soft tacos, mexican rice, pinto beans, pico de gallo and gaucamole. Everyone else brought the rest of the fixin's to complete meal. It was wonderul! It is always a great time when our other missionary friends are able to get together. It was not a typical 4th as many of you in the States were enjoying your 100 degree weather cooking out on the grill. It was cloudy, breezy, and about 55 degrees!

God has blessed us with an incredible missionary family that surrounds us. When we arrived on the field, I did not fully understand the term "missionary family". But during times like these, missing the American holidays that we do, it makes it a lot easier to endure and get through.

July Happenings

A wonderful warm greetings to everyone even though it is freezing over here. I know that some of you would probably want some of our weather. Well, I can guarantee you that I would love some of that Texas weather right now. It is cold here and it is not going to get warm for another month.

We want to share with you some stories demonstrating God’s might hand working around us.

From Jody: The Lord has been so gracious in the ministry He has given to me. It feels like each time I get a little discouraged about being here, He lets me have a glimpse of what He’s up to. About two weeks ago, I was out in Ext.39. When we arrived, the only one there was the lady in whose house we meet. I told her it was OK, that I would just share with her. We were talking about the portion in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus tells us to give in secret. Do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. She listened with great interest as I told her the story of Ananias and Sapphira. After I finished, she asked if she could ask a question. She has been going to a church where the pastor would call people up to the front to give a certain amount of money. All she had was a two-rand coin. (Worth about 25 cents) The pastor told them not to fill up his baskets with one, two, or five rands. He wanted people to give big amounts. She felt so ashamed that she only had two rands to give. Imagine my inexpressible joy as God brought to my mind the story of the widow and her two mites. Mma Salamane is a widow as well. It brings tears to my eyes just writing about this. She was so appreciative about me helping her understand this. She tells me that every time we come out there, they learn something. Only God can do this. He gives me strength. By the way, the pastor told them to give the “small” money to the beggars. I told her to do just that. “When you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me.”

From Dennis: God continues to show his faithfulness and answering prayers. I had been seeking to do some other things and occupy a little bit more of my time. I had been praying for God to show me where He was working. Several month ago, I had set up several preaching times with Ben Poo, pastor of United Baptist Church. There are several branches around Mmabatho and over the last several weeks I had been making my rounds. This last Sunday I went to a branch that I had never been to before. It was about an hour’s drive away. We arrived at 10:15 and started 10 minutes later with 3 people in the building. After some singing, praying, singing, testimonies, singing, offering, singing, special music, singing, I got into the pulpit at 12:45. Ben introduced me and shared briefly about my ministry in Mmabatho. I preached from 2 Timothy 2.2 and the 5 generations in that verse. I shared with them the importance telling others – someone told them and if each one reach one, well, then this village would be turned upside down. After church was over, several of the ladies approached Ben and asked when we were coming back to lead in teaching them how to witness and reach their village. What an incredible day that God set up weeks before hand to answer my prayers.

Someone emailed me and asked what Ext 39 is. Let me briefly explain. Extension 39 in a government subsidized subdivision. Back in 1994, with the fall of Apartheid and the new democratic government, the new gov’t promised the people that they would build 10 million homes for people that didn’t have proper housing. This is a result of that promise. In this area are about 2500, 450 sq ft houses with running water and electricity – they just got electricity a month ago after living there for 3 years. So in this area is about 10,000 people – a perfect place for a church. God put this area on mine and Jody’s hearts as we were leaving for the States and returning in 2007/08.

One more from Jody: Out in Moshawane, God continues to work there also. Several weeks I have had 13-14 women and about that many children. That next week, I was asking them to tell the story we had gone over the week before. The woman of the house, Maboka, usually tells the story back to me. She’s good at it, too! This time, however, she decided she wasn’t going to talk so that another one of the group could tell the story. Kelebogile and Maboka had been talking about the story the day before, so Maboka said that Kelebogile needed to tell it. Now, you may be asking what the big deal is. Well, for them to be willing to tell the story themselves is a major breakthrough. Usually, I have to ask them questions and coax the story out of them. Anyway, Kelebogile told the story and we were able to add on to that what we were studying that day. The other thing is that they were discussing the story WITHOUT Lorato and me being there! It just made my heart glad to hear it! Some of those who can read bring their Bibles and notebooks and take notes. God is just so awesome! To Him be the Glory!

The Lord is good – all the time – all the time – the Lord is good. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Believe me, we feel your prayers and would not want to be here without them.

Vacation at Kaya Umdani

All I know is that God has blessed beyond anything I deserve -

what an incredible wife I have and these 5 blessings -

what a joy - I am wealthier than Bill Gates!

BFF's - Jody and Lisa Jones

For our vacation, we went to Kaya Umdani, which is a lodge outside of Kruger National Park. This was an wonderful opportunity for us just to relax with some friends. Outside the spacious, back porch they had a swimming area, fire pit, and braai area. The boys loved having a fire each night.

We saw some beautiful birds as we travel through Kruger. This is a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill.

This is a Lilac-breasted Roller.

These giraffe walked around the area in which we stayed. On the website,it showed giraffe drinking at the water hold behind where we stay. I figured with all the noise the boys were making swimming we wouldn't have that photo opportunity ourselves!

We went to Kruger National Park on Tuesday afternoon and saw these hippos enjoying the water and the sun. We have seen most the animals that we would like to except for the big cats. Unfortunately we will have to wait for another time.

Well, we had to eat. This was some chicken and baked potatoes. Eventually, I took those potatoes off and put them back into the fire pit and covered them with hot coals. Um, um!

This is a bush-baby monkey looking out its little nest/house. This was hanging in a tree outside one of the bedrooms on the second floor.

This was Josiah's and Landon's bedroom. This was the sixth bedroom above the porch that really wasn't advertised. You can see the porch below through the wood slats and the walls are just screened in. Those are fur blankets on the bed. It was cool!!! I was a little envious, but more happy for their experience!

This is just a big giraffe that saw as we were entering a animal reserve. He was on the outside. There were some other giraffe that on the other side of the fence. I think he was telling them that the grass was greener on this side.

Swimming is always fun with your friends. The water was kind of cool, but they swam anyway. We knew that with them swimming the animals that normally walk through the area would be leary about coming around.