We have successfully completed orientation with CSALT! Our training leader named “Snoek” Richard Leonard took us on a rough wilderness trek for the last 4 days. The first day, we went to a campsite, where we went on a hike that required wearing a wetsuit? I had no idea what we were getting into. We ended up hiking through this awesome jungle with rivers running through the valleys (Very similar to the Nanaimo river, but with huge rock cliffs on either side and natural rock water slides).

The second day, we had to wake up at 2:45 AM, take down camp and make our way back to Jeffery’s Bay beach, and hike with all of our gear to a horseback riding farm over Sand Dunes and thick jungle. Snoek made us blow up this floaty dragon named “Freddy” and told us that he was our friend for the rest of the trip, and we couldn’t let him deflate. We had to help each other carry him as a team. Do you know how awkward it is to hike with a huge floatation device? For breakfast, our only option was a can of cold baked beans in tomato sauce. You would not believe how good it tasted after hiking for 2 hours across the beach, and I’m also quite shocked at how long a person can run off of a can of beans before the next meal especially with the strenuous activity we did during the day.

After the amazing shoreline gallop sesh with the horses, we hiked the same trail to the Gamtoos River where we wrapped our bags in garbage bags and strapped them to Freddy to cross the river. Freddy finally made sense! Andy had the idea to make a Bamboo raft and swim across with that as well. We all made it across the salty inlet (sharkey too I’d say) to the campsite and set up camp. Caught our own fish for dins, and were surprised with 2 dozen eggs and some rolls to eat with the fish as well.

The next morning, we had the privilege to sleep in until 7 am with a little devotion and some bran flakes and raisins for breakfast. We made our way to the next camp and hiked to the top of a mountain called “Falcon Rock” WITH Freddy. When we got to the bottom, we were surprised with the treat to sleep in quaint little cottages and indulge in a nice meal at the restaurant. My choice was an individual Ox Tail Potjie (a traditional meal I often have with my South African family).

The final day. We carried on to Addo Elephant Park. This park consists of Elephants, loads of game buck, Lions, Rhinos, Jackals, Zebra, Warthogs etc. The very first thing we witnessed, was a Hyena chasing a Kudu buck at sunrise. We then came around a bend in the road to come face to face with the biggest Elephant bull in the park. He was staring us down on the road with tusks the size of my body and a trunk the size of city water pipe!! He was probably 4 times the size of our car!!! It turns out that he was SOO super calm. I don’t think it matters though, because when a massive creature like that is 5 ft away from your car, you still want to scream! But his soft eyes and calm demeanor were more than I can describe! How precious of an experience for us all.

We begin teachings this week. We are all looking forward to hearing more from God and what he wants for our future ministry.