Writing on the plane to Cape Town after our stay at Nottens in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
I’m luxuriating in listening to many languages being spoken. In listening to accents. In listening to birds. In listening to the vehicles crunching along the preserve roads. In listening to lions crunching bones of a kill. In listening to hippos bursting through the water. In listening to the rustle of grasses and trees. In listening.
The elephant. Beautiful. Strong. Slow (now). “Gentle giants” and I didn’t appreciate their gentleness until now. Seeing all the animals is terribly exciting but it is the elephant and the giraffe — the plant eaters. Among the trees. They are magical.
After over a year of planning and saving, I’m so happy we are taking this trip. Happy is not even the word - proud, grateful. Expanding together. Connecting together. Learning about a place, a land, the animals, the culture, together. Amen.
Oh, America. I’m equally grateful for the ways we are safe in American and I see how people see us (“America is not a place I want to visit - you all have guns and shoot each other there.”) I see how fortunate we are to have our resources allocated while also aware that we do such a poor job of taking care of one another.
Holding the relief of being cared for. I’ve never done something “all inclusive” before. The lodge, the animals, the food, the wonderful people - but the greatest gift was not having to make decisions. Relief and release. I didn’t even know how many decisions I make and how much space they take until I didn’t make any.
I love my husband a little more each day. My heart swells seeing him enjoy this dream we’ve had. Seeing him relax. Laugh. Wonder. Absorb. Ask. Adventure. All the things that I loved him for in the beginning. I see them again now.
The wild is wonderous. Dangerous. We are outsized in our every day lives. Nature teaches us so much.
I know nothing about this part of the world and this feels shameful. And an opportunity.
Our daughter grew. In these seven days, she grew. New places. New foods. New experiences. New people. She grew, just as we had wished for.
The world is big. I’ve been too much in the world that I’ve been comfortable in. There is much to see and and experience. How can I give this more space in my vision for my life? What courage can I muster?
The sky was so full of stars. The Southern Cross. The smells. The loud quiet of the Bush. I am so lucky. And grateful. And full.
(Because I felt this strongly as I finished typing) - my dad would have loved this so much.
Amazing pictures Sarah! Travel is the best teacher of both old and young and an amazing way to ground you in the present even for one so wise and aware.
I’ve been anxiously waiting to hear how everything is going. Sounds like it is more than you could have imagined!