Burundian Wild Life

I have not seen too many wild animals here. I asked Zachee the other day if he remembers wildlife in his youth. He said yes, but that there were many hunters and now there is nothing here. I also have heard stories that during the Crisis, many of the animals were also killed, including the last Burundian elephant by the rebels. When I was at the seminary in Burasira, I saw the monkey named Sampson that they keep on a leash. Until Sunday, I had really not seen anything in the wild and then Zachee suggested that we go to the river to see the hippos. It was a national park with the opportunity to drive through the forest with a guide and armed guard (complete with automatic weapon) and to get out at the river to see these huge beasts. They make a rather frightening sound which might explain why poor Tim was not too keen on going to see them and maybe why he did not sleep too well that night. I tried singing “If you love a hippotamus….” to him but could not soothe him. I was in awe of these creatures and do look forward to hopefully going on a safari when I am in Nairobi. I had almost decided that I would not but now I think I could do with a healthy dose of God’s magnificent creation before returning home. This experience of working here has shifted something about what I thought I might do here as a tourist. I have less desire to do some of the things that I thought I might do and more of an intention to experience the non-touristy side of this continent. Not to worry, Kathy, if you are reading this, my intent is definitely to see your elephants in Nairobi—I am quite excited about that daytrip!