Welcome to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary! KK and I, along with the Ebys and their friends visiting from North Dakota, visited Chimp Island yesterday! The island is located within the beautiful Lake Victoria! It is the largest lake in Africa and borders three different countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania! The island is located 23 km offshore Entebee. Once we arrived we were debriefed on the chimps by our guide Joseph. We learned that the island is a safe haven for more than 40 orphaned chimpanzees. Most are there due to deforestation and poachers.
After our debriefing, we were able to watch the chimps being fed. I'm sure you've seen the recent Planet of the Apes. Well, imagine the screams of the apes as they are escaping their cells and attacking the city... That's the sound I heard as I walked towards the electrified fence. They were well aware feeding time was approaching and were becoming very impatient. I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't scared. My heart pounded anticipating a similar escape and attack. But, thankfully, all was well. We stood for about half an hour watching their behavior... It was fascinating to say the least. They all stood, raising their arms when they wanted more. Some even made funny noises with their mouths getting the attention of the volunteers feeding them... almost like their very own "chimp whistle".
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| The chimps would stand like this when they wanted food thrown at them! |
One of the African volunteers wore a shirt that said, "98.7% Chimp". I immediately remembered Mr. Miller's argument towards evolution informing our class that our DNA is 30% similar to a banana's. So i'm happy to say that African is also part banana.
We saw many other animals on the island including a Nile monitor! A giant lizard! Oh it was so cool! The nile monitor is a native to Africa and can grow up to 9 feet long! I couldn't help but think of all those days from my childhood, watching The Crocodile Hunter... I felt one step closer to my dreams of growing up to be Steve Irwin! The island is also home to more than 150 different species of birds! We even caught a glimpse of some extraordinary weaver birds and their nests!
All in all, we had a fabulous day getting to see the beauty and intelligence in creation! On the boat ride home I caught myself singing, "Waves of mercy, waves of grace, everywhere I look I see your face! Your love has captured me! O my God, this love, how can it be?" Everywhere I look, especially in Africa, I can see God's face!
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| Obviously this picture doesn't need much explanation... but, here is the boat we road from Entebee to Chimp Island. |
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| Check out our sexy life jackets! Safety first! |
Just encouraging you girls to press on this last week there. Love the Lord and others BIG!!! Pour it all out. I was just reading a devotion about Jesus' command to Peter to let down his net after being fishing and nt catching a thing. Not saying you haven't caught anything just saying you may be tired this lat leg of the journey there but don't grow weary. Throw those nets and see what God fills them with. To God be the Glory for how He has taught you and used you as His ambassadors there. Continue in His work wherever you are....keep your hope in the Lord....He renews your strength. I love you both and pray these last five days are full of holy surprises from your Father !!! Please give Ebys our hugs and love.
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