Thanksgiving

I'm glad it's Thanksgiving today, as it gives me a free pass to openly express gratitude for the blessings in my life without sounding like a total sap. The beauty of these past weeks has led me to reflect on the lifetime of blessings I have been showered with. It has also humbled me in ways that remind me of what an undeserving recipient I am.

Early in the week I visited a small island called Prune Island, just a short boat ride away from our ship. It is notable for the lighthouse maintained by one man, built in the early 1900s and the tallest in Africa. Climbing up with a small group of girls from the clinic, we were treated to spectacular views of the island, a white and turquoise shoreline, and ocean all around.

   The approach to Prune Island

 Rewarding view from the top of the lighthouse

Although this felt like the pinnacle of beauty, we went on to discover many more treasures on this island. Our guides took us to see giant bat nests, which was surprisingly enjoyable. From there we trekked along the shores to find starfish, sea cucumbers, edible bugs, coral, and polished sea shells. A few of us enjoyed snorkeling through the shallow waters housing coral, angelfish, sea urchins, and many other tropical wonders.

Apparently these bugs are a delicious treat, but I saved mine for next time

   Our trusty guide pointing out the starfish, which can cause intense itching if you touch it.

I will forever carry the memory of this day as I received a scorching sunburn on my back (probably from too much snorkeling!) that has yet to fade. Looking back on that day, I don't think I fully absorbed the beauty around me, but instead left with a sense of wonder and awe. To think that the One who created such things, tucked them away in an undiscovered corner of the world for His enjoyment, and then let me in on this secret....it is really too much for words.

The unbelievable view when we landed onshore

 The water was so clear, snorkeling wasn't even necessary to see the colorful sea life.

I really am working full time here, but after a week of work I was able to go on another trip to a lemur preserve called Palmarium. This time there was a large group of Mercy Ship tourists, and all 30 of us packed into a passenger boat and cruised 3 hours down a series of lakes and canals to our destination in the jungle.

I was trying to channel my inner Katherine Hepburn from The African Queen, but it wasn't quite the same without Humphrey...

At the preserve, we stayed in bungalows reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson, where our patio was a gathering place for the local lemur population. We were treated to fresh fruit juices, lots of fresh bread, bananas flambe, and lemurs jumping on our tables. Our guides took us on a night hike to spot the rare, nocturnal aye-aye lemur. These critters are quite similar to a raccoon, but with beady eyes, sharp teeth, and a "boney" finger for digging into coconuts. Not exactly charming animals, but an interesting glimpse into the diversity of wildlife here.

Standoff with a hungry lemur on our patio

One of six aye-aye in this region. 

During daylight hours we hiked through the preserve to find a variety of adorable lemurs, which you can see in the pictures below. Fun fact about lemurs that I did not know until after this trip: lemurs like to be fed and don't mind being held, but do NOT like to be petted. I discovered this after the lemur on my shoulder bit me. Apparently lemurs also carry rabies, so I was quite relieved to find my callused hands seemed to deflect any skin penetration. This close call was followed by a snake discovery underfoot while taking photos of the flowers. All in all, it was a fun weekend and a perfect precursor to Thanksgiving, as I was extremely grateful for having lived through the trip.

Perched on our patio

Another beautiful variety of lemur

A very old tortoise was an added bonus on our trek

Enjoying these soft, seemingly cuddly creatures "pre-bite"

This is not the actual bite incident, but I think it looks close enough

Interesting plants abounded; so many that I don't even remember the name of this one

Thankful that I did not get a nip from this guy! 

As I lay in bed after my travels, assessing for early signs of rabies and/or malaria, I considered the helpless, vulnerable state so many ill individuals find themselves in here. There is no emergency evacuation and no option to transfer to a specialized facility. I can't even begin to imagine the fear that would rise up at the first sign of a lump or a fever, knowing that effective treatment is probably not available. I considered myself incredibly blessed as God protected me throughout this weekend, let alone a lifetime where I have been surrounded by sanitation, hospitals, nutrition, shelter, love. I know God has me planted exactly where I need to be, and yet I can't help but wonder how I got to be so blessed?

I guess it is a reminder of God's free and bountiful love that He has lavished on me, unmerited, undeserved and inexplicable. He has already given me the greatest gift of life through Jesus Christ, despite the fact that I am a sinner, utterly undeserving of His love. I don't know why He has chosen me or why He continues to pour out blessings in my life. There is no option other than complete surrender to His love, an overwhelming sense of gratitude, and an unending list of thanksgivings.

And now, thanks to each of you for supporting me in every way. Please know that I count you as a blessing in my life, whether you are family, a friend or just someone reading my blog. I hope that your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with an abundance of love and gratitude for a bounty of blessings!