So, as planned, we all went white water rafting on the Nile this Saturday. It was one of the craziest, most fun experiences of my life. I figured that since it was with a commercial rafting company, it would be really safe and relatively low key. I keep forgetting that I am in Africa. Safety regulations probably don't even exist and precautions are a joke. This rafting was hardcore.
The first notable rafting story is when we got stuck on this waterfall called Over Time. Before we did the rapid, our guide told us that if we did flip, we might get stuck under the waterfall. So, we really, really didn't want to flip. We paddled our way to the waterfall and then just when we should have dropped, the back of the boat got stuck on rocks, leaving us hanging vertically over the waterfall. It seemed like the back of the boat was going to flip right over the top, throwing us all into the waterfall. We all looked to our guide and by the look on his face and the faces of the rescue team at the bottom of the waterfall, we knew this was not good at all. After looking around dumbfounded for a minute, our guide screamed with his fabulous South African accent, “Everyone hold the fuck on!!!” Let me tell you, we sure did hang on. Somehow, the boat came free from the rocks and we fell down the waterfall without flipping.
Rafting story two: We went down a rapid and everything seemed to be going well, until all of a sudden I felt myself being spilled out of the raft. I opened my eyes as I floundered around underwater and saw the raft above me. I swam and come up for air and saw the rest of my team flailing around in the water with me; we had flipped our raft. In a flurry of paddles and life jackets, we struggled our way back onto the raft and everyone was fine.
My third and final rafting story: During a calm part of the river, a couple of us jumped out of the boat to swim. We were enjoying the cool water immensely when our guide called to us, “Now don't panic but I'd like you all to swim quickly back to the raft.” As soon as he said it, I knew what was wrong. Someone had seen a crocodile in the water. We got ourselves back into the raft without anyone freaking out or losing an appendage though.
I think that's quite enough for today. I wanted to put my address on her because some of you have been asking for it. It is:
Food for the Hungry
Attn: Rachel Kleinow
P.O. Box 12167
Zzimwe Close
Kampala, Uganda
It takes about three weeks to get here and I leave Kampala at the end of September. So if you intend to write me a letter, it should probably happen soon.
2 comments:
hey Rachel, I was just wondering if there are any Houghton students there with you. I know Houghton does the same program and I didn't get a chance to ask you before you left.
These are superb blogs, Rachel. I'm enjoying your stories...you're great at picking the right details to share. People several offices away from mine are wondering why I just burst out laughing...as your raft teetered above the falls.(Sure... we all can laugh now that we know you're safe.) Much more seriously, we join you in our concern for these young children who surround you seeking the love you so much want to share adequately.
You're the right person at the right time in the right place, Rachel. Your experiences make the excursion of (Isaac's) Rebekah look tame (smile). As you know, you are being applauded and frequently prayed for by many people back home. Thanks for sharing.
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