Ian and Jenn Stephens are missionaries working with C.H.I.P.S, Children HIV Intervention Programme in Swaziland, to help the orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic in Swaziland, Africa. Their home base is in Vuvulane and they travel around to various communities testing for HIV, assessing medical needs and treatment options, teaching job skills, providing workshops, and occasionally conducting Crossroads training (character building/positive living/HIV & abstinence). Ian and Jenn's main desire is to share the love of Jesus for each of these precious children while working towards fulfilling the vision of a HIV free Swaziland.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Elephant Ride

When we were in Zambia and Zimbabwe, we had a chance to spend some time with some gentle giants, elephants! We got to feed them and then ride them for an hour tour in the bush. What an experience! 
Jenn's comments: The last time I rode an elephant was when I was a small child and my parents took me to a zoo in England. I was not nervous or apprehensive on the days leading up to riding the elephant but when I got to the center and was introduced to them, I was ready to turn around and go back to the hotel. 
More than one silent prayer was offered up before I was seated on Thembi (which means peace and hope). Philip my guide was very calm and reassuring. It was like sitting on top of a mountain and Thembi's gait was like the piston rods of an engine going up and down. Eventually, I was able to relax and enjoy the ride except when going downhill. I closed my eyes and Philip held my hand until we made it to the bottom of the hill.  

The time after the ride was fun, feeding the elephants and interacting with them. I learnt so much about elephants from the guide and it was certainly will be an experience that I will always remember. 
Ian’s comments: Like Jenn, the last time I rode an elephant was when I was a small child. 

I thought it was a great experience and I enjoyed feeding my elephant through the trunk as we traveled through the bush on our 1 hour ride.
You would be surprised on the view that you get from the back of an elephant. My elephant was called Tata and George was my guide.  The experience for me was very similar to riding a horse, only a whole lot bigger!
 One more thing has been crossed off the “bucket list”. Guess we need to review our list! We had great fun with the elephants!
P.S. - If you want to support our ministry, the fastest way is to make an Online Donation via www.WorldOutreach.org

Go to "Donate" and select our name, Stephens, Ian and Jenn SWAZILAND. The system can process USA and International cards.


Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate for Ian and Jenn, Fund Code #97.

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