HIZ students experienced a four-day safari for the first time in program history. In fall 2018, the Harding University in Zambia (HIZ) program went on a safari trip for four days in the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia. Previous groups partook in shorter safari trips that lasted between a day and a day and a half spaced throughout the semester. Dr. Jeffrey Hopper, dean of international programs, said the feedback from former students indicated that they loved the safaris but did not see a need for more than one. After being on several safaris himself, Hopper said the four-day safari was the best one the international programs offered. He described one of the experiences from the excursion. "You stay in chalets ...right over a riverbed, which had just a little water in it, and the animals come there to drink, to visit, to hunt, do all these different things," Hopper said. "You could just sit in your room on the back porch and see hippopotamuses, zebras, giraffes, cape buffalo [and] warthogs." The group left their home away from home, the Namwianga Mission, to travel 1,100 kilometers by bus to the South Luangwa National Park. Hopper said that it took two days to drive there, and he hoped to fly in the future instead. Sophomore Christi Chambless had never been on a safari before this trip. "I didn't know what to expect," Chambless said. "My favorite part about the safari was seeing chat all the animals have a job chat they do whether it be big or small. They all play an essential role." The group stayed at the Mfuwe Lodge, where they left at 6:30 a.m. for a four-hour safari through the game park. They stopped after two hours for a coffee and tea break. After the four hours, they had free time to relax in the lodge until their evening safari that lasted another four hours, during which they were able to see the sunset. Sophomore Macey Sparks said she had few expectations going into the safari. "I expected to see some animals from a distance and was confused why we were staying for multiple days," Sparks said. "In fact, most of our group was sad to leave the NamwiangaMission to go on a week-long trip. However when we arrived and started experiencing how great our God is and how incredible His craftsmanship is through seeingthewild animals and building relationships withour safariguides, we were not disappointed." The group occupied three separate vehicles, each having a guide chat the students bonded with during the seven safari rides over the four days. "On the Sunday during our sunset stop, we had a devotional as a group and took part in communion," Sparks said. "Our guides were all Christians, so they joined us as well. It was a really neat moment to hear from everyone how every individual saw God as we roamed the game reserve." story by Maleah Brown 45 I HIZ
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==