Becoming a Man

Justin is 14 years old and growing like a weed. Monday we took him out to Lochinvar to hunt his first animal. We had thought it would just take us about 3 hours to get there but instead it took 6 because the roads were so bad. One section was 17 kms. and it took us one hour to go that far. By the time we got there and set up camp it was night so there would be no hunting on that day. The next morning Hannah and I stayed at camp and Kevin took Justin out and they both killed a Lechwe. When they came back to camp they were so dirty because the one that Kevin shot shot took off in the water before he died. They had to drag it out of the water for 2 kms. They were worn out! After taking down camp and eating lunch we had a little ceremony where Kevin talked to Justin about becoming a man and what that meant. Then he shared some scripture with him from 1 Cor. 13. He gave him a pocket knife with his initials on it and we prayed together. It was a special moment.

Justin climbing a baobab tree near the ZAWA office.

We had picked up a guide that was supposed to be taking us to the hunting guides place but as we were driving out in the middle of nowhere he said go towards that big tree. When we got there he said that we had arrived. We were very surprised because we didn't see any kind of office or home. He told us that this is where we would camp. There was no water, toilet, or much wood for a fire. So, we unloaded everything and Kevin took off with this guide to go find the other place and then go back those 17 kms. to the ZAWA office to take him back. Let me tell you, I would not have won the "Happy Camper" award that we give out during 40/40. We ate lunch at 3:30 and then started setting up camp. Kevin arrived back just at dark.

This was our view over the flood plains.

I would say that Hannah was deep in thought but this pose lasted about 30 sec.

Around the camp fire at night.

This was our camp.

Before Justin could go out Kevin showed Justin a few different ways to shoot the gun.

Justin and Kevin with their Lechwe's. Kevin's is so dark because of dragging it through the water and mud.

Kevin

Justin

This is where Justin shot the Lechwe.