Elephants

This morning we were lucky enough to get to go to the elephant preserve that Chevron supports. The preserve is about 35 minutes from our house. We went with a large group of people from the camp. There were about 40 of us in all. It was a really good time for the kids as they were able to experience the elephants up close and personal.

The show started with the elephants being brought in by their handlers and then all bowing for us. After a few tricks including playing soccer, walking across a balance beam and some other really cool balancing tricks. We were told to bring pineapples, bananas, watermelon, or sugarcane for the elephants so after the show they brought them up to the kids and we were allowed to feed them.

Brooklyn was wanted to feed them but was a little leery of the trunks wrapping around the food in her hand so she was more of a cheerleader. Kade and Syd on the other hand, were loving it. They were handing out food left and right. Those elephants ate like kings on this day.

After the feeding we were allowed to go on rides on the elephants. Kade and Syd went multiple times with Kade the record holder at four rides. Brooklyn wanted no part of being up on an elephant. In fact they had a little statue elephant at the entrance to the trainer’s shed and it was all we could do to get her up on that for a picture.

This was another really cool experience where we were able to see animals out in their native habitat. The things we have been able to do in these first few weeks have been such great life experiences for the kids as well as Kathi and I. Again we can just see how blessed we are to get to be here and try all of these amazing things.

School starts on Tuesday. The teachers have to work on Monday but the local staff will not be working as it is Indonesian Independence Day. The streets of Pekanbaru as well as some National’s homes here on camp are proudly displaying the Red and White flag. I am not sure if there will be fireworks ala Fourth of July but I can always hope. (Jimmy and Chris if fireworks are a part of the festivities I will pencil you in for a trip to visit next year so you can partake. I know the joy more bottle rockets and parachutes would bring you.)