KENYA 2°39’09.7”S 37°15’38.2”E
africa is a feeling that words cannot capture ; it must be experienced. Africa is my cherished love story, etched into the very fabric of my being. It’s a feeling that words cannot capture, for it but must be experienced. Home to nature’s most remarkable wildlife, Africa leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Arriving as one, and departing as another, I could never have imagined the profound impact of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, capturing their way of life through my lens. This extraordinary land holds the power to draw us back home to ourselves, transforming us in ways we never thought possible. The first night in the African wilderness lingers in my memory like a vibrant dream. My home was a humble canvas tent, nestled in the heart of the vast savanna. As I lay in my makeshift cocoon, a symphony of culture and spirit unfolded, soothing my weary soul. The night was a harmony of nature—the haunting calls of hippos resonating through the darkness, the spine-tingling howl of the hyena, and the hushed breath of a leopard just beyond my canvas walls. The hustle of hooves, the scuffling of paws, and the visceral call of the lion painted a vivid dreamscape under the vast, starlit African sky. The air was fragrant with the earthy bouquet of wild sage that permeated the night. As I lay there, I became intimately connected to this ancient land, my senses attuned to the heartbeat of the wild, the whispers of the night, and the symphony of life that thrived in the shadows. I was awakened not by an alarm clock, but by the melodious voices of birds welcoming a new day, a chorus that announced the gathering of the herds and the emergence of life in this untamed Eden. Stepping out of my tent, the earth, warm and rust-hued, crumbled beneath my feet, whispering a tale of centuries. I felt an inseparable connection to this land, reconnecting with the essence of life and death that enveloped me. It was as if Africa’s spirit cradled me in her ancient embrace, healing all my past wounds. Every species, acting as both gardener and guardian, plays a crucial role safe- guarding the ecosystem’s delicate balance. The value of nature goes beyond its visual appeal, extending to the ecological contributions—from purifying the air we breathe to enriching the soil and nurturing the Earth’s flora. A tragic affliction befalls the animal kingdom when their inherent value to mankind becomes their greatest curse. The once-vibrant tales of these iconic species risk fading into mere stories of the past. Africa, originally known as Alkebulan, meaning “mother of mankind” or “the garden of Eden,” serves as the ancestral homeland for all modern humans. Fossils of archaic humans, dating back hundreds of thousands of years, have been discovered in Africa. When will we awaken as guardians of the African wilderness, safeguarding that which brings profound meaning, offers healing, and reignites our lost connection? DEANNA DESHEA “In the serene havens of wilderness, elephants reign as majestic relics of ancient wisdom, exuding a delicate yet mighty presence that commands a profound silence.”
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MOTHER VOLUME THREE
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