The Seance Newsletter

Thoughts From Suzane

Happy 4th of July to everyone! Please make sure to enjoy the extended Independence Day weekend with family, friends, and the people with whom you can truly have fun. I personally will be chillin' in the country, smelling the lovely flowers and seeing the bright, beautiful green brought about by all the rain we've been having. Sadly, there are folks who have had much more rain than they want or need — I guess Mother Earth is doing what she has to do, but remember to keep them in your thoughts and say a prayer for all.

As some of you know, I just spent two weeks in Africa, and "Out of Africa" it was! I've always honestly believed that if you really want to know what's going on in a country, you have to go there yourself. The news can only cover so much and they don't have to be very honest about it — as we know from the media's coverage of the war, and so many other matters. If you want The Truth, you must seek it.

Africa is still a country of tribes. In Kenya, there are 20 - 30 tribes, and in Tanzania there are around 120 tribes. I went to Kenya during the discussions of whether it was safe to travel there or not, but I felt strong about going nonetheless. Those discussions clearly hurt the Kenya tourism trade — which is now the number one industry there — with a reported 400 or so people being laid off from their jobs. But for me personally, my instincts proved right, because my trip was fabulous and the people who were still working were so very glad to receive me.

I made this trip for my birthday, and once the people found that out, they couldn't do enough to help me celebrate. Anything that is an honor to you is an honor to them, and those wonderful people provided me with so many birthday blessings. In Kenya, where I stayed in the Masai Mara, I was greeted by Africans in their full color garb and regalia. I even got to dance a few of the native dances around a fire in the heart of the famous African bushes, under a magnificent nighttime sky filled with the brightest stars.

The land is, in a word, breathtaking. I focused my excursions on seeing animals and was blessed to see the big five — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and cheetahs. I also witnessed the amazing migration of the wildebeests and zebras. Fantastic to witness all the herds crossing the river from one country into another (Kenya into Tanzania). The hundreds and hundreds of animals do this naturally each season, treading along the river bank until one decides to cross. Then the others follow. Incredible to watch! Clearly, God is taking a hand to see that many of the African animals are saved from humankind.

Even though there are wild animals everywhere, as a visitor you're as protected as you have to be. Some of the lodges have electric fences, but they still can't keep out a nocturnal leopard from chasing his prey of elan or a Thompson's gazelle. And so . . . just to be safe . . . when you walk to your tent each evening you carry either a spear, a bow and arrow, or a gun.

Despite the Christian missionary influence, Africans do retain their own native spirituality, which includes believing in, and communicating with, DP's. The people realize that we all exist in spirit, and that life goes on after death. In Africa, it is quite common and accepted for one member of the tribe (usually a "medicine person") to be assigned the task of communicating with the spirit world.

I wish I had the space to tell you more, but the bottom line is that no description would be adequate. Just let me say this: if you have ever had any thought or desire to go to Africa, don't hesitate! The place is unbelievable! Save your pennies, coins and dollars and go! You'll never regret it. My own trip was so very fulfilling, and a birthday experience I shall never forget. I hope you've enjoyed sharing a little of it with me here.

And again, enjoy the 4th of July holiday!

Warmly,
Suzane