Desert Camping Trip

 This weekend we left the great city of Khartoum for a bit of adventure in the desert. We and about 15 other families ventured 3 hours out of the city to camp and explore.

Just a little ways out of the city we discoverd the engine of the amjad/van was getting hot. We learned that it doesn't drive so well at faster speeds for longer times. :) Our driving caravan was kind to slow down and take a few "cool down" breaks with us. We were also stopped by the police and told that amjads were not allowed out of city limits because they tip easily at high speeds. This was one of those moments I was so thankful Eli knew Arabic so he could understand what the police were saying and explain that we didn't know about this rule. We still had to pay for the traffic violation but at least we can learn from our mistakes.

 Real off-roading here!

 Eli had to go back to the police checkpoint to retrieve his license which he left behind and while he was away the boys and I put up our tent and set up camp. We were very proud of ourselves!

 After setting up camp, Isaac was very very thirsty - check out the size of THAT water bottle!

 The boys were delighted to have tons of exploring to do with their friend Caleb. Here Isaac is holding a dried up goat leg. Yuck!

 This was a view of our campsite from high up on the rocks. I ventured up with a bunch of kids.

 As you can see I was a little nervous on the edge of the rock with all these little ones. I was glad when we started our descent. :)

 We found a great sand dune for jumping and rolling down. We had contests on who could get the most air. Isaac was a champ!

 Hot dogs for dinner!

 The boys even got to roast marshmallows

 Several people brought guitars and we enjoyed singing together around the campfire

 Isaac, Evan, and I woke up before Eli and Josh so we decided to go for a walk/hike to see the sunrise. It was incredible and will be an unforgettable memory for us!

 Isaac and Evan at the top of the rock just in time for sunrise

 After our sunrise adventure we came back with a large appetite for a breakfast of fruit, muffins, and other delightful things shared by other campers.

 Eli relaxes in the sand

The next morning we packed up camp and headed to the 6th Cataract - a place where there are multiple whirlpools in the Nile River. We found a nice cove for swimming - with no whirlpools!!! :)

Eli and Isaac were the first brave souls to enter the very cold water

 Isaac was proud to swim out to a rock island with Eli

 Evan on our boat ride

 Josh was a happy camper

 An oasis near the Nile River - this was an incredible sight after driving through the desert for a few days!

Everyone was tired and dusty when we finally got home (after stopping multiple times for the car to cool down) But we had such an amazing weekend in the desert - a one of a kind family excursion!!!