20 Years of Family at Jabulani - A Letter by Adine Roode
Вставка
- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- A Letter by Adine Roode
A herd of buffalo meets Nandi and me at the waterhole, a herd almost as big as the waterhole itself, stretching across the earth in droves. How many, I don’t know, but I know that their families can reach from 20 up to 1000 in size. Large families like this are not that common in the animal kingdom, but you’ll see it among the elephants too, like a school of fish darting through the water in a synchronized dance. Elephants are family animals and it’s partly what endears me to them.
As Nandi waits in the car, I exit and take slow steps closer to the buffalo. The elephants arrive and Pisa and Mambo beeline for the animals. The naïve bravery of youth in full display. I watch Setombe and Klaserie head down to the water’s edge with Sebakwe close by, Jabulani, a bull as old as my son, is there too. At the back are Tokwe and Fishan, taking it slow, letting their family make their way to the dam first. And in between I spot my Meisiekind, Khanyisa. As much as the herd adopted her, and now raise her, I still feel bonded to her. She is part of my family too. My little one. The buffalo move off, giving in to the earth’s largest land mammals, our herd of 16 elephants, a herd unlike any other, with mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters.
Nandi sits quietly in my car up on the dirt path. She knows the routine by now. Her mother likes to talk to elephants, walk with elephants. And so she has to share her. Nandi grew up alongside Khanyisa. As a German Shepherd, though, she isn’t quite accepted by the bigger herd, who are weary of energetic barking wolf-like hounds. I watch the carers following the elephants and taking a break under the trees. And all I see is the incredible union of one big family and the multiple ways we are all connected, animal and human.
This wilderness is my home and I’ve walked its paths since I was a child. My children who are now adults were raised by the elephants and buffalos, with quiet waterhole outings and walks with the carers teaching them about life. You feel it more in the wild, the sense of connection. The earth has time for you, and you make time for it. The wind talks in rhymes and the trees pass on their lessons, like elders in the herd. The tracks on the ground guide you and the great matriarchs offer their comfort.
Even after my father passed away, I could feel him in this land. My mother and brother share this bushveld home, but our family is far bigger, far more varied. The giraffes and their nurseries of offspring rely on us, as the elephants, both wild and rescued, do. Their lives are our lives.
While the elephants swim and drink at the waterhole, I return to Nandi, and we continue our journey to check on our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers of the bush. Just as they check in on us, like a mother phoning her son on the other side of the country to ask him how he is, the impalas dart their eyes our way, “How are you?” Their ears face us to listen to the reply…
Look after family, however big or small, far or near, and it will look after you.
A Look at Kapama's Story - read more in the blog: jabulanisafari...
Thank you Adine. I appreciate you, and all the carers. We all do.
🐘💜🐘💜🐘
Thanks Adine, thanks you all ❤❤❤❤❤
What wonderful heart you have, full of love. Thank you for sharing your world .
The best way to end a rough work week is this. ❤
Thanks Adine,what a blessing to grow up there!!!! 😊
Thanking you for the work and care you give to the animals 🌹🌹🌹
Beautiful Adine! Thank You! 💖🙏🇬🇧
Beautiful words togo alongside the gorgeous elephants. Absolutely amazing. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wonderful words Adine. Thank you and all at HERD for all you do.
Yes HEAR HEAR!!!!!!!!!!! ohio united states,👌👍🙏🐘🦣
Wonderful! So beautifully written Adine....❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️
Thank you, Adine for you beautiful words
Thanks Adine! This was lovely and beautiful🥰🙏😊
Lovely ❤🇬🇧
I am full of joy and happiness after listening to the beautiful family story. Thank you so much for bringing the reality of our family to life, Adine
Your words are beautiful and meaningful. ❤❤
Thanks Adine for bringing joy to the morning. 🐘😊
The Lord made us all. You and the carers steward the animals the way we were created to. Thank you.
Thank you so much Adine for your wonderful words. We can learn a lot from your animal family, which we now call ours too. The world would be a nicer place if we all took notice . Sending you, your amazing carers and subscribers many blessings.🙏🙏❤❤❤🐘🐘🐘
@@jeanwalker8276 Lovely comment ❤️
Always watching u guys from chicago, illinois u.s.a.
Dear Jean, thank you for being an active participant, we appreciate your support.💞🐘🌿
@@Jabulani ♥️
Lovely words from the heart to go with the images of the Herd, thank you, Adine, for sharing your home and your family with us 🙏❤🐘❤
You are so welcome!
Oh ardine love the video and info ❤😊
Thank you Adine for your letter about Nandi and those amazing elephants of HERD. What adventures you’ve had in learning & caring for the orphans that are so loved. Blessings to you and to all the caregivers that take care of the elephants.🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘.......
Thank you for being an active part of our HERD community.
THANK YOU MOMMIE ADINE!❤
Beautiful thank you Adine
Beautiful video!! 🤗🤗
I can never thank you enough for sharing your beautiful world in Africa with me so far away. Beautiful video!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Please know that your life is very precious, and we need you.
What you have created…has lead to a community of hope & love.
Your words touch the heart & we are all blessed to be invited inside your world.
This world, where HERD is the oasis for you, your carers, and all of the elephants, gives back so much for so many.
Adine, we thank you
For all that you do….
🙏🏼🙏🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Big thanks for being a valuable part of our family. We appreciate your trust and kind words.
What beautiful words Adine that’s 20 precious and marvellous yrs you have been so fortunate to have and many many more wonderful yrs with your Jabulani Herd. Such special moments you are able to experience! 💖🫶👌👌
Thank you so much, Felicity! 🌈💞🐘🙏💞
Absolutely lovely! Thank you Adine. We all are connected, everything in the universe is energy. We are one. Blessings from California. 💙💗🙏💗💙
What a lovely letter. Family first!
Adine, your tender heart and the immense strength of your commitment to both the human and elephant families at HERD have always impressed me. ❤
When my 4 boys were ages 5-10 we moved into my grandma's house (on the farm I grew up on) so we could take care of her. She hated being away from the farm, and our being there kept her out of a nursing home. We did that for 2.5 years until she died. Because we were so close, I fell into a very bad depression.
But I digress.
The point of the story is that my youngest told me then, "Mama, when you get old and need somebody to take care of YOU, I'll do it!" He got it! That might've been the best example I ever set for them.
God bless everyone at HERD, elephants and humans alike. And also those that love them.
🙏🏼❤️🐘❤👥️❤🙏🏼
Gosh, thank you for sharing that beautiful insightful personal story with us. 🙏💞
Wonderful words ❤
Beautiful story of your home and family members. I'm so happy to have found you so I can share in this union...even though I am thousands of miles away.
Thank you, Sharon. we are so pleased to have you aboard.
❤
Beautiful!! 🥰❤️🤗
Really needed to hear your voice this morning. Dankie Adine and Herd!
❤❤❤
@@LibertySneeden 😀
@michel, we trust that all is well. ❤️🙏🐘
@@Jabulani Compared to many around the world, all is well with me. I can dream of seeing all of you in the flesh. That would be heaven. Big hugs from Montreal.
Beautiful letter 🐘🦏🐕🦒🦌
💚🍼🙏🐾🐘Dearest Adine, Dearest Human Family (both blood-related and not blood-related) and Dearest Herd, how fortunate, blessed and happy you are to have that wonderful wilderness as your backyard where animals break no rules, do not spit in the water they drink, do not poison the food they eat and remain together through thick and thin! They always know best! Unconditional love and "saudade" a Portuguese word that has no translation from Portugal and Mozambique (My beloved country!!!)🐘🐾🙏🍼💚
Sear Ana, a heartfelt thank you for your role in making our HERD community what it is today.
You must have hundreds of stories Adine - a lifetime!
Amazing story so beautiful in love for the Jabulani family and perfect Adine and Carers.
Adine, that was very comforting ... Thank you for sharing! 🙏💗🐘✌
Thank you for your support.
Twenty years in 4mins 13sec; you always set the/your bar high! But, we now couldn’t expect anything less from yourself, Adine. I have read through all of the comments; your words have evoked quite the level of people opening up to you; sharing their love, admiration and respect for all you have achieved. And so, I join the ranks of admirers, respecters and, yes, lovers, for all you have achieved; your daddy is so proud of you 🙏 I lost my own father in 1984, at the age of 52. I am the eldest of 5 children; spread around the world. Your words of ‘family’ ring so true. I have promised myself I am coming to Jabulani; nothing has touched me as you, Phabeni, and all the ellies and the carers have. In all my 72 years I finally feel I have found something truly precious on this planet, outside of my own family. I know you have touched thousands n the same way. Thank you, dear Lady Of Light; shine on, we will follow you. ❤️🐘❤️
My wish is to visit Jabulani one day too. I might never want to leave. I’m 67 and feel as you do about this herd of humans and animals together on their beautiful land. It’s a bright addition to my day to watch these videos. 🥰🐘❤️
@lesleyhook3472. Gosh, your profound words are a testament to your amazing insight. What more can we say except thank you for your steadfast dedication and very loyal support. ❤❤️🙏🐘🌈
@vivnoname 67 is merely a number, we look forward to many more encounters 🙏🐘🌈❤️🌿
@@Jabulani It is merely a number and I do remind my body of that sometimes, but it doesn’t always listen….lol. No complaints though, my life has been and remains full. Love your videos, they have become part of every day for me. Keep up the excellent work you do. ❤️🥰🐘😀
Beautiful thoughts from a beautiful lady ❤
Beautiful Adine. No explanation needed. Thanxs!
Wonderful written Adine! Keep it up! And thanks for sharing. Your biografi will be a best seller!
Very moving words, Adine right from the heart. This is the land you grew up on as a child. It is part of you and will be so forever. You can hear it speak to you, in the sound of the wind and rain and the sounds of all the wildlife around you and of course in the rumbles of our beloved Meisiekind and her HERD....these are the sounds that comfort us, even though we are so far away. Thank you for sharing this! Blessings!
It’s heartwarming to receive such positive feedback. Thank you so much for your kind words!
Beautiful, Adine...
Thank you. Adine and Nandi, you are angels. The letter was beautiful 😍
❤❤❤
This is so nice ❤
Nice letter Adine
Lovely. Best wishes Herd family.
Absolutely beautiful sentiments expressed here. Thank you for all that you do for your extended family.
Thank you.
What wonderful and heartfelt words……thank you so much, Adine…we, the humans, need such simple words more often. They show us how humble other species are und that we could learn so much from them if we let us learn…tearing up, again a heartfelt thank you and God bless you and all animals and other humans at HERD, I’m happy to be able to be a little part of your world…..❤
Thank you for making our journey memorable.
Loved this. Thank you Adine
Lovely, Adine.
Your way of sharing with us and telling your story is profound ❤. I love how you let the ellies 🐘 be . Keeps me coming back to watch every time 🥰🤩
Ah, thank you Cynthia.
Your words are so beautiful, Adine. They somehow remind of the lyrics of "Colors of the Wind": "The rainstorm and the river are my brothers, The heron and the other are my friends." The words are not exactly identical, but the message and feeling I got are similar. Thank you so much for sharing this with the world. Your life is a dream fulfilled for a lot of people who dream of a peaceful life close to nature, but we also know that it takes a gigantic effort to have it. You are a blessing not just to the Jabulani herd, but also to the entire wildlife in your paradise in Hoedspruit. God Bless You Always Adine, Jabulani and The Entire HERD.🙏🐘❤
We appreciate your kind words and insightful feedback, thank you. 🙏💞🐘🌈
Beautifully said Adine💙
Beautiful, Adine!
That was the most beautiful video! Every Elephant and Human need a HERD❤️❤️🐘🐘! Thank you Adine for reminding us that we are all connected!!❤
You are so welcome! We appreciate all your support.
This is so beautiful ❤🥹
I read your text description before watching the video. Thank you, Adine, and all at HERD and Jabulani lodge, for sharing so openly with the rest of us as you so often do. It was beautiful to read. You and your human family have been so privileged to live what sometimes seems to me like a fairytale life.
For me, the best part is to see you all working to care for and assist the non-human animals; the relationships and learning are incredibly interesting, though their struggles while being squeezed under tremendous human pressures are ever present.
Here's to more shared experiences, thank you for being a part of our journey.
Adine - your words are so poetic and eloquent. You are a woman of many talents and qualities. Thank you for sharing yourself and your world with us.❤
Thank you for your heartfelt feedback.
Beautiful! 💖
What a beautiful video. You are an inspiration to the world of Animal Conservation. Thank you Adine lots of love. ❤❤❤🎉xxxx
This is A beautiful tribute to family❤❤❤ I love seeing the elephant go after the buffalo and the buffalo looking at the elephant. Like is this far enough?
Mutual respect and understanding, simple life lesson. 🐘❤️🐃
That was beautiful, Adine! Thank you.......
That was so beautiful Adine!!! Wow!!!
And yet my eyes still search for those tiny 4 legs seeking comfort in his mother's shadow
An empty hole is what he left behind because every ellie has it's own place
A tiny little angel with a trunkie that has a mind of it's own
He's watching down on all of us but his shadow will always be part of the HERD.
I miss you my Phabulous Beni....
Natasja, thank you for keeping little Phabeni's memory alive. 💔🐘💞🙏
Adine is such an incredible woman and a great human being. I admire her and her reflections o animals and life --and her kind deeds so very much. Thank you, Adine, for doing so much for elephants and for other animals and for giving so much of yourself to something much bigger! Thank you!
All that we do will not be possible without the support you, our amazing supporters, so thank you.
Beautiful Adine. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us. Human & anima, we who are many miles away feel part of your family. We laugh , cry & go through all the emotions with you. It is such a privilege to be welcomed into this most wonderful & loving HERD. Thank you. Much love to all .
Thank you so much for sharing your kind thoughts, your support is greatly appreciated.
Such amazing words from an amazing woman. Your words struck me as truth and words to live by. You and your family will leave a wonderful legacy for the whole world 🌍 to enjoy. I have always been close to animals big and small. To meet you and this elephant 🐘 family was beyond anything I ever expected.
There is no doubt that Khaynisa 🐘 is your baby, but now you have to share her with your Jabulani family 🐘❤️.
You are such an amazing person. I would call you my idol. You do so many amazing things for the elephants 🐘, Rino's 🦏, children in your community, the women in your community, conservation...etc. The list could go on and on.
Thank you Adine from the bottom of my heart ❤️ for just being you.
Love to all from Florida ❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘❤️
Dear Dorothy, we are grateful for the vibrant discussions you bring to our HERD community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Beautiful letter, thank you for all you do for this family. If they could speak our language, I am sure they would tell you how grateful they are and proud to have you as part of their family.
Thank you for those kind words.
Hope the wisdom of you and your big family
will reach and teach
many
❤
That is very kind of you, thanks 🩷🙏
Hermoso!!! ❤❤
❤ Thank you, Adine, for being a loving & loyal Ambassador for the Elephants and their homeland. I've tremendously enjoyed your videos and learned so much from them. May God continue to bless you and all there who have given their lives to care for this particular part of our Heavenly Father's creation. After all, that was His original instructions to Adam "tend the garden and take care of the animals." You are doing very important and honorable work.❤
Thank you for making our journey memorable. Here's to more shared experiences!
Adine, Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful informative letter, and video about YOUR MAJESTIC ELEPHANT HERD AT THE ORPHANAGE! TRULY AMAZING 👏
R.I.P PHABENI 💔🌈🕊💯👆🐘💗🐘❣️🐘💖👍🐘💞❤
You are so welcome! Thanks for all the support.
You are a wonderful storyteller i could listen all day long love ❤️ your voice so relaxing love from your Canadian family
A special thank you, for your loyalty is our greatest reward.
Obrigada Adine e toda sua equipe por tudo que fazem pelos animais da vida selvagem! Gratidão 🙏🙏🥰❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘❤️🌹🌹
We appreciate your kind words, thank you.
Aidine
What an elegant and eloquent video as your narrative is so enlightening.
Thank you beautiful lady for a wonderful journey❤❤
Thank you, 🩷🙏🐘
Beautiful! “Nandi’s Mother likes to talk and walk with Elephants!” Nandi has learned to share Adine! This poem needs to be printed on pretty parchment and uploaded to purchase.
That is very kind of you, thanks for the feedback.
@@Jabulani ❤❤
If we must understand that all of us are a big family shearing the earth hope all humand can really become able to do it soon just as Adine and the HERD team has done.
Thank you the HERD❤
🙏🩷🩷🩷🩷🐘.
You're so lucky, having such animals around you ☺ Having only a few birds around me doesn't match your environment 😏 oh, I forget the few marmots and ibexes, when I go for a walk in the mountains 🙂 still doesn't match with Ellies 🤔
❤🐘❤🐘❤🐘
Sometimes all we need is just a walk in nature to restore our battery, and it seems that you have that on your doorstep, 🌿🦌🐿️❤️🙏
@@Jabulani So true 😊 although I'm an hour drive away from marmots, I can stay there for the night without having to worry about the big cats and others 🙄
What a beautiful sight!❤❤❤
Adine, thank you so much for this. It's how many of us who have a connection to wildlife in our own way feels.
We know we feel parental towards them but it will always be a distant relationship however much we wish it were more.
I, and I am sure everyone here, is so grateful for you and the carers sharing the experiences of not only the herd but of all the other inhabitants of the reserve with us.
Here's hoping for a lifetime of happiness and success for all of the beings out there under your care and not.
It’s so motivating to hear your kind words.
Beautiful Adine. I can feel your words in my heart. Thank you. I've always had a very deep love in my heartfor elephants. I have always been fascinated by their intelligence and love of family. Thank you for this beautiful letter.🥰🥰🥰
We appreciate your support, thank you for following our journey.
Fabulous, fabulous, Adine. I did enjoy you reading us a gorgeous, meaningful story. Lovely video, thank you.
Your special bond with Khanisa is extremely special. ❤❤❤
🐘 🐘 🐘 ❤ 🐘 🐘 🐘
Thank you, Liberty, 🙏🩷.
You got me 😢 at the end of this beautifully written letter. You really capture ‘family’, wild and human connections.☮️💚
You are so kind; we appreciate your heartfelt comments.
Beautiful to take us on your journey the Love of your big family. Very thoughtful loving caring lady you have a heart of gold 🚶🏼♀️🫶🐘🐕🐏🐐🚶🏼♀️thank you for sharing your story with us love you all 🫶
You are so kind, thanks for your lovely words.
@@Jabulani 🫶
Beautiful Adine ❤️ Nice to know Nandi is close by your side…..also was wondering how Lammie & Spotty are doing ? A big Hello from Phoenix, US 🌵🌞 Tobey
Hello Frances, Lammie and Spotty are doing well, thank you for asking.
The are doing really well, thank you for asking.
Adine, could you adopt me please? I want to come and live and work with you in your paradise. 🥰❤️🐘
🩷🩷🩷🙏🩷🩷🩷
Thank you so VERY MUCH ADINE❣️ YOU are an INSPIRATION to + LOVED by SO MANY...both HUMAN + ANIMAL❤️💙💚🐘🐑🐶🦏👫👩🌾👨🌾💞 BEAUTIFUL LETTER, WONDERFUL VIDEO + YOUR PASSION + CONVICTION IS INSPIRING + HEARTWARMING TO THOSE BOTH NEAR + FAR❣️As you said SO BEAUTIFULLY, FAMILY IS EVERYTHING + MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST + MUST NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED. FAMILY IS Unconditional Love, Support,Guidance,Acceptance, Nurturing,Trusting,Giving, Protecting, Safety, etc. You ADINE, SELFLESSLY + LOVINGLY GIVE ALL OF THE ABOVE + 100% MORE TO YOUR FAMILY...Your HUMAN CHILDREN👫+NANDI🐶,💚HERD👨🌾👩🌾🐑,THE HERD💚🐘,JABULANI,HESC💚🦏 + Your VIEWERS/SUPPORTERS because WE FEEL LIKE FAMILY TOO👍👍❣️YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING + SPECIAL WOMAN ADINE + We are INCREDIBLY PROUD TO BE ALONG ON THIS AMAZING + BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY WITH YOU❣️❣️ THANK'S FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR THESE MAGNIFICENT + PRECIOUS ELLIES❤️💙💚🐘🥰ICH LIEBE DICH SEHR + GOD BLESS❤️💚👱♀️😇💞🙏
You're a great supporter, Mary. We are so grateful to have you along on our journey.
Beautifully expressed, Adine. We, extended “family members,” are so fortunate to be a part of, even remotely, the HERD. 🫶🏽🫶🏽🙌🏾🙌🏾. Thank you.
We are so grateful to have you as part of our family, thank you for all the support.