A boy and his recurve in Africa

[Jerry Russell]

My 16 year old son Luke will be leaving in just a few days for the adventure of a lifetime. After hunting Namibia with me a couple of times, the PH (who is a good friend) and his family invited Luke to return this summer to work and stay for a month. I really just sort of let the invite slide by and hoped it would just sort of go away. I really did not think I could let him go for so long so far from home. A day after the invite Luke asked if I thought the invitation was heartfelt. I responded that if it was, it would be repeated. Well, it was repeated several times over the next few days and I could not help but put myself in his place. What a tremendous opportunity for a young man. I simply could not let my fear as a parent outweigh his chance at such a wonderful adventure. Heck, I wish I was 16 again, lol.

Anyway, Luke and his black widow will be heading over in a few days for an adventure he will never forget. He will be working, hunting and exploring. Am I worried? Heck yes but for those that have met Luke, you know he is a young man that can handle himself in the outdoors as well as any grown man. I am really only worried about the travel part of the adventure. We have taken steps to ensure that he will be taken care of all the way to Widhoek, Namibia.

I will be getting nightly emails from him and I will be joining him there two weeks after he arrives. I just hope there is something left to hunt...

[Bud B.]

Yes! What an opportunity!

I hope he keeps a detailed journal and shares his experiences. And with lots of pics!!

Prayers for a safe trip for him.

[kennym]

Jerry, what an opp!! Here's to Luke and yourself!

Wish I had had a chance to go when 16! Heck , when 56! LOL

[Jerry Russell]

Originally posted by Bud B.:
Yes! What an opportunity!

I hope he keeps a detailed journal and shares his experiences. And with lots of pics!!

Prayers for a safe trip for him.

I have bought him a beautiful leather journal for the trip. I REALLY hope he will use it. Failing that I know he will run a camera most of the time. Thanks for the prayers. A dad needs that sort of thing.

[Jerry Russell]

Originally posted by kennym:
Jerry, what an opp!! Here's to Luke and yourself!

Wish I had had a chance to go when 16! Heck , when 56! LOL

Ha! I know what you mean, lol. When I was 16 my big adventure was going to Alabama for a deer hunt!

[elkken]

OH to be young again .. what an opportunity. I wish him a safe and wonderful journey.

[Pheonixarcher]

You are both very lucky to have such good friends, and a great opportunity! I wish you both the best. And please keep us updated.

[bowhuntingrn]

Sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. I have 3 boys myself, the youngest is currently 16. I'm pretty sure the most difficult part of a scenario like this for me would be talking his mom into it.

[el greco]

All the best to your boy, just prepare him mentally that it is not gonna be all fun but there is actually work involved too..

[LoreVa13]

Good luck to your boy!

[Friend]

Looking forward to reading much more.

Thank you for sharing.

[glenbo]

Very exciting Jerry. Quite the opportunity for a fine young mam. Have a great time Luke!

[Hud]

Great experience, wish him the best.

[cahaba]

Trip of a lifetime for sure. Wishing him many great memories and much success. Wishing you a successful trip as well.

[jebeckjr]

What a great experience!  I sure hope he puts that journal you gave him to good use!

[chinook907]

What a great life experience that will be. Hang in there dad !

[Tradtical Commando]

Thats awesome. Sounds like one heck of a character builder! My perspective on parenting is that it is our jobs to prepare and facilitate who our children become as adults, and in this regard I believe most people fail to take that aspect seriously enough. It sounds like you are ahead of the power curve in helping mold him into one hell of a man. Good for him, and good for you Jerry.

[gregg dudley]

Awesome opportunity.  Prayers sent for a safe and memorable experience.

[BWD]

Good stuff Luke will never forget.

[TxAg]

Man, that's perfect! Love that he has that opportunity and it sounds like you're a great dad and he's a great kid. Looking forward to pics.