Good news today!! The Python was killed. We have been scrambling for two days to figure out how to manage his presence in the area. It was our good fortune that the snake came back to eat the dog he had attacked. We were unable to take him down when he struck the first time because we attacked to soon. We attacked before he ate the dog and he overpowered Peter and our team. But, they knew he would return and when he did, he ate the deceased dog. This time when they attacked, he could not escape in the thick brush. He was over 15 feet and diameter was massive. It seemed unbelievable to be that size. Just to look at it makes you wonder how he got that big and where has this guy been. We know if he was there, others are sure to come. We will continue with our snake prevention efforts such as building a wall around the house and play area and clearing back 4 acres of bush.
We also purchased 20 snake trees called, "Mtiwanyoka," which means "take back the snake." (meaning it makes them run from the area) It is also a prevention for army ants and mosquito. We paid $2 dollars each and we picked up the trees this morning. We also instructed our team to take out one acre of bush where the snake was killed. He had a big hole from what I understand so we will clear one acre around it so no others will come.
The purchase of 20 additional acres was unoppessed in the village. So, we will proceed with the purchase for a total of 52 Acres. Survey teams will come and make sure it is a total of 20 acres and confirm the lines.
We will plant the 20 snake trees around our home and if they work, we plan to purchase many more. If you would like to help us. Go to the donate page at safariproject.org and make a $2 dollar donation and list in the comments, "for purchase of snake tree." This will help us so much.
Yesterday I met with our bank and talked about our account to make sure we are all on the same page and we are communicating well. The meeting went very well.
Today Mr. Kimolo and Gasper are on the way to Talawanda. They will drive 9 hours through the night. Tomorrow, Lord willing they arrive safely, a meeting will be held with the Talawanda Village leaders concerning the school and some other things. Gasper will lay out a plan for our work during the coming year. They have so many needs we cannot tackle them all. We plan to do some small things that we can accomplish and we plan to do them well. When those things are finished. Then we will discuss other things.
Gasper will access our situation there with the children. Asha, our new worker will settle in the new room and we will make sure she has all things needed. Also, Mr. Kimolo will room next door with our neighbors of Manna Project and drive the children to school each day.
I had to go to bank and then to Wal-Mart to purchase office supplies. After that I fixed the printer after much time. I spoke on the phone to people asking questions of our mission for over two hours. Will finish this blog and then continue tax preparation letters. Spoke at length today with Gasper prior to his journey and spoke at length with teachers who will work in the Mtu Wa Mbu bible school. Long day.
Above and below are the snake trees. We purchased 20 for $2 dollars each. (Mtiwanyoka)
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