My Journey

Not far from the house I live in is a fish pond where this interesting creature was found.  He was pretty much dead when I took these pictures.  The guys who caught and killed this one told me there were several more of them in the pond.  I sure hope they stay in the pond and don't wander to my place.  I wouldn't want him on my porch any more than I welcome the snakes! I am always on the look out for snakes and luckily have not had too many close encounters.  However, I recently met a young man who was not so lucky. This young man, age 22, was working in the shamba (which means farm) when he was biten by a snake.  He believes it was a cobra.  I met him the day after he came to the hospital.  I was informed that after he was biten, he was treated by a local medicine man.  I have heard lots of things about local medicine men which are not often good, however, I believe this one probable helped to save this man's life.  The medicine man cut open the area around the

I have now been living here at the Chimala Mission for 3 months!  In many ways it does not feel that long; but in other ways it feels longer.  I know many of you can relate.  I love that I am able to stay in touch with family and friends so easily.  It must have been much harder for missionaries before cell phones and internet.  Skype is great.  I am able to not only talk for FREE!, but I am able to see my family which helps us feel closer.  I miss things like my church family, my dog, American food choices, and good roads to drive on. However, I am so happy to be a part of a new family.  I love my new "missionary family".  The Wagner family and I have really become great friends, family and co-workers.   I spend much time at the hospital and shop area.  I have become acquainted with most of the staff in these two areas and have made some good "rafiki's" ("friends" in Swahili).  I am planning to begin spending more time with the CBI (Chimala Bible In