Josh has had a passion for snakes ever since we visited friends the Greishaws over furlough, thanks Ben!! So,as we returned to Cameroon he has been very faithfully looking for one here. Cameroonians hate snakes and so don't even take the time so see if it is a poisonous one or not. We sort of say they "kick butt and take names later" when it comes to snakes!! We knew that the chances of finding one on our property was slim with both Smokey and Milka and also with Albert, our guard. Well, wouldn't you know it...that Albert is still coming to work but is feeling pretty icky with malaria so rests alot at night. Smokey has gotten mange and is weak from treatment and shots and Milka is too little to care at this point. So, yesterday Josh almost sat on a small black snake in our yard. We don't know what kind it is, however. He got into a nice diamond head though when he felt threatened. So, we are cautious. We see this as a sweet provision from God so Josh can observe him for a time. I say for a time because I am admittedly squeamish about that slithery creature. It gives me the willies just thinking about him.
So, we've now got this snake, make a "habitat" for him complete with sand, water, sticks, leaves and rocks to hide under and little insects to munch. Then, this morning what does Gilles find in the backyard?? A brother to our first one...no way!! So, we have two, temporarily...Josh is beside himself and so excited. What a sweet, slithery treat from God for our middle guy. Snake soup anyone??