Green Mamba Story

Can you really spend time in Africa without a "snake story"?
I guess not, since I have one even with only a few days left on this continent!  Snake stories scare most people, and the last thing I'd want is to add to Africa's public relations struggles.  After all, I'm in the business of "putting good spin" whenever I can and wherever I can.  (That's "tongue in cheek" since I don't really believe that I am putting SPIN on anything in such a way as to leave wrong impressions.)


Here is my SNAKE STORY! I have seen a DEAD green mamba once when it was still moving.  I got to hear the tale of how it had been killed.  The one I'm now describing was BIGGER  (or was in my mind!)  I was walking from my office to House #2 at lunch and ran into my friend, Laytopoe.  As I hugged her, I realized that she had fever.  I suggested she follow me home so I could give her Advil and Tylenol.  As we were walking, we saw Zohr, another student walking in at a right angle to us.  We all spoke, and then a very hoarse Laytopoe screamed, "SNAKE, SNAKE," pointing towards Zohr.  At that time, I saw Zohr jump and run off.  That's when I saw the GREEN MAMBA on the side of the walk but still in the GREEN GRASS.  He slithered on across the walk where Zohr had just been walking.  He looked to be headed for the chapel, I hope to pray!


I often associate snakes with spiritual warfare.  And lately I have sensed an increase in events that are stretching, like feeling emotionally low, having misunderstandings that normally wouldn't be a problem between people.  Stephanie, my roommate, told me that she too has been having these same episodes.  Today I'm happy, relaxed and enjoying being here while at the same time being quite excited about going home! 


Now, that last paragraph might be "a bit over the top" for some of my readers, but if you have followed my processing over these past 2 months, you probably aren't very surprised that I process life through my fingers or with pen in hand.  I've let you into my world.  I'm doing it again because many of you have received warmly in the past when I've stepped out on a limb sharing my heart!


Please, however, don't stop praying.  Physical safety has been God's gift to me so far.  I have been well; no green mambas have gotten me or anyone else I love around here.  I have a LONG trip to Monrovia on Friday and a longer plane ride on Sunday, into Monday.  Please pray for safety for vehicles, even the Samaritan's Purse helicopter that will collect their surveyors on Friday, too.


P.S.  The plumber last night was good!