Moon Over Mt. Meru

 If my camera could do the northern skyline justice right now, I'd post a picture of the moon high over Mt. Meru for you to enjoy. It's stunning and made me think about all the great moments of today. Let me share a few with you.

 This might not be your idea of a great time, but seeing a black mamba just about made Ruby and Henry's day. We've been studying reptiles in school, and Arusha's Meserani Snake Park provided a great setting for a field trip.

 This Gaboon Viper and its poisonous friends were behind glass and concrete, but they were still pretty intimidating. This guys' head wouldn't have fit in my hand.

The Horned Viper below was also massive:

 There were also several non-poisonous snakes and we got to hold a couple, including this sand snake. Ruby named him Nofeet and Henry asked if we could have him for a pet. I guess he really misses our kittens that disappeared last year.

 Speaking of disappearing, there were also a few large pythons at the park today, accompanied by photos of similar pythons who had eaten sleeping guards. Let this be a warning for anyone tempted to nap on the job!

The park also offered a guided tour of the Masai museum, and camel rides with a view of the local cattle auction. When Ruby and I were on the camel, she said, "Mommy, I love God's creation."

 And really, what's not to love?

There were a variety of crocodiles there, too. Separated from the camels and people, of course...that would be exciting though! This Nile crocodile is about half grown and was around 8 feet long. Our guide said that she was about 20 years old. I thought she looked pretty with the foilage in her skin.

 Loti, our guide, carefully held a young crocodile for the kids to touch. This one is about three years old and was snappy.

 Loti, a Masai warrior, also chatted casually with us about birds, conservation, and how he killed a lion in 1996 to achieve his manhood in the tribe. Later, Jonathan, our guide in the museum, added that Masai men must be circumsized at age 18 before they kill their lion. Immediately after which they drink large amounts of a honey-based alcoholic beverage.

 Several small Masai villages line the road to the park.

We're staying with friends who love Jesus and teenagers in Arusha, and Len had a great time speaking at their camp this weekend. Seriously great fun!

While he was busy at camp, I took the kids to the local Cultural Heritage Center and enjoyed the art gallery immensely.

These look way more real in the photo than in person. Here, my children dramatize a buffalo chasing a child. Good times at the foot of Mt. Meru!