The last two days

The last two days have been less boring.

Shortly after I wrote my last update, two dik diks were browsing outside my window, ignoring the cat. Of course, while I was watching the pot I was holding fell off its handle and spilled boiling water and pasta over the floor. The water had dissapeared within minutes, but the pasta sooner as I salvaged my dinner.

Yesterday Martin and I maintained the roads and paths. Shovelling sand onto areas where it was missing, and replacing rocks overturned by baboons looking for scorpions. In the morning when I went up to feed the vultures (still havent got used to the smell of bad meat), the baboons were bouncing on the top of the aviary like a trampoline.

We then went down to the entrance where the road goes over a small riverbed. In the rains the road simply washes away. I have been using my physics knowledge to construct an incredible diversion for the water. There was already a huge mound of tires filled with rocks on the downstream side to support the road, and a few on the upstream side. There were also two pipes going under the ride.
This morning I began to pile up rocks on the up side in a v formation to separate the flow of water and divert it through the pipes. We reinforce the banks and the rocks with big piles of sand and tires to keep it from overflowing. On the down side we cleared the pipe exits so the water could pass through clearly. Soon we will go upriver and try to construct breaks to slow the flow. Martin has promised to text me the results once it starts to rain.

I was meant to go with Martin to Okonjima to pick up the meat but he said I should stay in case guests come. He and I both joke about how they never come when we say that so I thought I would just relax. However, two guests did come and left nice donations afterwards!

Im about to go to the restaurant to meet Martin and process the meat.

We talk a lot while we work. I try and explain what europe looks like with our big wetlands and forests, and have got a picture of a bear to show him. I also explained some of europes awful history; I sometimes feel like people here have an idealised view of us. Yesterday he asked what the religion was in holland, and I explained mostly non-religious, but historically protestant. I then explained that I myself wasnt sure, thinking it was a nice compromise. I think his behaviour changed a bit then, so later I explained I wasnt sure what church I belonged to, but assured him that I believed in god.
Sometimes it is difficult being such a progressive, secular European here. Why did we have to send our missionaries?

Maxime, I heard your comment and will post all the facts.