If you remember, the eagle was coming every afternoon to snatch one of our chicks . The chicks were wandering freely in the compound and were at risk of being eaten at any time.
Bill, Peter, Sam, Francis and Len built a very nice house for the chickens and gave them a nice area for roaming around.
Since that time, nearly 20 chicks have died. Some had a funky eye disease... one was even taken by a very clever eagle.
Today Francis, who speaks very quietly and has a lovely smile, came to me as I was sitting on the porch reading. He had one black chick in his hands and said "this one is dieing." Len came out and they both looked at him. He appeared to have something wrong with his neck. Francis held the chick carefully and they both decided it needed to be "put down." And so Francis took the chick away.
Death is such a part of life here. Every day a child dies here somewhere. Just last weekend Mary took her own life. Animals get sick and die.
I have to remind myself that because we are here and with God's help, many will survive. But the heartbreak I see here every day is tough.
On a happy note, it's the fourth of July. Coincidentally, it's the opening of the "state fair" here in Nakuru. The Showgrounds is not far from our house and we can hear the bands playing and children laughing. I'll just pretend the entire parade is for the US.
Happy Fourth everyone! Eat some crabs for us!
No comments:
Post a Comment