And one of our first stops was the reptile house, air-conditioned as we waited for the heat of the day to pass before venturing out in the Savannah exhibit.
Now, I'm very much a Where's-Waldo reptile house guest. Some people like to read the descriptions and such. Not me. The only time that I'll read a description is if the creature is so odd looking an explanation is necessary.
Well we reached this one snake, in clear view, lazily draped over the limb of an assortment of branches in a wide circle. A brilliant green. It was so pretty, and bold, not hiding in a corner,that I found my eyes wandering to the description. Both Jacob and I read it at the same time and instinctively jumped back from the snake.
Important for training in PBT is taking the required classes but just as important, if not more so is listening to the stories of seasoned missionaries and learning from them. And we had both listened to enough stories to have it ingrained in us that when you see this snake you need to reverse in haste. The Green Mamba!!!!
Of course, after that initial instinctive retreat we approached the glass in defiance and "bravery".
Also, on our travels through the reptile house we met the Black Mamba, and the Death Adder.
The Mamba's are intensely venomous snakes from Africa, while the Death Adder is affectionately called the 5-step Killer in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. And regretfully, these snakes ARE NOT more afraid of you than you are of them. They will hunt you down and nibble on your toes. Then you may take 5 more steps and that is all.
This bloke right here is the Death Adder. He's just angry looking...
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