The terror of random communications and Tom sets forth - fully equipped (minus a plastic gun)

I get the strangest texts from Dominik, with his one bar of connection from a particular cashew tree, best received while lying on top of the Land Rover. He writes things like this...under caju w lion. heard leopard earlier. close meet ellie in day.  Or my favourite...last night vivid dream, ikcl a snake, just now I met her in my path, qhe iired n made off.  now owle franzy got a baby m the stairs and pasents attending at best.  That is transcribed for you, letter for letter - I can usually get the gist but sometimes wonder if the lion or snake has eaten him and the owl eaten a baby, or at least something has nibbled off his texting finger!

Anyway the latest communication instalment has resulted in urgent messages requesting that Tom brings yet more useful things. 

The most exciting news is that Tom the new volunteer (see previous entry) decided to go out and see what is happening for himself - he would rather be on the ground helping Dominik with the poaching problem.  So he left yesterday loaded up with all sorts of fantastic goods, bought thanks to the generosity of our supporters....GPS, satellite phone, mobile solar charger, more uniforms, more ibobrufen for Naquata (who if in UK would have a hip replacement.) etc.

Two days before Tom was due to leave - I get a crackly phonecall asking for....plastic toy guns and handcuffs.  After much searching I find them on ebay - ebay is a wonderful thing. I buy and then send pleading emails to the sellers requesting quick dispatch.

Just after putting Tom on the Heathrow bus I return home to see the postman delivering the ebay goods...so sadly they remain here.  (I am now very well equipped for Ranger impersonation in Oxford, where poaching even of Mallard ducks, is yet to be an issue ... but I am prepared.)

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day and thoughts turn to Africa.  Mareja is in an area where an estimated 1 in 10 people suffer from AIDS: sadly the real figure is likely to be much higher. 

There is a very low awareness’ of the effects of the disease and the ease with which it can now be controlled through medication. Free treatment is available in Pemba but it's a 3 hour drive away and a local witch doctor is still a much preferred option.

A new recruit - thanks to my neigbour Annabel and a game of cricket

Annabel yahooed as I approached down my street 'you must meet Tom.'  She was playing cricket at the time with her two children and Tom.  I had arrived back early from London so in fact had half an hour before dashing for an appointment about my blasted frozen shoulder. 

Well long story abbreviated Tom turned out to be an extraordinary find.  Recently left working in Tanzania and looking for a real African conservation project to work on, with a wealth of experience including army, guiding and even some biodiversity research.

So we have a new recruit, as a volunteer until I can raise funds and he has discovered whether Mareja and Dominik in the raw are to his liking and vica versa.  Anyway it does feel as though I have a fairy godmother after all.  A passionate and driven conservationist to support us and Mareja - thank you Annabel and your cricket team.