I have a whole host of things that I have learned about or become skilled at in the course of our missionary work.  Most of them are things that I had never imagined would be important skills (or even that such skills existed).

But Mike and I have gotten an education in the last few days, let me tell you.  First, a little background:

Our desire for the Mutara Development Centre is that the different aspects become sustainable – and so, self-supporting financially.  Some of the areas will automatically generate income, but with some areas, we will have to be a bit creative.  We need to have a guard at the property, all day and all night, to make sure (for example) that the water tap doesn’t get stolen again.  These guards need to be paid – but where would that money come from?

It was proposed to us that we could breed pigs: that it is fairly simple to breed them and easy to sell them.  So we bought a few pigs. We thought that we were buying 2 pregnant sows, but as the months went by and nothing happened, it became apparent that they were not pregnant. (How would we know, except for the fact that babies didn’t appear eventually?)

So one of our team members did some researching: how do you get a pig pregnant? (Obviously, you need a male, but beyond that:  How do you know when is the right time?  Are there things you can do to ensure large litters, etc?  How do you know if the attempt was successful?)

(This is one of many times when I am thankful that I am overseas in a time when we have internet access!!)

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow are the opportune time, apparently.

See that swelling? That means she is ready to get pregnant! And, once she IS pregnant, the pointy part will point up. Now you know, too, in case you ever need to.

We borrowed a male, and our informed team member arranged a “date.”   He even kept the other female away to give the couple the most chance of success.

I missed it yesterday, but after Mike told me the amusing story, I went down to watch (and ask questions, and take pictures) this morning.

Pig reproduction: one more useful thing to know about, that I never imagined would be important in my vocation.