so long...for now

As we expected, the church service that was to scheduled to start at 9 a.m. this morning actually started at 10 a.m.!  But we were there on time, being the Americans that we are!  We were once again treated to amazing singing during the service, and even made a joyful noise ourselves, sharing our one song with the congregation!  It was wonderful to be with our African brothers and sisters in Christ one more time before departing tomorrow.

Tomorrow.  I’ve heard so many of the students today denying that we’re actually leaving!  For most of us, it feels like we’ve always been here and always should be!  It will be difficult to leave tomorrow, that much is for certain!

After lunch, most of us spent the afternoon doing some combination of studying, packing, and napping.  A few of the girls went back to Vera’s to finish their hair-braiding (they look great!).  At dinner we were treated to some of our favorite leftovers, including some of the most amazing rolls!  Here is a picture of Alicia S. enjoying the yummy goodness!

After dinner, we gathered to start debriefing, with each person sharing what was the most memorable experience during their time in Macha, and what they will miss the most.  Here is some of what we will remember:

• Our gracious hosts.
  
• Seeing firsthand the devastation of AIDS.
  
• Going on rounds, realizing the lack of proper equipment.
  
• Realizing what we have and take for granted.
• Confirmed calling as a doctor to Africa for some.
  
• Realizing how much needs to be done in global healthcare.
  
• Recognizing American privilege.
  
• The way the sound of voices in song carries for miles.
  
• The rustle of the wind through the banana leaves.
• The bright, warm sun and the lack of humidity.
  
• The beautiful, friendly people.
  
• Hospitality
  
• Seeing the face of Jesus in patients in the hospital.
  
• A renewed sense of purpose and calling.
  
• Refreshing
• Recognizing how small I am.
  
• Realizing that I am not in control!
  
• The roads!
  
• Scrubbing in for surgery.
  
• The surprising sense of hope.
• Greeting everyone you pass with a friendly hello, and having them always respond!
  
• The huge blue sky during the day, and the incredible starry sky at night.
  
• The spaciousness of the land.
  
• The laughter and joy of kids.
  
• Walking everywhere.

Needless to say, we will remember and miss this place!

The students begin their final at 7:45 a.m. tomorrow morning and have until 9:45 a.m. to finish it.  Then we’ll quickly load up our luggage and ourselves in the bus and we’ll be off to Livingstone, hopefully making the five hour drive in time to see Victoria Falls before the sun sets.  We’ll then enjoy a nice dinner in town and will spend the evening in Jollyboys, where we stayed when we first came over two weeks ago! 

We’ll leave Jollyboys at 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning to go to Chobe Game Park, where we’ll be spending three days and two nights on safari with Chobezi Safaris.  If you’re interested in reading a bit more about what we’ll be doing on safari, click this link for more information: 

http://www.chobezi.com/combos32.html

We’ll return to Livingstone on Thursday late afternoon and will spend Thursday night at Jollyboys again.  Friday morning, we’ll have a few hours to do last minute shopping in town or money-exchanging and then we’ll be off to the airport by 11:30 a.m. for our 1:30 p.m. flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.  We’ll have a six-hour layover before departing at 9:20 p.m. for London.  We arrive in London at 7:20 a.m. on Saturday morning and will depart for the States at 10:50 a.m., arriving in Dulles at 1:40 p.m. local time!

It’s so hard to believe our time in Africa is coming to a close.  We have truly fallen in love with this beautiful country and its people.  The MIAM staff were absolutely wonderful to us, and it was a privilege to get to study with Dr. Thuma and see the amazing work that is being done here in Macha.  We have truly learned so much from this experience and will no doubt continue to glean from it for months and years to come.  (And, on a completely personal note, I want to be like Elaine Thuma when I grow up!  Elaine – You are a joy and a delight!  It was such a privilege getting to know you!  Thank you for ALL you've done for us, and for just being you!) 

So, thanks for tuning in to this blog!  I’ll post one more entry when we return to the States (probably sometime on Sunday) just letting you know we arrived home safe and sound, though I’m sure by that point you will have already heard from your loved one!  Then we’ll be in the throes of jetlag and readjusting to life in the “developed” world!  Keep us in your prayers as we reenter life as we know it!