Sunday, October 13
Today we head home. I think we all felt the same way, but Brenda and Brandina were more expressive in their displeasure about leaving. We awoke to the greetings of the guards again. The morning air was cool and moving. We had last looks at the river brimming with life and danger. Such a symbol of the continent which it meanders through.
Breakfast was lovely and slow. We enjoyed easy conversation with new friends about past and future adventures. We shared pictures and exchanged contact information. Then it was time to load up to leave. The staff and drivers all waved goodbye. Having little ones along does create a special level of affection with those you meet.
We traveled again through the bush and onto the road. We did stop at a little fabric factory and shop that employee many of the locals here. The fabrics were beautiful in all colors and combinations. We then loaded into the van and started the multi hour journey. The girls quickly fell asleep. The rest of us just enjoyed the breeze that the speed created.
We did the border crossing and it was the same but in reverse. I did have to purchase another visa to enter Malawi and they had me wait for a while. It is so funny all the waiting to get a stamp and a date. but when they hold your passport, waiting is what you are going to do.
A short drive after the border, we stopped on the side of the road to have lunch. The driver put out a spread of vegetable rice and tuna/pasta salad. Then it was back on the road.
I used the time to type about the last few days, to cull out pictures, and to collect my thoughts. I am thankful for the break from the life and death of the hospital. I am thankful for the joy and silliness the girls bring to this heavy chapter for me. I relish the thoughts of being home in about 1 ½ weeks. I feel so blessed and privileged but also so broken and burdened in seeing but a glimpse of the crushing weight of need and despair that is in our world. I fully understand that the heat that makes me feel claustrophobic is not even noted by some who live here, but other aspects like hunger pains and hopelessness are acutely felt and endured. I am not bemoaning my situation. I feel it needed and powerful to have a realistic world view. I don’t want to live with blinders on in oblivion, but it still begs the question of what to do and how to help. I can easily get overwhelmed. The beauty of now is….God will direct later but for this moment I will step into Nkhoma hospital tomorrow renewed and ready to love and serve.
LOVE LOVE all the pics. I feel like I went on the Safari with you and never got out of my jammies or on a plane. Thanks! Praying for you as you wind down the last few weeks of this journey. Keeping spreading the love of Jesus.
Renewed and ready. Thankful for this. You are such an inspiration in the way you trust, obey, love and serve. And in the way you share your heart and the love of Jesus. You are a good and faithful servant. I love you big Dr. Denson; sweet friend and sister.