Hello to all of you from Benin,
Today is Saturday May 13th. It is a warm but cloudy day here. My day
started with a short time in the clinic taking care of one of the crew.
Then time upstairs in the lounge reading my bible and chatting with
friends. Now my laundry is going. We have a nice laundry room with about
12 washers and dryers that are free for the crew to use. with about 400
people using them they are always busy and the laundry room is quite
the social place. We have to sign up for time slots. You sign up for the
washer and then automatically get the dryer for the hour following. It
seems to work quite well most of the time.
Weekends here are pretty relaxed most of the time. No surgeries take
place on the weekends most of the time. someone is always on call in
case someone needs to go in for emergency surgery. sometimes that
happens. Even meal times are more laid back with many people sleeping in
or taking off for weekend trips. It is an enjoyable time. Last night we
had a going away party for someone who has been here for 9 years. She
will be returning home and leave large shoes to fill here I am sure. It
was a lovely time with good food, and fellowship.
I makes me wonder if that will be me someday. I have been asked to
stay and I can tell you officially today that I have said YES! I have
agreed to come back for at least a year, but it is not difficult for me
to see it lasting beyond that. My time here has been amazing. And
although there are things I miss from home, I feel like I am where I
belong. The hardest part for me will be the separation from those I
love and care for most. However I know those relationships have the
power to endure. I am so thankful for that.
So what will that look like? I will be coming home as planned in
just a couple of weeks now. I will hopefully get to spend some time with
most of you, and deal with packing up and sorting through my life in
Virginia. I will then return to the ship around the end of July. I
know the time will go very quickly. I have lots to do and many people to
see. I look forward to meeting my newest Great nephew, Eli, who arrived
into the world since I have been here. There are also many sweet little
people I am dying to hug and tell all about Africa. A few big people
too! ;)
So for now the adventure continues....................
I am excited for you and I have to say not surprised. I felt all along that you were falling in love with Africa and would extend your stay. I have another friend serving the Lord in Africa as well. She is from Ecuador. The 2 of you are much alike. Single, fun, committed, Godly women. I love you both like daughters. Please don't stop writing your blog and sharing the journey with all of us! I will continue to pray for you regularly. I know you will be missed by family and friends but God will bless you beyond measure.
ReplyDeleteLove from AK!!! Peggy