Hello all! Hard to believe it has been a week – both that it is just a week and also that it is already a week. Last night was truly sultry, but without the night shift everybody slept much better. Apparently the roosters and the dogs are either Jewish or Adventists because they seemed to take the night off.
This morning was just as expected – many tears were shed as we wished Oiz then Christopher and Christine farewell. We are told we will get updates on their status over time. They will surely have a lasting place in our memories and our hearts.
As you might expect, the mood in the clinic was initially subdued, but once we realized there were many others to care for, we found our stride. We probably saw 175 on our last clinic day. We spent our final minutes thanking our helpers and translators and taking photos to help cement the memories.
We then had a real treat. Vanessa and Kez took us to the Visa Lodge for dinner. We had a drink and a real restaurant dinner. The place is actually a hotel and had a functioning swimming pool – needless to say some of us ended up wet (the best swim ever). This was the best way to end a day that started on a bittersweet note.
We returned after dark to an expectant bunch of children – there is no turning in until the requisite amount of dancing, singing, language lessons and just play.
Tonight is shaping up to be a really good sleeping night and we are now reminiscing about our experiences. We have come to realize that as much as we have offered to our patients and friends, they have given us so much more.
Tomorrow morning is church and we will be packing up supplies for Kez to use after we go. The rest of the day will be spent preparing for our departure on Monday. Now that the work is done, we look forward to seeing our loved ones.
Love to all and good night!
The Team