July 7, 2016
Hello friends,
My body has been busy and my thoughts racing in the last many weeks since I last wrote to you all.
I am finally quiet on a flight with my beautiful son Mathieu who is sleeping on me. I'm unable to sleep, thinking about how beautiful he is and reflecting on our trip. I had written some very insightful things on my departure from Karanda hospital but I was not insightful enough to save to word document.
It seems like my experience at Karanda was some time ago, having spent some R&R with my father in Zambia. The simplicity of being in nature, family time, wild animals and the African scenery did help me rest, reset, almost putting my mind in a bit of a daze.
Looking back, I remember the Sunday afternoon that we drove away from Karanda; the beautiful red sunset, blurred by the dust on the bumpy, unfinished road. We had all squeezed in the the truck. Dr Thistle and his wife Padrinah had taken a moment before we started the truck to pray for our safe journey and to give thanks for our stay.
Stopping; to take the time to reflect on the past and say thanks, to think ahead... This seems in my busy life and my busy head to be such a luxury.
So I've decided to try with this blog...
I'd like to reflect on our travels across the world to spend time in Zimbabwe; its financial cost, ecological cost, the cost to my practice and patients. I've been thinking that everyone on the plane around me has there own story.
I'd like to reflect on the time we have spent at Karanda. The patients, the nurses, the doctors, the drugs, the operations, the bicycles, the worn one dollar American bills, the food, the children's friends, the school children and teachers, the stories, the odours, the faces - each so unique and complex.
I'd like to reflect on my family and the wonder, excitement and happiness the kids and JF experienced discovering this whole other world.
AND I'd like to give thanks... To JF for being crazy and adventurous enough to embrace and run with my small idea, years ago to come back to this country that helped shape the surgeon and person that I am.
To Dr thistle for his work day in and day out for the people of Zimbabwe, no matter their circumstance, political affiliation or religion. Thank you for his vision for a better, healthier, more coordinated, self sufficient, humane, respectful world.
To my family and friends who have put up with my absence leading up to and during this trip who support me without conditions or stable wifi.
To those who have donated money, gifts, medicines or supplies- who have helped me ensure that our impact will be felt for months to come. Who have joined my voice in saying to the people of Zimbabwe that others care about them and think that such inequality is unfair and needs to be a thing of the past.
So thinking ahead... I hope that my mind will occasionally be still, long enough to picture myself on that dusty road with the beautiful sunset. To stay grounded, true to myself and to remain thankful for what we have.
Enjoy the rest of the summer dear friends. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Michelle
