Sleep tight...

Don't let the bed bugs bite. That's how it goes. And I never knew what it meant until last year. They do indeed bite in triangular patterns - breakfast lunch and dinner. One of my favorite pictures clearly shows the marks on my face from where I was bitten. I have never carried anti bed bug "stuff." But today while I was shopping for a few other little things I found "sleep tite"... and it is indeed anti bed bug goo. And for all I know it's a placebo... but we'll give it a try. New sunscreen.... check. Getting a little closer every day.

Too few words... too many tears

Yesterday my TSW friends had a lovely lunch to celebrate my retirement. It was surreal. There was Lori, one of my nearest and dearest friends talking about me and my fun career at TSW. She's known me the entire time. She has been my mentor and friend. Much of what I learned ( and I still have tons to learn) about being a leader I learned from her. She is fair and even handed. She does not wear emotions on her sleeve but she is full of love and kindness. We've grown in our spiritual lives together. I saw her marry, have sweet Cierra and then become a grandmother. You are lucky in life to find a friend like this. But you are doubly blessed when that person is your co-worker. I told my colleagues that there are not enough words to describe how I feel about leaving TSW. There are not enough words to tell many of them, including Lori, how much I love them and will miss them dearly. And when I think of those words, I cannot say them because when I open my mouth all that come out are sobs. A couple of times one of "the girls" has walked in to my slowly emptying office and I see a sad face.And I have to find a silly way to combat the tears.Humor is my crutch. If I laugh things off, I don't have to face the reality. And the reality is that I am leaving a place I love and my life will never be the same.And today, I am sad. Too few words... too many tears.
s

Exit documents

Today heralds my last week at TS&W. There are no words to describe how I am feeling about this. These  are some of my dearest friends. There are a fewI have known for the full 20 years. There are many who have been part of my life for 10 or more years. They were there when I was so excited because Rebecca, my first niece was being born. They were there when I called off not one but two or more engagements ( I always learn the hard way.)  They were there when Len had his "little heart thing" and they have been there through all of my incessant talk  about Africa.I have been to 20 or more picnics... at least 15 Christmas parties.... bowling parties... I have prepared food for every conceivable holiday buffet.  I have seen some marry, some divorce, others have beautiful children. It has been my home.

Today, I accepted an invitation  for Thursday to prepare my "exit documents." I hope they are waterproof.

I guess I really do get how far away it is....

This weekend has been full of fun and sadness all bunched together. We went to the Aylett Country Day School oyster roast and saw lots of old friends. Then this morning we were able to share about our ministry and call with the wonderfully warm people of Asbury UMC. Whenever we have the chance to talk about our ministry, it gets me so excited and anxious to be back in Kenya. In fact, at one point I referred to going home and meant Kenya... not the United States. I am ready to be back . I am ready to see my Kenyan friends and to serve. It is time.

But then, there are things like a note from my sister today that said Maggie, her youngest, and she were out gardening and out of the blue Maggie said " "I don't wan't summer to come because then Woozie will leave".  To that my sister added "I guess she does get how far away it is :0("

Africa is indeed a long way away. But Maggie and all of my nieces and nephew and everyone I love will be held tightly in my heart. And coming home to the US will be even sweeter than before. But that doesn't make it any easier to leave. This is Maggie and her Mama - my youngest sister PF.

The Car Wash

After my four hour dental appointment..... I am now at the Car Pool. The new one in Short Pump. I am sitting outside in a very nice simulated leather outdoor chair- with footstool. Obviously, I am also connected to their free WIFI....We're washing my car that will be for sale very soon. All of a sudden I am very fond of it. All of a sudden, I realize that while I joke about wanting a chauffeur, I am about to be in a place where I CANNOT drive.Don't get me wrong, the pleasure of riding with my brother Peter on a regular basis makes all of that alright. But the Car Pool is just slapping me right in the head with how spoiled Americans really are.
My lifestyle changed dramatically after my first trip to Africa to Sierra Leone. I have not worn my diamond since that trip. I turn the faucet off while I brush my teeth. I shop far less than I used to and actually purchase most "stuff" on EBAY.
All that said... there's still alot that will change and that needs to change. I do , however, long for the simpler life I will have in Kenya. While daily living for me will be simpler, other parts of life will be much more difficult.
I know that EVERY day I will see something I can't do anything about. And I'll give that to God. I'll see some situation I can't fix... and I'll have to give it all to God.

Perhaps I should remind myself each day... to give it all to God.

S

The Dentist

Part of the prep for this trip includes seeing every doctor known to mankind just in case. We have had all of our parts examined ( except our heads, and that would be unwise.) It means making sure medications we take regularly are available there. It means making sure we have health insurance in place before we leave. It means facing many fears....
Ok so ..some people tell me that they would be afraid to go to Kenya. I say that doesn't scare me at all. But today, I have to go to the dentist. And THAT scares me.
And then I say to myself, really? afraid of the dentist? Remember all of those wonderfully beautiful smiles of the people who wait in medical camp lines for hours for just one opportunity to see a dentist. Remember how happy they are just to be able to get relief. They don't require massaging chairs, soothing music, sedatives....  Children come and have a tooth pulled then hop on the matatu and go back to school to take an exam.

So today, I will take my music with me... but I will close my eyes and see the faces of those grateful friends who come to the medical camps.... and I'll stop being a baby.

Introductions

On May 10th, Len and I will depart the US to head to Kenya to begin full time mission work with our dear friends Bill Coble and Chat Uken at Start With One International. In 2008, Bill, Len and I all traveled to Kenya for the first time on the same team. It was on that trip that all three felt God calling them to full time work in Kenya. Bill has been in Kenya now for a couple of years. Chat joined him a year or so ago. We are delighted to begin this holy adventure and hope to keep you updated often. Len ends his contract work with his landscaping clients at the end of April. Susan will leave TS&W on April 20th. Please pray for us as we make this exciting but at times scary leap of faith. Praise God for all that as happened to date and all that will be happening in His name. This picture was taken at my very first medical camp experience in Kenya. God had me from that time until now and will continue to have me for as long as He sees fit.
Blessings,
Susan