Life is such a mystery

I don’t even know what day it is. I think it may be the September 26, or is it the 27th?  It has been a journey.  Rachael is getting better slowly, but not without a constant battle with the healthcare system here.  It wasn’t until this afternoon that I really felt I could relax and breathe and know that the road ahead will be rough for her, but she will be ok. 

The outpouring of support and love from everyone on Facebook (God I love Facebook!) is almost too much.  I am humbled and grateful and so very blessed to have been here for her, but also that she came into my life.  I have no doubt this is the daughter I never had (sorry Thor, you lost your title) and could not love her more than my own biological urchins.

And the connections!  I called John the other night when I was very worried.  Matt Greenberg, a doc in the ER who John actually knew in Bethel, AK, was on and they researched and thought and helped so much. Matt has a friend who was also in Bethel who happened to be in Sudan and specializes in tropical medicine. Matt gave John her information and was in contact with her until I could be. Then, to make it more amazing she happened to be in Nairobi! Jill Seaman is my new hero!  She offered advice, support, love, and even offered to cancel her flight back to Sudan if I needed her.  She checked in this evening so we could discuss Rachael's treatment and will be calling in the morning after doing some research.

I have been amazed at Rachael's smile and laughter these days.  Her strength is astounding.  We hope she will quickly recover and be able to go home within a few days (with a medical escort).  I will miss her terribly, but cannot wait to see her actually have the strength to walk again.
And the Laurelism of the day?:  I was wearing Rachael's sarong as a skirt and after getting yelled at by the doc was told I had a call from the embassy. I knew I was being kicked out of the country!  I walked through the ward full of people and my skirt fell off - totally onto the floor.  It was humiliating to say the least. The good news is it was the evacuation insurance people wanting to check on Rachael's condition and let me know the options.  

I have decided that once she leaves I will need a day or two to process and relax and try to figure out what happened.?!  It seems like some strange dream and I can’t seem to connect parts of my life anymore.  When skypeing with the boys this morning I saw our living room, and it just didn’t make sense.  I can’t explain it.  So, I will relax and maybe take a journey to see Mt. Kilimanjaro – a dream I have had since a young child.  Who knows?

Then, back to Atiak – which I do miss.  I felt one of the most profound connections with that place and the work there.