One Day More

We have spent a wonderful week in Stuttgart. The master of the house has checked all the boxes he needed to for us to arrive on the continent. The girls spent the week at the post childcare while I was escorted through a series of one on one meetings about everything from Africa 101, medical care and embassy life to culture shock and “what I wish I would have known.”  It was a lot of information and a couple times teared up, but it was good. Really, really good.

I got to talk to women who have gone before me and who have lived to tell the tale. Every single one of them lit up when they told me about their African experiences. They told me that it is the hardest and most rewarding thing they have ever done. They told me that it will change me. They told me that I was going to do great.

They shared tips about hiring help and helping the girls process being stared at. They warned me about the lack of personal space and the smells and the crowds. They told me that the West African people are extremely friendly and talkative. They barter instead of setting prices because it gives them a chance to talk to every customer! Oh, and if you settle on a price before the vendor gets mad at you, you are probably paying too much.

They gave me more tricks and tips than I will be able to remember. They poured our their decades of experience and this thirsty girl drank it all up. I will be forever grateful for these women. They are my cloud of witnesses, cheering me on, knowing what I am about to walk into and they are thrilled for us.

So now it is time (Can you hear the people sing?). We took one last trip to the commissary and the PX, had burgers and pizza for dinner and packed our bags one last time.

“Tomorrow we’ll discover
What our God in Heaven has in store!
One more dawn
One more day
One day more!”