really 31

Yes, it’s really true .... another year added to my life... I won’t say anything about getting wiser. I do feel like I’m learning a lot, but there’s also a sense that I have so much more to learn and to grow.

Since I was just working on my birthday my room mates planned a super fun weekend. We went to the beach with some friends, rented a house and enjoyed sun, sea and the beach ... what else would you expect when your birthday is in October :-D

The end of the rainy season is coming closer and closer, so with a few showers in between, it's mostly sunny and about 30 degrees.

 

 

 
We brought a volleyball, so we enjoy some games of volleyball and football. There was time to swim, read a book, eat fresh seafood and relax. I got myself some nice African fabric as a present.

euhm en ander tijdverdrijf

schelpen verzameling

en nog meer tijdverdrijf :-D

deze vriendelijke croc schijnt in de buurt te wonen, deze zat aan de lijn :-D

lunch iemand??

'mijn hondje'... Bruno

en natuurlijk mooie zonsondergangen...

 

Bijschrift toevoegen

I thought that that would be all, but a lot of people on board were very attentive and had things decorated, cards and presents left at my door. There was cake and they sang ‘Happy birthday’ on the ward. I feel really, really pampered and loved. So to everyone who contributed by sending messages and congratulations on facebook, email, cards or left little gifts. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I thought it was really awesome! 

Furthermore, the end of this outreach is coming soon. Last Monday we had another screening day with the new surgeon, and now we’re back in business again. The coming weeks my successor will start training on the job, so the transfer is actually happening. I still have to write an end of the year report on this outreach and familiarize the new team leader. Then it’s time for the pack up and getting ready to sail
It's very double. On one hand, the time has flown by and there are still so many people we could help. On the other hand, I am looking forward to the end. It’s been a very busy and difficult outreach. But I feel that, we as a team and I personally, have gone over thresholds and have achieved small and large victories.

We pray for a strong ending, for healing of physical and mental wounds, good outcomes for patients who are still with us and those yet to come. With God's help, we trust that there will be a good end of this outreach.

I really want to thank you for your sympathy, for the congratulations, your prayers and all the nice comments on the site.

Big hugs &
Blessings
Maaike