Anya slept in while I did more packing and preparations. I woke her up for our planned trip to do some errands. I started by going to my Sandnes bank to figure out what to do there. Because I’m short 7 days from a complete 6-month stay, I don’t have online banking privileges, however, I’d like to keep some money here and a bank card for my return next year for the expected defense of the dissertation. (I’ve never “climbed this mountain” before, so I don’t know how steep or how long this climb is, but my hope is that in the late spring, I can defend my thesis.)
We then took the #3 bus to Stavanger. Anya wanted to look for a few gifts. But the main purpose was to visit the thrift store and have Anya help me pick out a little more dressy skirt than my travel clothes for Pastor Nangole’s retirement celebration. We had many good laughs and many groans! Anya found a dress that she loved.
We walked out with a grey skirt for me and a colorful and cute dress for Anya!
Then Anya took off to explore a bit and head home on the bus, while I walked to MHS and scanned a few things to reduce the paper to take back to the USA. Providentially, I arrived just as things were closing up at about 3:00 pm. While I did this intentionally, in order to not hog the photocopy machine/scanner, I didn’t realize that they had switched key card entrance mechanisms. So, I got a new key card just in the nick of time. I’ll head in tomorrow to return my keys when someone is around to receive them.
I’m tired tonight. Partly it is getting up early, because my head is filled with tasks. Partly, it is the emotional drain of thinking through all the variables for a major transition that is extended with travels to Tanzania. Fortunately, I got word from a friend in Tanzania, Elizabeth, who will pick up some malaria meds for us and a SIM card for my phone, as we’ll be driving through Arusha in the evening when all the shops are closed. Monduli has less amenities, and with all the counterfeit meds on the market, it is good to buy from a trusted pharmacy. We also have one of two nights in transition nailed down, as I wait for response from the last night’s hotel inquiry.
When we lived in Tanzania, we would often say, “This is Africa,” which means, we can plan wisely through incorporating years of wisdom, but still life in Africa is beyond control. Sometimes, you just do the best you can with what you got. This is why community is so important. The interdependence with others is what sustains life. So, today, I’m grateful for Elizabeth and Nashesha!
This evening, Anya ran 10K for her conditioning in preparation for August soccer practice. This was her second run of the day, though the first one was not one she felt good about. I am so blessed to have a daughter who is healthy and able to run, jump, and kick.
With blessings,
Beth