Tribute to my mom...

Saying goodbye is the part I don't like about missions work. And when it's your parents it's even harder. Waving my mom off at the heliport Thursday night was particularly strange. My mom and I are very close and it's strange to think that she won't be in Salone anymore. I have loved being out here with her and wrote a special tribute to her. Here is part of it...it will give you an idea of what we've experienced together and how much she'll be missed!

Dear mom,

...

When I was in Liverpool and you suggested me joining you I said: ‘no way’.
Fortunately I did consider the offer.
And look at where we are today; 3 years and 9 months later.
It’s been quite a journey.

We have been through so much together in Salone.
Good times, bad times, fun times, crazy times.
So many experiences together.
Making memories that will last forever.

A construction site turned into a medical facility.
Angry councilors turning into a thankful community.
400 application letters leading to recruitment of 50+ amazing staff.
0 patients to start with to over 13,000 women and children being served.

Spending hours in the dark or rain off loading containers.
Catching security guards sleeping at the team house.
Drinking liters of tea in the gazebo.
Going for runs along Lumley beach.

Water problems.
Electricity issues.
Scary roads.
And much more.

We have worn many matching outfits to Sierra Leonean weddings.
Enjoyed many trips to Lakka and River number 2.
Traveled to the Anastasis together.
First the sail from Liberia to Ghana then a last Easter onboard.

Our times with Joshua were always good fun.
Going to the beach with him, eating ice cream, visiting him for his birthday.
Him staying over at our place for Christmas and Easter.
He has won our hearts over once again and I know he will miss you!

Working together has been great.
Pharmacy orders and dispensary stocking to lab needs and procurement.
Bouncing ideas off of each other and trouble shooting.
Barging into your office to print stuff or show you one of my patients.

You have been a tremendous support to me.
Went I felt alone in the OPC and somewhat distant from the whole project, you were there for me.
You have encouraged and supported me every step of the way.
I couldn’t have come this far without you.

You and dad have made this place into what it is today.
Your dedication, hard work and perseverance have been amazing.
The people in Sierra Leone will be forever grateful.
And I feel privileged to have been a part of your work here.

I love you. I appreciate you. I will definitely miss you. And I will be thinking of and praying for you often.

With much love forever, San