eager to go home

It’s July already! We had a fairly active June with the kids finishing school and Dina’s Medevac to London. All turned out well; thank God for that! She handled beautifully and I must say I am deeply moved by her grace.

Our neighbors (the Fullbrights) departed on the 4th. For 10 months we had shared some good times together. Our children played and swam, we engaged in interesting conversations, shared stories about our lives, and experienced Africa together. A sadness came over me when they left but I know that our paths will cross again in the very near future when we come home to visit and pass through Ashland.

There was a ceremony at the Ambassador’s residence for the Fourth of July. About 1000 people with dignitaries and Heads of State from the Nigerien government came. The Marines carried the colors to the National Anthem played by the Nigerien Army brass band. The food and beverages were served on the back lawn overlooking the river. We are very well liked here and it was nice to see all the support and participation in the celebration of our Independence.

Fridays are half days and I get off of work at 1PM. Dean came over with the best lunch of beef brochettes, french fries, and garlic rice that his cook makes. Dina finished packing herself and the kids. The driver came to pick them up at 9:30PM. They are now in France and will take the train to Dijon to visit with our Portland friends (The Miles) for a few days before returning to the States to be with family. I will stay here for a few more weeks and then fly to Washington DC for training at FSI. We’ll reunite in California and spend more time with family and friends as we head north to Portland.

Being alone makes me really miss home.