Sunday Gordon left at 11 for the airport. I went with him so I could bid him a proper fair well from Malawi. Just before leaving we went up to the lodge so he could charge up his devices and do one last check of email before the long journey home. The drive to airport was easy and Gordon and I talked most of the way. He had begun doing exactly what I do when I’m leaving Malawi. His mind was spinning and he was trying to figure out a way back. Trying to figure out who he knew that would both enjoy and benefit from this special experience. I told him he would have a full 24 hours to think about all of it while he flew home.
We arrived at the airport and I stood with him while he got his bags checked in. Then he had to walk up the ever popular “staircase” where we must finally say our last goodbye. He gave me a nice hug and told me that he thought I was doing good work here in Malawi. When ever those words are said I get a lump that wells up in my throat. I thanked him and told him I hope we will see each other again someday.
Off I went to find the car and head back to the village.
The village was quite full due to the fact it was a holiday and a Sunday. The band always plays on Sundays so I sat and ordered a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich and just kind of relaxed. Then believe it or not I felt like a nap 😉 I huddled in to my hut and closed my eyes for an hour or so. I woke to the sound of my phone. It was Jess and she was kind enough to invite me to her house for dinner and to watch a movie. She said she would come collect me around 5:30 and we could enjoy a light dinner and tv or a movie. It was nice chance for me to feel a bit “normal” and just chat about the trips this year and plan for next summer.
I had some time so I decided to start sorting through the emails I had received over the past 3 weeks. Even though I had no internet my emails had been downloaded to my phone each time I had signed on to wifi. I wanted to clear out the junk and make sure I hadn’t missed anything. In fact I had missed several important emails. I have had some inquiries for next years trips and I realized I had failed to respond. This drives me crazy! So I walked up to the lodge quickly to send a few quick responses letting people know I had received their emails and I would respond properly once I was back in my office. It’s very exciting to get emails from people who have followed our trips this year and have decided they might want to be on board next time. The big wheel keeps turning!
Dinner was amazing! Jess is a great cook. We ate and then started a movie, but both fell asleep while we watched. I woke Jess and she drove me back down to my hut. All tucked in for the night!