The time is right

During the following months I never could get them out of my mind . Each and every day I visualised the midwives, the women and babies, the people I had met and knew I had to go back. I talked about this to my family, to my friends and to my work colleagues. It was something I would do in the future. How? When? I had no answers and so the months passed.

One day in July I suddenly decided to send a mail to Linda in Scotland. I had met her just before leaving for Malawi last year and was impressed by the huge effort she was making along with others in Scotland to support Bwaila hospital and the plans for a new building. I explained that I really did want to go back, that I wanted to work alongside the midwives sharing my knowledge and my experience. It was something I needed to do, something I could do... but how? Was she able to help?

I received her reply the following day... YES. She was sure she could help and what a wonderful idea! I was so encouraged, I couldn´t really believe it ! MAYBE NOW WAS THE MOMENT.

Carol had become a friend. Tarek had introduced us. Carol had started up a small charity SOS MALAWI in Javea Spain. Following her visit to Lilongwe she had been so affected by the plight of the women and babies being attended at Bwaila she came back and immediatly set to work raising funds for whatever was needed. However small, it was still important. I had talked many times of my desire to return and she had taken me seriously. The very same day she phoned me excitedly. I have found someone to sponsor you! Now it was really unbelievable. In the space of 2 days I had been offered the economic means to return. The following day I met my sponsor. A private, modest business man. He explained that life had treated him well, things had been good and he felt able to give back some of that to the less fortunate to those whose need was so much greater than his. Not to be named but never to be forgotten. I shall always be grateful to him for this incredible show of solidarity but even more his confidence in me, in what I hope to give, to share with the people in my care with my colleagues in Lilongwe.

And so it was that in July the ball started rolling and I find myself now in the middle of November just 6 weeks away from my dream.

How could it NOT be the moment ??

Once I decided, as with most of the important decisions in my life they really don´t leave me any choice. It just all becomes so clear. I started informing my family, my friends, my work, the women in my care. Everyone without exception has and is being tremendously suportive and for this I am grateful beyond words.

Lucas, my youngest son will go with me. We will leave at the begining of January in time for him to start the new school term on the 8^th.

I believe it will be a wonderful experience for Luki. I could not, in any case, leave him for so many months. His father will miss him terribly but supports my decision completely and will give the necessary permission for him to leave Spain.

Acuario have given me unpaid leave so my position will be kept open during this time.

Mum has been through heart by pass surgery recently but seems to be recovering after a few setbacks. I am pleased that this has been sorted out before I go. It would have been very difficult to be so far away from her during such difficult times. Didn´t I say that things just do fit into place when the time is right? My brothers and sister will look after her , I am at peace.

So now its the practical things. With the help of contacts in Lilongwe we now have somewhere to live and the school is sorted. Thanks particularly to Kim, to Joanne and to Tarek. Its still a bit scary and rather unbelievable but it is only the begining, THE BIRTH OF MY DREAM.......................