Never say goodbye....

It was a bittersweet day... the team convened at the NN/RGM home to watch "A walk to beautiful" a NOVA special that aired last night about a fistula hospital in Addis. We sat on the floor drawn into the story, quietly sniffling, and sipping our apricot smoothies. Afterwards in usual team style, we talked about the documentary, our thoughts on global warming, over population and the idea of "First World" vs "Third World". Needless to say if you could harness the energy in the room, we may not have to worry about going to war over oil. Our fearless Chief Tactical Officer Liz jetted out to attend a baby shower while the rest of us sat around researching, relaxing and testing out what it might be like sharing the same space in Addis Ababa as roommates.

Liz jetted back as quickly as she left and we headed out to dinner, cheap but satisfying Mexican food seemed most fitting. We talked about singing karaoke, John's many musical talents, and Ryan's desire to learn to play the harmonica. John stated that playing the harmonica was boring while Liz helpfully added that she had just witnessed a friends 2 year old mastering the instrument, and so it shouldn't be that hard for Ryan to pick up. :)

As always eventually the conversation headed back towards the project. We shared our excitement and fears about the upcoming trip to Addis Ababa, and discussed immunizations and other logistics. Overall the mood was upbeat but with an undercurrent of anxiety. How are we going to make a difference? How is life going to be there? Have we learned enough? Have we prepared enough? Are we going to be ready to grasp whatever opportunities come our way? The questions raced through the air, and yet we all knew that everything is as it should be. We are going with our skill sets intact, our minds open and a true desire to help. Maybe that's all we need.

And so the reality is this...John leaves on Saturday, Liz leaves next wednesday and we leave a week later. This will be the last time that the four of us meet before our Ethiopian journey begins. We hug eachother, knowing that it's not really goodbye, but feeling like in some ways it is. We are a rag tag group, from different towns, educations and upbringings, all united through random chance and a sense of purpose. Through our last 3 months of meetings, dozens of e-mails, and even this blog we have become friends, teammates and an odd little family. It's time for the next phase. Liz will stay in Durham as our remote teammate (and gentle compass), and we will be forging ahead. It's sad. It's exciting. It's scary. And we are finally ready....