Wow Factor

When you think about it, we all have new experiences in some shape or form every day of our lives. It’s just that some of those moments have a much higher “wow factor” than others and therefore stand out.

This past week held many memorable “wow” moments for Bero, one of the mission’s sponsored students, as he experienced some major firsts like

flying in a small plane,

getting an international stamp in his first ever passport,

staying in a house with electricity, riding an escalator—in general, visiting the developed world.

The reason for Bero’s trip to South Africa was to consult a plastic surgeon regarding possible (post-burn) contracture repairs to both arms and hands. Bero, who is now 20 years old, was badly burned as an infant during Mozambique’s protracted civil war when an incendiary round was fired at his village and his family’s home caught fire. Although he received skin grafts and follow-up treatment, he has spent his life crippled by the resulting contractures. Compassionate, generous responses from people to his life’s story enabled us to bring Bero for a Dr’s appointment last week.

The surgeon felt that he could restore quite a bit of movement for Bero, so we were all happy to hear that. So it looks like Bero will be back in March 2010 for a 2nd stamp in his passport, a few more escalator rides just for fun, and to meet more of the medical team. Wow!

While Bero had his appointment, the Cessna 182 had its annual maintenance check as well at Mercy Air. This is the time when the plane gets pretty much entirely gutted and dismantled to make sure everything is running as it should be. This process always amuses me because if I were to totally dismantle then reassemble a huge machine, I can guarantee there would be spare parts left over. I’m also no engineer ☺ so, of course, I’m thankful for the competent people who tackle this job. Especially since we get back in the thing to fly it home again!

Other news:

After a great 2 weeks full of activities and fun for the mission’s school kids, VBS finally wrapped up on Friday. I take my hat off to Rick and Heather (blog) for organizing and conducting this event once again, and to this year’s volunteer help, Glenn and Keren. These two weeks actually concluded Glenn’s time in Mozambique and on Sunday he caught his flight from Beira back home to Canada again. We enjoyed having him with us and it seemed he enjoyed his unusual experience in the bush (because bush experiences are always unusual). But I can imagine his joy at being back home with family, friends and modern conveniences again. And who knows, maybe even a random escalator ride too, just for fun. ☺

To wrap up our own week we decided that while we were down here so close to Kruger Park, and since life has been so hectic for the past few months, we’d take a weekend in the park. I’ll close this post with a few photos of the beautiful beasts who live there.

Impala

Cape Buffalo

A baboon on the car's hood...he was after the snack bag.

Curious vervet monkey and her baby in one of the camps.

Lizards fighting. Never seen that before.

Male Kudu

Leopard in a tree. Always incredibly beautiful therefore always wow.