We're back to Civilization

We're back in Johannesburg, having completed our stint in Pemba. It was 35 deg and very sticky in Pemba when we left but 3 hours later when we landed in Joburg it's 17 deg and raining! We're all freezing after getting used to the intense heat over the last 2 1/2 weeks.

A strange thing happened over the last two weeks. We lived in dust and dirt, constant power and water outages, banditos, and oppressive heat but we don't want to leave. There is something about this place that we have fallen in love with. Maybe it's the children, or maybe it's the Mozambicans in general, but none of us is happy to be leaving. Weird.

The third test well on the base is being drilled as I write this. No water has been found yet but it is looking good this time. The only obstacle now is money and materials to continue drilling. It is difficult to get good pipe for casing, hard to find quality pumps, and even good gravel and cement are hard to come by and it's all very expensive...but the need for a reliable supply of fresh water is great in so many place here. I want now, more than ever, to help make these wells happen for these very gracious and appreciative people.

The gazebo at Noviana is complete, thanks to you guys. I have lots of pictures. We had to say goodbye yesterday to our new friends in that village. The kids were told that we were leaving and they clung to us like velcro. It was really hard to hold back the tears and put on a brave face in front of them. My two 'adopted' favourites were Costigo and Angelo from Noviana. These kids are sure easy to love. They're like little angels with tattered clothes. We'll really miss them.

We'll probably be offline now for the next few days as we take the opportunity to visit Kruger National Park here in South Africa, then begin the trip home on Thursday. We're all healthy and ready to enjoy some R&R!