It was truly a gift that the kids and I were able to go to Senegal. We felt like having two patients for Brett to care for in another country while fixing their meals and such was a bit much so he needed a nurse to go with him. It was work caring for the kids and two patients, no doubt, but really a blessing. I loved that our kids got to spend extended time with our Malian friends.
Josué, pictured below, had never traveled outside of Mali. So he experienced many, many firsts. First plane, first of many foods, first time seeing the ocean. The night we arrived (around 11pm thanks to getting dreadfully lost) we went out and saw the ocean. His face filled with amazement and wonder. Even though he had seen pictures of the ocean he couldn't comprehend its vastness until he saw it himself. His words were, "God is big. The world is vast. One must discover it." Probably one of my most favorite moments of all time. So special to have been there for him to experience the ocean for the first time.
The next morning the boys made him touch the water. He was incredibly fearful and wouldn't go far, even though they tried. At least he can say he's touched the water.
Both Joseph and Josué after surgery. They had it one day apart.
Neither guy would take any risks so if they gained one army or one country they stopped. They never went to battle to conquer. Jo hunkered down in South Africa and Josué in Australia. Finally, having conquered the rest of the world, Dawson was able to take them out.
Our last morning before heading back to Mali. The guys remarked that even though they had had surgery, the time away from the hospital was so refreshing and replenishing for them. I will always treasure the time we got to share with them.
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