Subject: Jan. 8th blog
BUSH BUNNY ARRESTED ON EVAC FLIGHT
My Christmas illness had quite a few “quirks” that I didn’t have the energy to write in the last blog.
Sharing them with you will let you know that being evacuated from Moz. with any illness is no easy task.
NOW, for the “rest of the story”. 🙂
First, let me say we have an excellent evac group, and after this incident, they profusely apoligized for the hassles I experienced, and now have a better understanding of how complex Moz. can be.
On Saturday, Jan. 1st I was driven by Capena, my program director to Pemba (5 hour drive).
A private hosptial exists in Pemba, so I went there for the best treatment Pemba doctors can offer.
Hospitalized overnight in this clean but simple clinic, they did the best they could for me.
The Doctor recognized that I had an acute abdomen and needed better diagnostic means than they had.
Evacuation plans were made, and even though I was very weak, the Dr. approved me going out on a COMMERCIAL airline via Maputo the next day.
Our normal route is Pemba to Maputo to Johannesburg (7 hour flight with the layover in Maputo).
LAM gives little medical support, such as a wheelchair, so I knew I would be on my own, and I wasn’t thrilled about it.
I was told there were no seats on the above flight, and that I would be routed through Tanzania, to Kenya and then on to South AFrica, arriving 11 hours later at MIDNIGHT!
I REFUSED!
Calling MAF in Nampula (based 45 min. flight south of us), they told me they could fetch me, and get me on the Nampula — Maputo- Joburg flight leaving at 12:40pm that day (5 hours flying time to S. Africa).
My evac company agreed to this, and purchased an E ticket via the internet.
(What they didn’t realize is that the LAM computer didn’t accept their credit card payment.)
MAF made excellent time to Pemba to fetch me, and landed in Nampula with 5 minutes to spare!
At check in, the computer showed the ticket was good, so I was given my boarding pass!
One hour into the flight, I’m summons to the flight deck, and told I was ILLEGALLY on the plane as I didn’t pay for my ticket!
I told them about the evac, but they treated me like a criminal.
I was told to sit in my seat, and that I better not move when the others got off the plane.
A 3 person escort was sent to take me to the LAM office where I could pay CASH for the ticket OR GO TO JAIL.
The 2nd part of my ticket to RSA was canceled.
Before leaving Pemba, I had planned to give my extra Mozambican cash to Capena, but felt a STRONG CHECK in my spirit from the Lord Jesus telling me to keep the cash with me.
Because of this obediance, I had the needed cash with me and was able to pay for the entire ticket to Johannesburg. ($558)
Doing all this while very weak from the “complicated malaria” was not easy, but God gave me the strength.
GOD IS ALWAYS THERE AND FAITHFUL TO CARRY US THROUGH THE ROUGH SPOTS!
I am back in Balama at full force .
With only 11 days before my departure from Moz. on Jan. 19th, I am busy organizing the work at the mission.
Eric Dry returned with me, and is busy getting our 2011 DVD story ready to show you.
In South Africa, I have planned a relaxing 4 day retreat before coming to the USA.
Experience has taught me that once I get to the USA, there just isn’t time for a break.
I greatly apprecaite the 40+ Buy Xenical people responded with “get well” notes.
Due to limited time, I’m not able to answer everyone individually.
Please realize that I GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS!
Busy Bunny on the hop!
Looking forward to seeing many of you in person very soon.
BBB