A Blessed Moment in Port Elizabeth

I have so much to share about my Easter celebrations in Durban, but that must wait until later. Now, I need to share something so special that it trumps every other experience right now - including amazing South Africa... I am an AUNT for the first time as of yesterday. Her name is Eva Margaret VerHage and she is seven pounds eleven ounces. It is so exciting and I am filled with a mixture of emotions... happiness, relief that everyone is ok, sadness and longing for my family and Dave. It is such an amazing miracle! The last baby I held was at a place called Amasango. There is a fifteen year old girl there that had a tiny baby early last month. They call her "baby Jane" after the benevelent head mistress Jane. She is also beautiful, but a lot of people forget because there are so many problems and it isn't easy being a young mother here - or anywhere. I wish that Eva and Jane could meet someday... share experiences... help each other. Knowing my brother and sister in law - Eva will be encouraged to do so. And knowing South Africa, Jane will welcome her and all of the help and love she can give. It is sort of a weird dream... but it is my reality right now, so I can't help it.

In preparation for yesterday (we knew the baby was coming because she was sitting upright and needed to be taken out rather than come out herself)... I took a walk on the beach and prayed long prayers for health and happiness. The Ocean is beautiful in Port Elizabeth, so it wasn't hard to feel the greatness of God and the presence of life. I went into some shops for a coke and bought a dress for Eva that says LOVE africa... then I walked back to the beach and past some Zimbabwean artists selling their wears. She still hadn't been born at that time and I was starting to get a little worried because I hadn't heard anything. The artists were packing up their goods as I walked by and I almost didn't stop, but I saw this beautiful sculpture of two parents holding the hand of a child... I turned around and bought it ... knowing my family would appreciate it and also hoping that in doing so I could be part of the experience... at least in spirit. I bartered for the statue, and paid a fare price, but now I wish that I hadn't. Sometime on special days it is better to be generous and not worry about the cost. I walked all the way from the beach to the house where I was staying. It took about 45 minutes, but I didn't mind - sometimes walking feels like an accomplishment or at least a pre-occupation when moments are difficult or full of emotion. When I got home I continued to text Dave asking for updates. He tried to call, but couldn't get through. I was thinking that I might miss the announcement. However, right before dinner, my cell phone rang and it was a Chicago number (a rarity on my SA cell phone because most people use calling cards when calling because of the cost. It seems my brother also agrees that on special days things should be well paid for:) It was Peter telling me all about his beautiful daughter and first moments as a brand new dad. I could hear the joy in his voice and the happiness of our family. She's alert, happy and has my eyes:)

One of the hardest parts about being abroad as an Ambassadorial Scholar is being away from family and friends; missing big events of life and trying to understand if it is worth it – the big adventure at the expense of the normal cherished moments of life. Although it is hard and I have shed numerous tears mourning the passing of memories I missed, I have to believe that it is worth it to experience these moments that are defining and memories in their own way. That isn’t to say that if I could I would fly home today to share the happiness of my family and friends in their big moments, or run to their side if they are sad; it is just to say that by being here “not just on vacation” is a defining memory that I hope to share with my new married friends and Eva when she gets older. I hope to introduce my friends to new ones here, and share the beautiful uniqueness of Africa with them. Thus, while I miss the community at home… the one that sent me here and loves me from afar… I am blessed to be here and will cherish it – even when the blessing hurts.