not so silent

It seems that when moving from one country to another it is inevitable there is a new normal. After all, why move if everything is still the same. Part of the experience of being here in South Africa is to discover new ways of living in comparison to the old ways. As we left our home country of almost 60 years there was a debate raging about   the NHS (National Health Service). This is an institution close to our hearts as Erin worked in the Pathology service (Microbiology) for over 20 years. Like many we took for granted the 'free at the point of delivery' value it offered to all.   I never really thought about the 6% of my stipend going to support the NHS. Like many I muttered under my breath when I had to wait too long in the doctors. I probably raised an eyebrow when I parted with my £8 something for a prescription. I had little thought to how much the medication cost to develop, make and dispense.   In my old normal  I took all this for granted.   But the

Today, Saturday (the weekend!) I had the opportunity of getting up at 4.30 am, to be in a small (10-seat) plane for 5 am! I could have opted to stay in bed for a lie-in, and when the alarm went off, I confess, that just for a moment, I wished I had! Nevertheless, here we are, Paul (pilot), Nigel and I, travelling South-West to a small airfield at Johannesburg. Why? We are going to pick up a small team of four, to take them for their Saturday activity - cataract surgery, in the Northern area of South Africa. This is a trip made in partnership with FFL (Flying for Life); my first time to Limpopo, and to the area we are going to serve. As we at Mercy Air continue to check ‘the coordinates of our Vision’, I pray that this day will reveal more of Gods plan... We arrive at Lanseria airport (Johannesburg) after just over an hour flight and take off again 30 mins later.    We now have four extra passengers;   Sam (Flying for Life) has organized the trip,  Dr Maanda Mbogo,  ophth