How quickly things can change! We were having a great time with GAdventures on our tour in Botswana. We had been to Elephant Sands, where we stayed in a tent (permanent canvas structure) which was just feet away from the waterhole where elephants come to drink. We were on our way to Main, the jumping off place to go into the delta, when Steve told me that he was suffering a detached retina in his right eye. Oh!
We spent that evening trying to figure out what to do, and where to go for help. Our guide, Elaine, was very helpful, getting hold of a doctor who confirmed my sense that we had to cancel the rest of the tour and go for immediate help. Our first thought was Windhoek, Namibia, but it turned out to be handier to fly to Johannesburg, South Africa. So here we are.
We got here on January 1st, and got an appointment with an ophthalmologist for January 2nd at 8:30a.m. from there we were sent to see the surgeon and by 3:00p.m. Steve was in surgery. By 6:00 we were back at our hotel eating dinner and by 6:30 Steve was in bed, lying on his left side. That is the position that he is supposed to be in most of the time for the next week or so.
This morning we saw the surgeon, who seemed cautiously optimistic. Of course there are no guarantees, but things look okay so far.
Meantime, while we were travelling from Main to Johannesburg, I managed to sprain my right ankle. Missed a small set if stairs and went down hard. Had to keep going, however, so I hobbled along, hanging on Steve's arm. The blind leading the lame, indeed! By some miracle, by the next morning my ankle was a lot better, but I still got a cane later in the day. I'm pretty sort on my feet again now, and by some miracle I have almost no pain!
I have to say that one thing that stands out to me in all this is how kind people have been. The ophthalmologist actually refused to give us a bill, because he supposedly hadn't done anything! Then he helped us arrange our Uber ride to our next stop. The surgeon had one of his employees drive us to the hospital. And then we were again helped with our Uber ride home from there. What lot of blessed people there are. God has certainly been looking after us.
Now the next challenge is to cancel our flights for Monday, since we can't go anywhere for at least two weeks. And I have to find a yarn shop! If I have to sit here for two weeks or more, I will need my knitting! So the adventure continues. We really just want to get to Blantyre and start our work, but . . .
Elephants crowding around the waterhole at Elephant Sands.
Airial view of the delta, Botswana.
Note the bleariness in the right eye. It's not a hangover!
Wow - I cannot believe you two are living all these adventures! I finally caught up with your entries and am blown away by your travels, sights, and perspective. Thank you for taking us all along with you on this journey! The photos truly capture the beauty of the land and animals, as well as the joy you both have in being there. Any okapis cross your paths?
I hope Steve's eye is on the mend. Amazing how many people helped you - what a blessing! And, Nora, I hope you take care of yourself, too!
I wish you both health and peace in the new year. xoxo
Take care....you two. In our prayers and sending healing thoughts.
Wow! I just got caught up on all of your posts. I thought I had subscribed but evidently something went awry because I haven't been getting any notifications! So glad I checked today. I will be praying for the 2 of you to heal properly and quickly and for a smooth transition. You sure have had an adventure so far! Lots of love!!<3
OM goodness you two ! Take care while you are in J. Keep on posting. I really hope that Steve's eye is saved and your ankle can use a rest too. I hate falling, I fell Dec 22 and was home resting my back after that.
Well I'm disappointed on your behalf about missing most of this tour. Yet grateful for timely surgery for Steve and for all the acts of kindness. Now at least a small window of opportunity for healing before the school year begins, though perhaps Steve will need to delay his start time? Wishing him patience during recovery.