July 2,2024, Concluding Blog Post

Lindsay and I are sitting in the Johannesburg airport waiting to begin the long flights back home.  From South Africa I fly to Amsterdam, then New York City and finally, Pittsburgh.  I will arrive 27 hours from now-it is an endurance mission. But I certainly cannot complain.  We had an amazing experience that was full of heartfelt moments with families of children with CVI and concluded with the opportunity to be face to face with The Big Five. 

The past couple days were generously spent in Pilanesberg with our hosts, Antoinette and Terry.  Terry is planning to bring her daughter to Pediatric VIEW for a CVI Intensive week.  I only hope the staff at PVP can extend the same warm welcome to her family as was shed on us. In addition to giving our professional best, I keep wondering what I can offer that measures up to our trip to the bush.  Let me think about this; maybe the Carnegie to see the dinosaurs?  Perhaps a Just Ducky tour of the three rivers (wait, I think that closed due to a near-sinking)? Let’s see, there’s always The Gateway Clipper “n’at”.  Maybe we’ll have to settle for Primanti Brothers.  I’ll keep thinking.

I am also grateful for the leadership at The Children’s Home for supporting my request to participate in this charity trip.  My colleagues at Pediatric VIEW have kept the embers burning and I look forward to getting back into my work groove with them.  I am fortunate and filled with appreciation.  Next big stop, Pittsburgh.

(Mama lion,3 cubs appear.)       

(Many fear the hippo.)         

(Elephant family protecting the baby.)  

(My colleagues/friends on our last night.)