What’s Next?

We spent our first few weeks back in the states doing everything we could to get back to South Africa. We investigated alternative volunteer organizations and debated the risks of going alone. After many e-mails and phone calls, we were finally informed that VSO would not be able to send us back to South Africa for 6 - 9 months. Although tempted by the possibility, we decided that it would be best to move on. It was once again difficult to explain our situation to Ma and Dora on the phone, but we assured them that PC would be placing another volunteer in the village as soon as possible.

To make things more interesting, we both found out that we had intestinal parasites. Joe got off easy with Guardia, while Kelli had two very unusual, difficult and expensive to get rid of parasites. This was nothing, however, compared with the Kelli’s back. After seeing countless doctors and physical therapists, everyone is still scratching their heads as to what is causing the constant pain. All of the unknowns make it very difficult to plan for the future, as we have already had to turn down a few job offers due to Kelli’s inability to work at present. We comfort ourselves with the knowledge that everything works out for the best and continue to tackle one day at a time.