{"id":1238,"date":"2013-09-29T16:51:37","date_gmt":"2013-09-29T13:51:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dknolte.com\/?p=1238"},"modified":"2013-09-29T16:52:44","modified_gmt":"2013-09-29T13:52:44","slug":"onward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dknolte.com\/?p=1238","title":{"rendered":"Onward"},"content":{"rendered":"

I<\/strong>t took 6 weeks of what felt like insurmountable odds, but we finally made it back to the US.\u00a0 We were in the States for 5 weeks, then on to our next Post.<\/p>\n

The previous two months, I had three trips I had to make and then on my return, I had several projects I had to finish before we could get out.\u00a0 This was done amidst all the packout process.<\/p>\n

But, we availed, and now have arrived at our next location.<\/p>\n

It was difficult saying goodbye to everyone.\u00a0 The guards stood around in tears.\u00a0 Even the housekeeper from next door came to say goodbye.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t have time to go to the hill once more to see Hiwot, so I had to rush up and say goodbye just minutes before we left.\u00a0 Wasn\u2019t any time for discussion, but I gave her enough Birr to pay for her next two advanced medical courses.\u00a0 Then I took her thin face in my hands and turned her head to kiss her cheek, and then the other cheek; like I have done many times to my daughter.\u00a0 I left her with tears in her eyes, and I would be lying if I say it did not affect me, as I will miss her.<\/p>\n

We have gained many friends while there.\u00a0 There was a little female guard who hung around me when I worked in her area.\u00a0 Her name is Martha and she wanted me to teach her to be an electrician.\u00a0 She was fascinated by the screwdriver we use with the interchangeable tips, so I gave her an extra one I had at home.\u00a0 She was shocked when I later asked her if she gave it to her husband.\u00a0 She replied, \u201cNo! You gave it to me!\u201d\u00a0 I asked, \u201cDid you use it yet?\u201d\u00a0 She said, \u201cYes, on the toilet.\u201d\u00a0 (I did not ask further)<\/p>\n

Martha surprised me on our last day with a few gifts just as we were leaving.\u00a0 She gave me a very colorful Ethiopian shirt, and Terese a scarf.\u00a0 She wanted me to make sure I stayed in contact with her on Facebook.<\/p>\n

Terese had made a great many friends.\u00a0 I swear there is probably more than one signpost that knows her and will miss her.\u00a0 (inside joke)\u00a0 Many of the people in the Consular Section had become close to her.\u00a0 She will have to list them, as there are too many for me.<\/p>\n

She will always have the most interesting story to tell about her short dance with the bull.\u00a0 Even though the bull won the first act, we are certain he lost after the curtain dropped.<\/p>\n

We flew into Washington DC for a week to take care of several business and medical issues.\u00a0 We got to see our friends, crazy blonde twins who can both amuse and befuddle you.<\/p>\n

After flying to Texas, we spent a few days in Houston seeing Terese\u2019s one year old Grandchild.\u00a0 Then spent a few days on a beach in Destin, FL. with a brother, then some days fishing in the mountains of New Mexico.<\/p>\n

We went to my 40th class reunion where everyone there has become somewhat aged throughout the years.\u00a0 Not me, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 Some of the hottest girls in school are now wrinkled up grandmothers.\u00a0 But you didn\u2019t hear that from me.<\/p>\n

I will tell more of our next posting, but please dear Reader, give me another week and I will tell you about our next Post, one of the most interesting and ancient countries on Earth.<\/p>\n

D.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It took 6 weeks of what felt like insurmountable odds, but we finally made it back to the US.\u00a0 We …<\/p>\n

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