Johannesburg, South Africa (March 11-12)

The flight from Seattle to Washington D.C. to Dakar (Senegal) to Johannesburg was fairly comfortable since I flew business class on South African Airlines.  They really know how to treat their passengers and I was quite surprised by the level of attention we received.  The seats have multiple adjusters for every part of the body and also had massage!  When you get on the flight they come around several times offering cocktails (I was very good and only had one glass of champagne), then they set your tray with linen and silverware and serve four courses!  Yes, I sound like a country bumpkin:)  After dinner, they literally pull out the comforters, turn your seat into a bed and tuck you in for the night...never experienced anything like this before.

 I met a lady from South Africa (currently living in Marysville) at SeaTac airport named Jenny.  She told about experiencing the end of aparteid and was very compassionate.  We hung out all the way to Jo'Burg.  When we got to our layover at Dulles, we got to hang out in the S.A. VIP lounge...free food and drink...really nice!

I also met a lovely flight attendant on the plane named Faith Nseula who is from Malawi.  We exchanged contact information and hope to meet in Malawi.   People are so friendly and kind, I have been able to relax and not be sad about the purpose of my travels.  I felt safe and blessed the entire way.  I only wish I looked as fresh and pretty as Faith after many hours in the air...oh well, we are all given different gifts.

I was met at the airport by a lady named Dorothee (she is French) who drove me 50 kilometers to Klip-Els.  She is also going to be taking me to the aparteid museum today and back to the airport on Saturday, all for a reasonable fee.  My cousin Shareen is meeting me tonight and taking me to dinner.  I can't wait to see her!!

Here is a photo of the adorable cottage I am staying in.  This place is incredibly beautiful and peaceful.  I found it on the internet and could not ask for more comfortable accomodations and helpful staff, for a reasonable fee (about $80 per night!)

 I had an English breakfast in the rondavel a traditional South African thatched house.

Dorothy is here and we're off to the aparteid museum!  Hugs and love!

Getting Ready to GO!

In loving memory of

Habiba Halima Osman Kroeker

January 20, 1940 - 

July 25, 2009

Devoted Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Faithful Friend

Joshua 24:15

It's Sunday, March 7, 2010 -- I am preparing for the Wednesday morning departure to Washington, D.C. - Johannesburg - Malawi. I am going to spend Thursday and Friday in Jo'Burg at the Klip-Els Guest Lodge, then spend Friday night with my cousin, Shareen Osman. Catching a two-hour flight on South African Airlines to Malawi on Saturday morning, March 13 and returning to Seattle on April 29.

The purpose of this trip is to bring my mom's ashes home to Malawi, where she will be buried in the family cemetery in the small town of Balaka, where she was born. She passed away on July 25, 2009 from heart failure due to uncontrollable high blood pressure. She struggled with a variety of physical ailments including cancer, arthritis, and HBP (to name a few) most of her adult life. She worked very hard at taking care of her health and I believe she extended her life by many years because of her healthy lifestyle choices. Even though she was often in pain, she dedicated her life and put considerable energy toward her ministry work and her friendships. She was a devoted and gifted caregiver to her grandchildren and her clients at United Cerebral Palsy. She was the center of our nuclear family and even though she was conservative and strict, raised her four children with love and the values she brought from her homeland

-- God, good food, and laughter.

As she got older and continued to struggle with her health, she longed for the fulfillment of her religious beliefs and the promise from God that she will live in "Paradise" with Jesus without pain. She longed for her loved ones that had passed away, especially her mother and father whom she loved very much. Over the last few years, she seemed to know that the end of her life was imminent and often commented, "I won't be around much longer." She was fearless until the end...because she knew it wasn't the end at all.

I still can't believe she is gone and our family in Malawi is also in shock and haven't fully processed her passing as it was so sudden and unexpected. She literally spent a full day busy and active, came home, made a cup of tea, sat in her easy chair and passed away before drinking her tea. In our conversations and in her Will, she did not ask for a tribute, a grave, or even a funeral. So why am I and my family taking her ashes to Malawi and formally laying her to rest?

These efforts are solely for the comfort of the family. I know it will help all of us feel better.

I am going to Africa in three days, but this all seems surreal because I am not ready... I haven't finished packing and still have to clean my house! An additional stressor is the health of my 21 year old cat, Bill, who appears to be on his last leg. He has high blood pressure, failing kidneys, and an undiagnosed respiratory problem which has come to a head in the last week.

The cat-sitter pulled out at the last minute because he was too ill. I am so grateful that his vet, Dr. White, has offered to take care of him for me at her home/clinic. She has warned me that he may not make it until I get back; therefore, Bill and I are spending a lot of time together right now cuddling and napping. Another reason I'm not getting things done.

Thank you all for supporting me and my family thus far and please keep us in your prayers so that we can find peace and healing together, both in the U.S. and Malawi, during this time of reflection. Help us accept what cannot be changed and to have faith in God's plan which is beautiful, loving, and perfect!

Love you all!

J