Made it back to Arizona safely!

Hello Hello Everyone,

I first want to apologize for not being in contact sooner with you all, I’m not 100% yet.

I have had different people SMS, email, voicemail etc.. asking me if I’m back home yet? So yes, I made it back safely and I am now finally all unpacked and still going through 2 months of mail. I have turned the electricity back on, internet, phone, exterminator, and all the necessary house stuff and I keep wondering how will I ever get through all the mail. I’m still adjusting with the time and have been waking up at 3:00 am dreaming that I am still in Africa until I glance around my room and realize I’m not. I haven’t been eating but once a day because I don’t have an appetite, but hopefully that will change soon.

I need to say a huge THANK YOU to all my faithful and loyal patients who have waited patiently for me to come back and work on their beautiful smiles. I missed taking care of your mouths so much (sounds weird I know). It’s been nice coming back and seeing some of you already and catching up!! I have had some changes to my work schedule at one of my offices that I thought could be a disaster, but it has all worked out for the best in the long run. Just apologizing now for the office having to call and reschedule some of your appointments with me. You know I will never forget the day I told my father I was going to Africa by myself to volunteer on orphan children...well lets just say he was not that keen on the idea. But he did come around quickly once he heard my voice over there and knew I was safe. But I will never forget the 2 questions that immediately came out of his mouth when I told him; 1. What about your patients and 2. What about your dog Trotter? “Is that really fair to any of them to be gone that long Melissa?” Wow my father knows me well and knew just how to get to me. I confidently told him don’t worry I have arranged a friend of mine to substitute for me and Trotter will LOVE the California weather by the beach. So with that said I just want you all to know I appreciate you patiently waiting upon my return for your dental services, it really means a lot to me!

Sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone. I now understand that life is what you make it, and it’s all about your attitude, commitment, and determination on how you want it to be. You know I once heard from two wise and knowledgeable people (my mom and dad) that good things come to those who wait!!

So I have immediately hit the mountains and started hiking/running the mountains and it feels so good. My heart started fluttering as I laced up my shoes and had proper exercise clothes on and headed up the mountain because it has been awhile. This time I decided to not put my IPOD in my ears but to just listen to the nature and enjoy being in the outdoors. Change...I have decided that change from the norm or routine of life is good and sometimes necessary! It was a nice change to listen to all the birds and possible rattle snake noises (joking). I can’t believe how BEAUTIFUL the weather has been and I was in shorts and a tank top just soaking up the sun as I was running. I decided after my first mountain run that I wasn’t in too bad of shape after 2 months that I signed up for a 10K race in 2 weeks. Call me crazy, but I love my running!! The weather was even so nice this past weekend that I went swimming in my pool on Sunday and Monday morning I sat outside on my patio watching the sun rise over the mountains. WOW someone has a funny sense of humor with the weather right now, but I love the sun so I’m not complaining. I guess my skiing/winter sports days are going to be limited this winter.

I know I told you all that I would let you know a date that I would be speaking and doing a “show & tell” of Africa. I am still arranging the details of that and will keep you all posted, I promise. I think it will be easier for me to do one in Scottsdale and another one possibly in Buckeye and then people don’t have to drive as far. I’m thinking it may be an evening the week before Thanksgiving, I will let you know.

I am leaving this weekend for Chicago and will return EARLY (4:30 am flight) Monday morning in time for work. Partners In Action and Bulembu Ministries have asked me to fly out to Chicago and speak on behalf of Bulembu Ministries Orphanage at a job fair at Trinity Christian University to try and recruit volunteers to go over to Bulembu.

So I hope everyone is staying healthy and hopefully I will see you soon!

God Bless,

Melissa

P.S. I posted some pictures of the finished Bulembu Bakery that I spoke of in the last blog!! And just a few pictures of some of the beautiful animals I saw on the safari!!