Finally

Chapter 17

Beep. Beep. Jamie's alarm went off at 6 AM. It was Africa day. Jamie groggily rolled out of bed and climbed into the shower. She was beyond excited, but equally beyond sad. Leaving the country for four months meant leaving Mark for four months. She trusted Mark and his commitment, but four months could put a lot of pressure on a new couple.

After she stepped out of the shower, she packed the last of what she needed and headed out the door. Sneaking into the Nook, she made herself a cappuccino and proceeded to Mark's house. Mark was coming along to of course say good-bye, and to drive her car back home. She pulled up to the driveway and Mark was standing there asking for a ride.

"I'm sorry, I don't pick up hitchhikers. But you're a cutie, so hop on in!" Mark laughed and opened the passenger side door and stepped into the car. "Good morning beautiful." Mark smiled across the seat at Jamie, who met his gaze and smiled back. Mark reached to the middle between their seats and grabbed Jamie's hand, and they began their drive to the airport.

After he had asked to court her that night at Little Talbot Island, they and Jamie's parents had sat down to 'map out' the courtship. Jamie and Mark had decided together to limit most physical interaction; they wanted to save their kiss for the wedding, and all types of kissing weren't allowed. They did agree that hugging and holding hands was ok. "We're so proud of the both of you." Sam and Carrie had said.

"So Jamie, what are you most looking forward to in Africa?" Mark asked. Jamie thought for a moment. "Showing God's love to all of the little children and villagers. Oh, and still getting to talk you almost every night." Jamie closed her eyes and blushed a little. "I'm looking forward to that too. I don't know how I'll make it without you." Mark over-exaggerated and they both laughed.

"Oh Mark, I'm sure you'll be just fine without me!" Jamie playfully punched him in the arm. "I will miss you terribly, Jamie." Mark began. "Promise me that you won't fall in love with someone else over there." Mark was joking around but Jamie could feel the underlying seriousness in his voice.

"Mark, of course not. You're the only one for me. The only people I'll fall in love with will be the adorable little children!" Mark laughed. "We're here." He said, and both of them sighed, knowing what came next. Mark helped Jamie unload her luggage and they walked silently through security and to the boarding gate.

Flight 25 to London now boarding. The intercom blared, and Jamie looked to Mark. "I'll call you when I reach London to let you know I'm okay." Jamie smiled bravely. "Oh Mark, I'm going to miss you so much!" Jamie jumped into Mark's arms and slowly started crying.

Mark squeezed her tight, ensuring that his emotions were the same. "Jamie, I'm going to miss you with everything I am. I love you so much." Jamie leaned back and laughed to see Mark crying too. Mark saw that she was laughing and he laughed too.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled. "I should probably go." They embraced one last time and Jamie walked into the loader. "Lord, please protect her.." Mark closed his eyes and looked up toward heaven pleadingly.

~~~~~

"Hey Jamie! Can you help me really quick?" Jamie stood up to join Amy, a fellow nurse, who was spoon feeding one of the children. Jamie was only a nurse, so she couldn't perform the actual surgeries. Instead, she helped in the care of the children before and after their surgeries. "Little Abeni is crying for you, and I can't get her to eat."

Jamie walked over and picked up the two year old girl and hugged her close. Poor little girl, she thought. Upon arriving in Ethiopia, the group of about forty nurses and doctors were brought to small villages. In the first village, they met Abeni, a little orphaned girl infected with a rare form of bacteria, of which there was no known cure.