Sunrise over the valley from Nkhoma

I feel, as I’m sure many of us do just before the end of the year, a bit tired and exhausted!  I am looking forward to spending time with my fiance, Jenn and our families.  After a few days of rest and relaxation with those dearest to me, I can begin to join in the global festive cheer and goodwill.  I am incredibly thankful for what we have, and what we can do.

I knew this year was going to be filled with milestones!  Getting engaged, Nkhoma Eye Hospital passing the 25,000 cataract surgeries mark (since the year 2000), and completing the full second year of my time in Malawi.  It has been a great year of teamwork with over 5,000 operations performed in rural Nkhoma Eye Hospital!  The staff there are now taking a well deserved break with their families for the next few weeks!

It has also been a very sad year.  When our Director and friend, Nick, the man who pioneered high-volume high-quality cataract surgery in Africa; became ill a few weeks ago it was a huge shock.  Our prayers and thoughts are constantly with his family.

I wish you all a blessed Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.  I look forward to keeping in touch with stories and anecdotes, pictures and events from this warm heart of Africa.

Regards

Will